There is no substitute for a well planned ride

Maps are available on request
Ordinance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1:25000 No.14 Wye Valley & Forest of Dean – has the way marked Cycle Trail shown. Price £6.50
Forest of Dean Recreation Map – This includes the way marked Cycle Trail, and a few alternative routes which are not way marked and cover relatively easy terrain. Price £2.99.
Serious off road cycling needs planning.
Advice and suggested routes are available on request. In the Forest of Dean ride stoned tracks only, except in Sallow Vallets where any tracks can be used. Always follow the Cycling Code of Practice.
Make sure you know where you are at all times! Mobile telephones are unreliable and should not be used as your only method of communication, identify the location of Public telephones on your chosen route. Carry out a pre-visit reconnaissance if at all possible.

Guided Rides

All our guides are experienced/qualified and hold Emergency First Aid certificates. The rides are tailored to the groups requirements and are often modified during rides to accommodate the ability of the group.
Please indicate the type of ride required –
Easy (10-15 miles) – forest stoned tracks and cycle ways with few hills.
Moderate (15-20 miles) – a mixture of forest roads and other tracks with moderate ascents and descents.
Difficult (over 20 miles) – forest roads and singletracks with steep climbs and descents.
Distance will depend on the hire period and the group's ability.

The Cycling Code of Practice

• Adhere to the country code.
• Only ride where you know you have a legal right.
• Avoid nature reserves, way marked footpaths and other footpaths.
• Always yield to pedestrians and horses, travel past in single file.
• Always try to be self sufficient, for you and your bike.
• Obtain consent for training or commercial ventures.
• Wear a cycling helmet that fits at all times.
• Keep group sizes to 10, for your enjoyment and safety.
• Use alternative routes for different groups or leave at 10 minute intervals.
• Travel at moderate speeds and avoid bunching.
• Be aware of the sensitive environment and ride to minimise the impact of your presence.
• Do not frighten wildlife e.g. deer, badgers, birds.
  

Safe and Sensible Clothes

Bring helmets that fit properly or use ours that will be well fitted by experienced staff.
A wind proof and waterproof top.
Avoid baggy or loose clothing, particularly trousers.
Firm soled shoes (especially for MTB day rides).
Avoid cotton (jeans) and wool as they do not dry out quickly.
Acrylic materials are preferred as they absorb less moisture and dry quickly.
October - March gloves advised - cycling mits at all time if available.
Insist that the body be covered at all times (in case of a tumble).
Cycling shorts (with padded seat insert) can be very helpful on day rides.

Group Organisation and Management

All hire bikes are well maintained to a high standard, make sure any bikes you bring are in good condition and up to the ride planned.
Make sure you can mend a puncture (change tube) and repair a chain. (See Survival kit).
Know your group's ability, for large parties group into abilities when possible.
Keep control of the group at all times - know where they ALL are.
Do not allow unsupervised stunt riding, whilst you take a break.
Keep noise to a minimum, if they are shouting they are not pedalling hard enough!!
Ride at speeds suited to the group's experience.
SKIDDING indicates poor cycle control, and usually leads to crashes and damage to machine and body.

Carry with you the Cyclist Survival Kit