An epic weekend of trail riding, camping, good food and fireside vibes beckons.
We are looking forward to meeting you in the stunning Chilterns Hills for your Intro to gravel riding weekend.
Here are a few pointers to help you with your planning and prep!
Friday
Please arrive at Tring Station for pickup at 6:30pm. We'll meet you there and give you a lift to basecamp approx. 4km away.
If you are driving or coming by taxi please arrive at basecamp by 7pm (ideally not much before please) Town Farm, Ivinghoe, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9EL.
Please head to our camp @ what 3 words: zoos.snipe.acquaint
Please let us know in the week before - how you'll be travelling and ETA (please see contact details below).
Settle into your tent and gather around the fire, meet your fellow adventurers and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.
Saturday
08:00 - 09:00
Prep and breakfast.
09:00 - 10:30
After breakfast, there will be a safety briefing and an introduction to your bike, routes and weekend overview. We'll also cover adventure prep and planning, equipment essentials and fundamentals of off-road gravel riding.
10:00 - 16:00
Ride out onto a blend of country lanes, farm tracks, trails and bridleways. During the course of the ride we will continue to reinforce, reiterate and practice the fundamentals of off-road riding. There will be a lunch stop at the Chilterns' coolest bike cafe - before making our way back to basecamp - via more sublime gravel routes and stunning scenery.
17:00 - 20:00
Chill! Back at basecamp - relax by the fireside, reflect on the day's adventure and learnings. Enjoy a super healthy home-cooked meal and sundowners before turning in for a good sleep!
Sunday
08:00 - 09:00
Prep and breakfast.
09:00 - 09:30
After breakfast we recap and revisit techniques and experiences from the previous day, along with another safety briefing for the ride ahead.
10:00 - 13:00
Roll out of the camp onto another specially designed route which features slightly trickier terrain to reinforce and put into practice the same techniques on a mix of sweeping gravel and forest tracks through the woodland.
By mid-afternoon you'll be back at the campsite, to pack up and toast to a great social weekend of two-wheel adventuring.
13:00 - 14:30
Pack up and transfer back to Tring Station by 3pm.
routeS
We have planned 2 days of trail riding in the stunning Chilterns. The routes feature varied terrain, landscapes and gradients and have been specially designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive off-road riding experience. We will spend time during the 2 days providing guidance and sharing technique which will help you to get more out of your off-road adventures.
We have included some steep climbs and descents some of which are on slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces. We will cover a range of loose, soft and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts - including gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy bridleways, towpaths, public roads and lanes. Previous cycling experience is required but no previous off-road cycling is necessary as you'll be provided with introductory-level guidance. The route uses and crosses public roads where extra care and vigilance is required.
Routes featured on this trip are specially designed to incorporate the best of the surrounding countryside landscapes and scenery, within a pre-planned structure that is suitable for the group. A range of features, mixed terrain surfaces and gradients are included to provide multiple opportunities to develop skill and technique, and build confidence. The hand-picked routes have been pre-ridden and risk assessed by the host, and daily ride safety briefings will give you advanced knowledge of the specific terrains and ride characteristics that you'll encounter each day. The group will stick together at a social pace throughout the rides, and re-group at regular strategic points along the route, including at any intersections and for any mechanical problems. There may be moments when you might prefer to get off your bike and walk for a short section, and the weather could have an impact on the condition of the terrains encountered.
A good level of fitness and riding skill is recommended. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the fitness, skill and capability to participate. Having said that - the pace will be very chilled and
Participation
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the planned activities, distances, profiles, features and conditions and make yourself aware of the risks and hazards associated with undertaking your chosen activity.
Bike & equipment
Our fleet includes two bike types - the Sonder Camino (drop bars) and Sonder Frontier (straight bars). We will be in touch to discuss sizing and bike preferences before the weekend
If you are riding your own bike it’s your responsibility to ensure that your bike and equipment is suited to the routes and conditions. A mountain bike or gravel bike is recommended - with a minimum tyre width of 40mm and tread pattern suited to a wide variety of terrain. Tubeless tyres are recommended.
Nutrition andhydration
Ensure that you carry sufficient nutrition, sustenance (fuel!) and hydration with you. There will be opportunities to stop and replenish en-route.
Please ask your guide to stop whenever you feel the need.
Insurance
Ensure you have adequate insurance cover for your property and equipment including bicycles intended for your use as well as medical expenses.
Reminder of WHAT to BRING
Your own helmet (compulsory), which conforms to current safety standards
Cycling shoes
Pedals and saddle if you would rather use your own (these will be fitted to the bike for you. We provide either flat or SPD MTB pedals
Refillable water bottles
Main luggage bag e.g. duffel bag or rucksack
Small daypack or bumbag to carry essentials in while riding
Padded cycling shorts
Sports tops or cycling jerseys
Breathable wicking layers
Cycling gloves
Down jacket, fleece or similar for the evenings
Trousers/leggings for the evenings
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Buff or neck scarf
Warm hat
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Sunglasses/eye protection
Sunhat
Sandals
Sleeping bag/Something to sleep in. Make sure it is suitable for the weather conditions i.e. is going to keep you warm!
Travel pillow
Power bank or solar charger
Travel insurance documents
Ear plugs
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Personal medications
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle x1 litre
Bringing your own bike?
Spare inner tubes & repair kit or tubeless repair kit
Multitool
Pump
Tyre levers
Important
You are responsible for your own safety and decision-making throughout the weekend.
Wild Cycles Ltd shall have no liability for any loss or damage resulting from your participation. Having accepted Wild Cycles' booking T's & Cs - you indemnify Wild Cycles Ltd from and against any losses, liabilities, damages and costs of any type incurred or suffered and any claims or legal proceedings which are brought or threatened in each case, arising from your participation.
Above all - stay safe and have a fabulous weekend!
Contact info:
m. 07501006366
e. john@wildcycles.co.uk