All routes listed in this guide feature very steep, technical climbs and descents, loose, slippery, uneven and rutted surfaces requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. Featuring a mix of loose and hard surfaces, flint, roots and ruts – they include gravel, woodland trails, sand, grassy fields, bridleways, public roads and lanes. It is therefore essential that you have experience of riding on public roads and off-road on varied terrain. Routes use and cross public roads used by motorists (light, medium and heavy vehicles) where extra care and vigilance is required. Conditions, degree of difficulty and speed will be significantly impacted by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand.

 

Familiarise yourself with the route distances, profiles and conditions and make yourself aware of the risks and hazards associated with undertaking your chosen activity. All rides are self-guided and although representatives from Wild Cycles may participate, as a rider you are responsible for your own safety and decision-making during the ride. Know your capabilities and limits and adapt the routes to suit your ability and your preferences.

 

Please note the following aspects and actions for your safety - apply to all routes.

 

You must wear a quality helmet and eye protection whilst riding. Gloves/mitts are recommended.

 

Bike condition

 

• See BIKE & EQUIPMENT below

• Do a thorough bike safety check before the ride

• Check and make sure your brake pads have more than sufficient life to complete the distance NB route profiles

• Carry pump, spare tube/repair kit (see checklist)

 

Weather conditions and terrain

 

• Ensure correct tyre pressure and tread

• Beware of livestock waste protect and/or clean water bottles & equipment

• Beware of picking up ticks en-route and check carefully

• Wear appropriate clothing suited to weather

• Look out for overhanging branches and fallen trees

• Keep a look out and warn following riders

• Adjust route if cannot be avoided

• Maintain awareness, be vigilant and exercise caution

• Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly

 

Terrain - uneven, rocky, ruts, flint, roots mud & loose surfaces

 

• Be vigilant and take extra care on these surfaces, watch your speed and ride within your abilities

• Identify hazards and difficult, technical terrain

• Be cautious

• Ride within your ability

• Warn following riders when approaching

• Steep gradients - descents and ascents

• Approach with caution

• Use appropriate speed for the terrain

• Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly

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Other users: Walkers, dogs, horse riders

 

• Be respectful, give priority to walkers and horse riders

• Leave plenty of space when passing

 

Warm, hot weather

 

• Apply sun cream

• Wear appropriate clothing

• Stay hydrated and top up with fluids constantly

• See NUTRITION & HYDRATION in the guide

 

Darkness and poor visibility

 

• Unless you have the appropriate lighting - front and rear - should darkness fall or visibility fades you must call Wild Cycles for recovery

• Monitor distance, average speed, progress in relation to time of day and sunset

 

Traffic and public roads

 

• Obey the rules of the road and ride with the utmost care on public roads

• Be vigilant and maintain high awareness of traffic on public and farm roads incl. cars, HGVs, farm machinery and implements

• Maintain a steady line whilst riding on roads

• Wear reflective/bright clothing

• Be super vigilant and extra cautious when crossing roads and at junctions

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Fatigue, accidents, injury

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• Carry a 1st aid kit with you to attend to minor injuries

• Call 999 in the case of a serious injury to yourself or another rider

• Monitor your performance and judgement and ride within your limits

• If you feel exhausted and need to cut your ride short call us for recovery if required

 

Mechanicals

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• Carry the spares and tools listed below as there is no official mechanical support

• See BIKE and EQUIPMENT in the guide.

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If unable to continue - call us to let us know.

 

Call us on one of the contact numbers provided if you decide to stop riding at any point.

 

Know your abilities and limitations, ride and make decisions accordingly

 

I hereby confirm that, with the exception of any liability which cannot be excluded by law, Wild Cycles Limited shall have no liability for any loss or damage I may suffer as a result of my participation in this event. Furthermore, I will indemnify and hold Wild Cycles Limited, its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any and all expenses, 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 my participation in this event.

 

To be completed and submitted before riding.

 

 

Contact numbers

 

Emergency services 999

 

John 07501 006366

 

Jonathan 07305 973508

 

1st aid 0775 9011851