The easiest of our club rides require a basic level of cycling fitness – you should be a
reasonably capable off-road cyclist who can ride cross country for at least two hours
including climbs and descents.
Ride
leaders
take
time
and
effort
to
plan
and
lead
interesting
and
fun
club
rides
and
should
1
.
Introduce new riders to the group.
2
.
Ensure that all riders are wearing helmets.
3
.
Start rides at the prescribed time.
4
.
Brief riders proper ride etiquette.
5
.
Assist riders in fixing punctures and in repairing other mechanical problems.
6
.
Provide GPS files (if possible), route highlights and likely conditions/terrain.
7
.
Rides
are
governed
by
the
slowest
rider
and
we
always
wait
-
Ride
leaders
will
guide
the
group and make decisions to change the ride if required.
8
.
Employ
(if
required)
Ride
Sweeping
(last
bike
in
group)
or
Spot
(
Rider
behind
the
l
eader
stops
at
a
junction,
counts
through
and
directs
remaining
riders
then
joins
the
back
of
the
group)
9
.
Direct anyone who wishes to leave the ride back to the start.
In turn riders should
1
.
Turn up on time
2
.
Respect leaders decisions
3.
Assist in any way possible
Southdowns Mountain Bike Club © All Rights Reserved 2022
What to expect from our Club Rides
Singletrack Trail
Grades
Suitable
for
Trail & surface
types
Gradients &
technical
features
Suggested
fitness level
Moderate
Mountain bikers
with basic off-road
riding skills.
Trail surface may
include small
obstables of roots
and rock.
Most gradients are
moderate but may
include short steep
sections. Includes
small Technical
Trail Features
(TTFs)
A good
standard of
fitness can
help.
1.5 -2hour
duration
Hard
Proficient mountain
bikers with good
off-road riding
skills.
Steeper and
tougher, mostly
singletrack with
technical sections.
Expect vary
variable surface
types.
A wide range of
climbs and descents
of a challenging
nature will be
present. Expect
boardwalks, berms,
large rocks, medium
steps, drop-offs,
cambers, water
crossings.
Higher level of
fitness and stamina.
2 - 3 hours
Duration
Challenging
(Sunday rides
or trips away)
Expert mountain
bike users, used to
physically
demanding routes.
Difficult with an
expectation of
greater challenge
and continuous
difficulty. Can
include any useable
trail surface and
may include
exposed open hill
sections.
Possible large,
committing and
unavoidable TTFs.
Sections will be
challenging and
variable. May also
have "downhill"
style sections.
Suitable for very
active people used
to prolonged effort.
3-4 hours Duration
maybe more on
trips away
(Friday Rides)
(Wednesday &
Shorter Sunday
rides)