Intro Rides and Open Rides

We are a relaxed and welcoming club. We don’t want too many rules but there are a few basics we ask members to follow.

These apply to all our Intro Rides (organized for prospective members who would like to join the club, and will normally involve riding some tech trails, mainly around Swinley Forest red and blue routes), and Open Rides (organized for anyone who would simply like to try out a social MTB ride).

Conditions to Participate:

• Cycling UK rules of conduct apply to all rides.
• Participants agree to indemnify the club officers, the land owners and any person connected with the club’s ride and events from any liability whatsoever resulting in personal injury (whether fatal or other-wise), loss damage or expense caused. 
• Participants agree to participate in the club’s activities entirely at their own risk and that it is solely their decision to do so.
• Participants agree to ride in a manner that is safe for others and themselves
• Helmets must be worn on all rides, and must be fitted and adjusted correctly.
• Bikes must be suitable for the ride and properly maintained.
• Riders are requested not to join rides that are beyond their level of ability and endurance. Participants are responsible for their own personal safety whilst on Club rides. The Club or its officers cannot be held responsible for personal injury, loss or damage to the property of any member. Participants have a duty of care to others and property.
• The Club reserves the right to end or cancel a ride at any point it time when a dynamic risk assessments suggest this to be the safest course of action.
• Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous and strenuous sport. You are participating because you are an enthusiast but do not ride beyond your level of ability and endurance. Come equipped with suitable clothing, spares, refreshment and, if possible, a mobile phone. Also bring a telephone contact list and some money for emergencies.
• The Cycling UK rules require us to have a list of ‘Leaders’ and this is kept by the Committee. Every official Club ride should have a leader. If there is no leader on any part of the ride it is then deemed to be an unofficial ride.
• A toolkit/spares should always be carried and include, as a minimum: puncture/tubeless repair kit, pump, brake pads, allen keys or multi-tool,  a joining links to suit your chain and a few cable ties are also a great idea. In the darker months you should also carry ‘get-home’ lights – front and rear.
• It is each participant’s responsibility to carry any medication needed for any condition (diabetes, asthma etc.) and you should inform fellow riders of special assistance that may be required.
• The minimum age for an individual member is 16 years. Family and Junior members under 18 years must be supervised on Club rides by a parent or recognised guardian over 18 years of age.