Adventure Cycling ...

... or off-road as it's perhaps more commonly known, is a 'trend' that accelerated amongst avid cyclists during lockdown. As we all sought different ways to stay fit and get out and about, more and more people took to cycling ... and stuck with it, even after the blur of Covid-19. From roadies giving something else a go, to newbies expanding their skills, to pro's looking to enhance their road racing skills or take up a new discipline given the rise in competitive races. Off-road cycling is now a popular option for cyclists and hobbyists, alike, as well as a permanent fixture at competitions.

So where to begin?

Off-road biking follows trails covering different terrains, climbing and descending through the countryside, forests and parks. Follow bridleways, canal towpaths, riverside trails and disused railway lines. Choose flat, leisurely rides or thrill seek, with singletrack, rocky descents and superfast downhills. There are five broad disciplines; cross country [XC], trail riding, all-mountain, downhill and freeride. Cross country and trail riding are the most accessible, involving rides on singletrack, doubletrack, paved paths connecting trails, and through a mixture of terrains from forest paths, rough off-road tracks to mountain and countryside pathways. The latter three of the five disciplines; all-mountain, downhill and freeride, are all more technical and best reserved for expert riders, featuring timed downhills, steep and rough terrain including jumps, drops and other obstacles to navigate over and around. As a beginner, get started on cross country or trail rides – which in themselves vary in difficulty – and then for the adventurous amongst you, turn your hand to the more challenging disciplines and black tracks.

Why choose off-road cycling?

There are countless reasons why off-road is a great choice for you and your bike whether you’re just starting out or you want to switch things up.

Build strength & a full body workout.

Off-road cycling is a much more interval style workout than road cycling, which is more about endurance. The stop, starts, of off road cycling through the varied terrains, means bursts of energy are required. Add in navigating the lumps and bumps through lifts and shifting your weight to maintain traction and balance, and well, not only is it a great total body workout, it also builds both muscle strength and definition.

Handling & pedalling skills

Off-road cycling means you are forced to change your riding position, tackle cornering and learn braking, all building your overall handling skills. Then there’s maintaining traction up and down steep and slippery hills and around obstacles meaning your pedalling style needs to be even, circular and smooth to avoid spinning. A masterclass in cycling indeed!

Its fun!

Forget traffic and concentrating on the road, and venture off into trails that offer mud and water puddles, slippery slopes and challenging rocky paths. An adventure around every twist and turn! Explore back roads, trails through forests and other hidden gems you can find on the map. And don’t forget to try out a night ride! Gives a whole new take on even the most well-trodden tracks and trails.

I'm in! So where to go ...

Check your map for ‘routes with other public access’ which is the term for ‘white roads’ or ‘green lanes’, where you can ride. Also look for unsurfaced roads, Forestry Commission stone tracks and mountain bike trails, cyclepaths and cycle tracks and canal towpaths. You can also contact your local cycle shop for recommendations or visit one of the many mountain bike or trail centres that offer purpose built trails with toilets, changing facilities and even a cafe! A trail centre will offer way-posted routes meaning you don’t need to worry about getting lost, as well as a number of routes that cater to different technical and physical ability; from green [easy] to black [severe]. There’s also plenty of local groups to join that organise rides as well as competitions and may even offer lessons if you want a crash course to get you started.

What you'll need.

Ok, so it’s not cheap. For those already in the cycling game, you’ll know that bikes don’t come cheap. However search around local bike shops, as well as larger stores. Ask for advice and help from the staff and explain that you’re interested in off-road cycling. They’ll be able to advise you on the best bike for your budget. The two main options are front suspension only [hardtail] and full suspension [full-suss]. The latter is the most common due to its sturdy frame, making it suitable for both cross country and trail riding. The hardtail option is often a little cheaper and great for beginners. Kit-wise. To get started, all you really need is a pair of shorts – looser fitting than those worn for road cycling, a t-shirt and a pair of trainers [check for good grip] – all of which you don’t mind getting dirty. For extra comfort, wear padded lycra shorts underneath and take a couple of extra layers when things get a little cooler. Invest in a good helmet and a pair of knee pads in case of any mishaps. Gel padded gloves will stop your hands sipping off the handlebars either from sweat, rain or water from the trail. And grab your sunglasses to protect your eyes from any debris flying around. Then finally, stock up on water and snacks, as well as an essential repair kit that includes at least a spare inner tube, bike pump, tyre levers and a small multi-tool kit so as you don’t get stranded!

Let's Goooo!

Adventure or off-road cycling is becoming more and more popular. Those looking to get out and about more, those looking for a new hobby, cycling enthusiasts wanting to try something new to pro’s looking to take up the discipline or as part of their road racing training. One thing is for sure, as more and more trails pop up around the country, then the rise in off-road cycling will continue. And well, with that, there’s only one thing left to do, let’s get out there!