Guidance for prospective riders

Bike:

You will need a bike with knobbly tyres that is suitable for XC (cross country) riding. This doesn't need to be an expensive machine. It can have rigid (ie non-suspension) forks and it doesn’t need disc brakes. A proper bike shop will be able to advise you on type and size. Most mountain bikes will have an adequate range of gears. A rear mudguard will help to keep your back dry and clean.

Kit:

Bring at least a couple of spare inner tubes (bring presta valves - will fit all), some stick-on patches, tyre-levers, a suitable pump and a multi-tool (or at least a few relevant allen keys and a spanner or two).  A small rucsac is useful to hold your kit, as well as any spare clothing and energy-food. A SRAM "magic link" or similar is invaluable, as is a chain-tool. A spare gear-hanger has been suggested: it's small and light - and we have had one broken.

Clothing:

A thin waterproof jacket is probably essential. Wear a helmet. In cold weather, you will need a beanie hat or similar under your helmet. Gloves are a must (a spare, dry, pair is a luxury you might appreciate). Overshoes are useful to keep feet warm and dry. Consider waterproof socks. Cycling glasses will protect your eyes. High-quality bib shorts will help to keep you comfortable in the saddle; you can wear them under cycling tights, shorts or trousers.

Food and drink:

Bring something with you; we don’t often go past shops. Eat regularly, so you don't suddenly flag. Flapjack seems popular. Bananas are a favourite. Chocolate is good in cool weather. Haribos are fine all year round. There are various energy bars and gels available. Water/sports-drink – you can carry this in a bottle or bottles on your bike, or in a Camelbak-style hydration-pack fitted to your rucsac. For a cool morning’s ride consider bringing a minimum of one bottle of fluid. Always carry a little cash, just in case.

Length and pace of rides:

A morning ride will be around 20 – 25 miles, so it would be as well to ensure that you are comfortable with that sort of distance before coming out. Pace doesn’t matter so much, within reason; some people will push themselves and will then wait at junctions for the ride to re-group. You can always do a little training (try laps of Draycote Water) before you come out. Your cycling-specific fitness will increase very quickly. It would be good to have two groups, faster and slower. We need someone to come forward to lead a slower group; don’t worry too much about a route, we can set you up with one as long as you have basic map-reading skills. Similarly, if sufficient people would like to ride on Sundays we need one of them to get involved and organise it. On some rides it may be possible to have a shorter option for those who need to get back early.

Terrain:

The riding we do is mainly across country, on rough tracks and bridleways, old railways and canals. In wet weather there is plenty of mud (“gloop”). We use minor roads to link byways into loops. You do not need special bike-handling skills for our type of riding.

Punctures and mechanical breakdown:

The ride – or part of it – will stop to help. If you experience a problem you must yell to let someone know.

Bike Maintenance:

Clean your bike very soon after a ride, otherwise it will not work! Try not to use a jet-wash on bearings and by the fork-seals. Lubricate the chain, gears and cables. Ask other members how they maintain their bikes. A tyre gauge will ensure correct pressures.

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We look forward to seeing you soon! Useful links: Taken from Merida MTB marathon website...   Tech, bike in good working order, types of MTB, etc:- http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/tech/tech.php   Starting out - beginners:- http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/training/13.php   Kit required for long rides:- http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/training/25.php