Mountain Biking Info
Tell me all about Spice Mountain Biking
All Spice mountain bike rides are designed to be fun, enjoyable, and above all safe. All the bike leaders we use are qualified, experienced and carry first aid and emergency equipment but all participating riders must ensure that they are properly equipped and prepared. If you are a newcomer to Spice bike rides, please feel free to contact the bike leaders through the Spice Office. The leaders will be happy to discuss the appropriate type of clothing and equipment for use on Spice rides but here are a few general points to bear in mind.
You must wear an appropriate cycling helmet: “No Helmet No Ride”. In addition we strongly recommend gloves with a good grip. Footwear again should have plenty of grip and provide good support. You should wear appropriate clothing, preferably in the form of several layers and you must always bring a waterproof jacket and trousers. Jeans and cotton clothing are not recommended as they hold moisture and can become very cold and clammy when wet. Even in the height of summer weather conditions in the hills can change very quickly and it is rare that you will be able to ride without a jacket of some description; in hot/sunny conditions you will need full body cover as protection from the sun plus you would want to include sunscreen as part of your essential equipment. On all rides we also strongly recommend that you have a change of clothing with you in the car for when you get back from the ride, it can be a very uncomfortable journey home in wet and muddy clothes (or wearing nothing but a smile!!).
On another point regarding the weather, any Spice mtb ride of Grade 3 or harder will involve riding over open country - you should be aware that the weather and ground conditions can deteriorate very quickly at higher level thus increasing the severity/grade of a ride.
Regarding bike spares etc. it’s always recommended as a minimum that you carry a spare inner tube (i.e. the correct type for your bike), a puncture repair kit, pump and multi-tool and know how to use them. On grade 3 and above you would be expected to be able to deal with a minor repair to your own bike such as fix a puncture or broken chain without having to rely on others in the group.
By its very nature mountain biking can sometimes result in falls and injuries. Generally they do not happen too often, but when they do it is usually because people are not concentrating on the trail or because they are attempting to ride terrain beyond their current capabilities. The golden rule is if in doubt get off and walk; do not be pressured into riding! On the subject of bumps and bruises it is recommended that you always carry a small first aid kit on rides.
Have a breakfast on the morning of the ride!! Ignore this advice and you’ll be struggling after an hour of riding (it’s happened so many times in the past!). When riding keep topping yourself up with liquids and easily digestible snacks plus carry something a bit more substantial i.e. a packed lunch. Even if the ride write up suggests a convenient pub stop, please do not take this for granted. Pubs have been known to be full or even closed.
Please be ready to ride on time! There will be at least 10 bikers taking part in a typical Spice ride. The time specified in the newsletter is the start time NOT the arrival time. If you are not ready to start riding promptly, you will be inconveniencing all those who had the foresight to be there on time. This is particularly important if you are hiring a bike, please make sure you arrive in plenty time to collect your hire bike before the start of the ride. Some rides give a postcode near to the meet point; these are given for guidance only and members should not rely on SatNav systems to find the precise meet point for the ride start. Always take the printed directions and a map with you. Please remember that Spice cannot be held responsible for the security of the car parking. Please ensure that you take sensible precautions to protect your car and belongings.
A mountain bike ride is not a race. The leader's responsibilities are to ensure the safety of all the party and he/she will not always be at the front of the group. All riders should ensure that they do not lose contact with the leader and should stop when instructed to do so. If you lose contact with the rest of the group, please stop and wait. As a general rule if you get to a junction e.g. a T junction there will be someone there to direct you. If there is no one at a junction and there is an obvious straight on e.g. a crossroads then carry straight on. If you are at all unsure then stay where you are and wait for the group leader to find you. (NB neither Spice nor the ride leaders can be held responsible if a rider sustains an injury whilst out of touch with the leader.)
MTB ride - Grading System
Grade 1: STRENUOUS: Very strenuous, mountain biking and hill climbing with steep rough ascents and descents. A significant amount of technical singletrack with rock sections and steps, roots and mud / narrow boardwalk / jumps and wheel lifts may be involved. These rides will have significant height exposure and are suitable only for strong, fit and experienced riders. Normally 25-35 miles and / or 2500-4000 ft of ascent/descent.
Grade 2: HARD: Strenuous mountain biking for example red and black routes at trail centre such as Glentress and Coed-y-Brenin or cross country rides across the Yorkshire Dales or in the Lakes. Ascents and descents can be steep and rough with a lot of single track. Previous mountain bike experience required. Normally 18-25 miles and / or 1000-3500 ft of ascent/descent.
Grade 3: MODERATE: Energetic riding over less difficult mountains, hills and moors on paths and tracks with some sections of single track. Some rough ground and occasional technical feature such as rocks and steps. Riders should have good bike handling skills. They should be able to anticipate changes in terrain changing gear appropriately and be able identify obstacles in the track and take appropriate action to avoid or ride over them safely. Normally 15-20 miles and / or 1000-2000 ft of ascent/descent.
Grade 4: EASY: Riding over lower hill slopes, distinct valley tracks, lakeside paths. Rough stony ground may occur on some rides. There will be some hills but they will be relatively short. Easy to moderate pace. Suitable for reasonably fit beginner who can change the gears to enable them ascend the hills and control their speed of descent with the brakes. Normally 12-18 miles with up to 1000ft ascent/descent.
Grade 5: EASY-PEASY RIDES: Riding mostly paths, fairly level with occasional hills, at an easy pace on old railway lines and quiet lanes. E.g. come and try mountain biking the ability to ride a bike the only prerequisite. Normally 10-15 miles with up to 250 feet of ascent/descent.
Rides initially priced at £12 will increase in price to £18 for bookings received within 2 weeks of the event so please book early!
