SNOWBIKERS FAQ - Your mountainbiking questions answered

MTB TRAINING COURSE FAQ

1. What is included in guiding fee?
A professionally qualified mountain bike guide with first aid training and good local knowledge. Our activities are covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.

2. What is not included in guiding fee?
The fee does not include any rental equipment, food, personal insurance or transport to and from the venue.

3. Is it dangerous?
Mountain biking is a potentially dangerous sport; we have sought to anticipate and limit the danger as much as we can without undermining the essential nature of this activity. Participants should be aware of and accept these residual risks. We will endeavor to select appropriate routes and forewarn you of hazards, and you will of course always have the option of walking through obstacles you do not like the look of.

4. How fit do I have to be?
Mountain biking is an active sport and people taking part need to be reasonably fit. The actual pace of the ride will be dictated by the ability of the group, so you won’t be going faster than you are comfortable with, beginners and family rides in particular may be slower and less strenuous than some of the others. Advanced groups will be tackling long climbs both on and off-road so please do not put yourself into one of these groups if you have been off the bike for a while.
Anyone with a medical condition must seek medical advice prior to participation.

5. How hard will it be?
Again, the difficulty of the ride will be dictated by the ability of the group. Advanced riders may reasonably expect significant climbs, both on and off-road and as good technical single-track as you will find anywhere in the country. With beginners there will be more emphasis on quiet and scenic country lanes and tracks, and there will be the chance to develop off-road skills on accommodating terrain. Family rides can accommodate all abilities, including Mums and Dads towing trailers.

6. What level of biker am I?
This question is only relevant to guided rides. We aim to get together riders of similar ability, so it is important to chose the right level:
If you are bike-fit, have significant off-road experience, can bunny-hop (lifting both wheels at the same time) over a small log, track stand for more than 5 seconds, and are comfortable riding a drop-off of about 30 cm, then you are a SnowBikers Advanced rider.
If you have some off-road experience, can make effective use of your gears, are comfortable riding over rough terrain out of the saddle, can lift your front wheel up a kerb, but don’t yet meet the Advanced criteria then you are a SnowBikers Intermediate rider.
If you can ride a bike but have no idea what any of the above means, then you are a SnowBikers beginner.
It is important to be as honest with yourself as you can about this, so that you get the most out of the course. We endeavor to work with the differing abilities within our groups, but in the interest of safety we reserve the right to exclude riders who have placed themselves on an inappropriate course; in these circumstances no refund will be made.
If you are unsure what level you are at, why not go for a private session where the course will be tailored to your needs.

7. Why doesn't question 6 apply to skills coaching?
Mountain Biking skills are built on about 5 core skills (there is some overlap so the actual number depends where you draw the distinction). To improve your skills you need to master these building blocks and this is true whether you are a beginner or have been riding for years. Our training courses follow a logical progression covering first the fundamental building blocks (Fundamentals I & II) then using these core skills in combination to produce a range of more complex skills (Composite Skills I & II). Without the right foundations it is impossible to start having success with these more complex techniques.

8. What age-ranges can be catered for?
The minimum recommended age for our trailers is 18 months, so anywhere from there upwards. Under 16’s must be accompanied and 16 to 18 year-olds may ride unaccompanied with appropriate consent. Beyond that age is no limit, and so long as you can ride a bike, we will be very happy to ride with you.

9. What shall I wear?

On your feet: trainers or light boots; the stiffer the sole, the more comfortable for your feet.

For protection from saddle wear and tear, we’d recommend you wear padded cycling shorts if you have them. These are designed to be worn “next to the skin”, and pretty much everyone’s first response is yuk! They then go on to learn the hard way. It is all to do with the positioning of seams apparently.

Over the top, a pair of close fitting track-suit bottoms will work fine if required.

On the top half, a wicking T-shirt or football shirt.

The weather can change quickly so you should have a waterproof jacket with you. Even on the nicest of days it can be cool on the hills, especially if we have to stop to fix a puncture.
In the cooler months, an extra layer of insulation, such as a light fleece might be worth sticking in your bag.

For aerobic activities it is best to avoid cotton based fabrics as they soak up sweat (and rain) and as well as being uncomfortable and heavy they can cause you to chill quickly if we have to stop.

A pair of gloves to pad your hands and save your palms should you fall onto gravel.

Glasses will protect your eyes from overhanging branches, flying mud and gravel. Sun-glasses will do fine, or clear glasses for overcast weather if you have them.

Helmet (we’ll provide this if you are renting a bike from us)

10. Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, a helmet is regarded as essential kit for off-road cycling.

11. What are my responsibilities?

You are responsible for your own safety at all times and decisions about your own actions and ability.

Riders are expected to be ready to depart on the ride at the designated time and to arrive sufficiently in advance to carry out any required preparatory work or to sort out any rental equipment. Unless you have booked private guiding you will be left behind if you are not ready at the rides start. In this case all monies will be forfeit.

We expect you to be appropriately attired and kitted out.

We expect all clients to behave in a courteous manner to other riders, other trail users and our staff.

We may require any participant to leave a session if we consider they are a danger to themselves or others, or if they appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if they in any other way fail to meet our expectations of behaviour.

12. What equipment do I need to bring?

Trail food, such as dried fruit, muesli bars, nuts etc to keep you going during the ride. Try to avoid confectionary such as chocolate: the quick sugar rush is unfortunately followed by a dip, and you can end up feeling worse.

Drink, ideally in a bike bottle or “camel-bak” style bladder so that you can drink on the move.

Spares for your own bike, including a couple of spare inner-tubes, brake blocks etc. We have a limited supply for sale should you require them.

Bike pump and tools if you have them.

Bag to put all the above in, as well as space for lunch if required.

13. Will my bike be up to the task?
That really depends on the task. Bikes must be well maintained and fully operational and we reserve the right to refuse any bike which we consider to be unsafe or unsuitable. For “Ride with a Guide” beginner and family trips, hybrid bikes and children’s BMX-style bikes should be ok, but may limit the distances traveled. For all other rides, a mountain bike is required. In all instances we are unable to accept responsibility for any damage sustained to bikes and equipment, so if you are in any doubt, why not rent one of our bikes.

14. What if I don’t have a bike with me?
We have a small fleet of award winning mountain bikes for rent. These are provided along with a helmet, gloves, glasses, spares and a water bottle. We recommend pre-booking to ensure a bike is available for you.

15. What if it is bad weather?
In extreme weather we may have to alter our planned route, curtail or cancel a ride. In the case of cancellation or loss of more than half a ride, a refund will be made. Rain in itself is not a reason for cancellation, and rides will proceed as planned wherever possible.

16. Are there any other reasons for cancellation?
From time to time there may be circumstances beyond our control which mean that we have to change an itinerary or cancel a ride altogether. On these occasions we will offer a full refund or an alternative date.

17. How long will the ride take?
For a half-day ride we will be out for about 3 hours, and a full-day is about 6 hours. The percentage of this time spent actually riding will vary with the ability of the group, and for example we might expect to take more rest stops with a beginner group. Equally on a coaching ride we might spend more time discussing techniques. On a full day ride there will also be a break for lunch.

18. How many people will be in the group?
The maximum group size is 6 riders plus the guide, in line with current best practice. By prior arrangement we may put together two groups with two guides.

19. What will we do about lunch?
If you are on a full-day ride, then we recommend that you bring along a packed lunch. By prior arrangement, we can provide these at a reasonable cost.

20. What are the rental bikes like?
We have a small fleet of Claud Butler Cape Wrath mountain bikes; a model which has won awards from both MBR and What Mountain Bike magazines. This aluminium framed bike has front suspension and V-brakes, and we can fit a woman’s saddle should it be required. We also have children’s bikes, tag-alongs and trailers available for rent. We strongly recommend that you pre-book any rental equipment to avoid disappointment.

21. Will the group be the same ability?
We will strive to make up groups with similarly able riders, as this makes everyone’s ride more enjoyable, but inevitably there will be some variability. In order to achieve a balanced group, it is important that riders are quite realistic about their own level of skill and experience. If you are worried about the pressures of group riding, why not consider private guiding where everything is tailored to your needs.

22. What are the “All Girl” groups about?
Frankly, sometimes there is just too much testosterone in mountain biking and we think that it can be nice to just ride your bike in the beautiful Snowdonia area without that added pressure. Our guides can provide a relaxed biking environment for you – if that’s what you want! We can support hen trips – get a bit of exercise and really earn your booze up in the evening. Of course, if you are a female rider who loves the more charged atmosphere – you are welcome to join any ride that suits your ability.

23. How do I book?
Give us a call on 01341 430628 and discuss your requirements with one of our guides. We ask for payment in full to secure your place.

24. What if I cancel?
If you cancel your course more than 14 days in advance, any monies paid will be refunded. For any cancellation made within 14 days of the ride no refund will be made.
We recommend that you take out Travel Insurance.