Mountain biking is an epic pastime for all ages and levels, and the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are a magnet for MTBs after Christmas as eager riders try out their box fresh presents.
If you’re out solo, with friends, a partner or with the kids, following a few simple steps can help make your next ride a great one. Be aware of your limitations – and those of others – in order to stay safe and take-home lasting memories, not breaks or bruises.
To help keep all our visitors safe we've teamed up with the Cycle Rangers at Forestry England, the two-wheeled teams at Pedalabikeaway and Dean Forest Cycles to ensure you Go Find Freedom on the UK’s best cycle trails.
- There’s no excuse not to wear a helmet, gloves and seriously consider other protective equipment and clothing. Even the most experienced mountain bikers take a tumble, so minimise the risk of injury and wear the right gear.
- Pay attention to the weather and its effect on cycling conditions. Use the Met Office for up-to-date information about weather fronts, which will impact the nature of trails. The weather increasingly alters rapidly – only a few weeks ago the temperature changed by 20 degrees overnight.
- Check Forestry England’s Facebook and Instagram channels in case of any site closures and weather updates. Always stick to designated routes. Trails which aren’t managed are inherently more dangerous as they are not regularly cleared or checked, and it will be more difficult to get help fast if you have an accident.
- If riding a new bike or running with new parts or equipment, consider testing it out on an easier trail that is well within your limits.
- Take everything you might need with you. Layers of warm clothes in case of an accident, if you are immobile, you will lose body heat quickly. Make sure your mobile phone has enough battery. Have you got enough spares? Trails take their toll on tyres and innertubes so pack extra. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and repair kit. Learning the basics of first aid is important, particularly over the holidays when there are less staff around – it can save lives.
- Get trail ready on easier routes before tackling anything challenging. All trails are graded according to difficulty levels so make sure you know your limits and grade level and follow the cycle code.
- Make sure someone knows where you are, especially if you cycle alone. Share you location using WhatsApp, Messenger, Find My, Google Maps or what3words. Some super clever apps have an emergency notification feature which you can set up to alert a contact, if it detects you have crashed, check if your apps have this function enabled. Lots of smartphones have an ICE (in case of emergency) contact which can be set up to display on the lock screen in case someone needs to call a contact on your behalf. Have a backup plan as mobile signal cannot be relied upon - tell someone your route and agree a check in time.
We want you to experience an exhilarating time in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, we also want you to come back time and time again. Ride safe and share your photos and videos with the hashtags #GoFindFreedom and #VisitDeanWye, #CyclistsWelcome.
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The only bike hire location with direct access to the Forest of Deans's traffic-free family & mountain bike trails! The bike hire fleet includes e-bikes, a choice of premium Whyte bike models for mountain bikes or leisure trails, kids' bikes, child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Trailers for dogs are also available. We also have a cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bike wash & parking.
Cycle Trail, Mountain & Road Bike Hire centre situated in the village of Parkend. A Cafe, serving real coffee, cake & icecream. A bike shop and workshop. Great quality bikes at competitive prices.
With trails for all abilities, this is the perfect place to start your cycling adventure in the Forest of Dean.
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