This ride is the 2nd part of the next step rides. It is aimed at those who want to have a go at something more challenging than the novice friendly rides but want to do it at a steady and relaxed pace. It is not suitable for those who want to crack on at a fast pace.
The plan for this ride is to do a lap of the blue-graded Verderers trail, have a cuppa then see what people want to do. There will be some climbing, but it will be done slowly with plenty of breaks to recuperate.
The Verderers trail at the Forest of Dean is an award-winning, blue-graded trail that combines a decent amount of climbing with fun, swoopy descents and beautiful woodland. The surface is hard gravel for the majority of the trail, with the occasional rocky patch and a few muddy sections. The trail has a smooth surface and contains no unavoidable steps, jumps, large lumps of rock or any other obstacles.
See the Forest of Dean trail centre here.
THE NEXT STEP RIDES
The “next step” rides are aimed at those who may have tried novice friendly rides and are looking to progress to and build confidence on more technical terrain at a slow and relaxed pace. They would also be suitable for people who have ridden at trail centres before but who may be concerned that they lack the fitness or confidence to ride within a group that may contain some experienced riders.
The intention is to offer a series of rides at some of the nearest trail centres with an incremental level of difficulty, starting with Ashton Court, then The Forest of Dean and Swinley and Culminating with Cwmcarn. If you are able to make the whole series then they should offer a good progression of challenge to your skills and fitness.
The pace of the rides will be set at a slow and steady ‘snail friendly’ pace with regular opportunities for rests. Wherever the trails might become more challenging, there will be a chance for riders to look at obstacles in advance and to walk down or ride around anything that might look intimidating.
If you like to crack on and ride fast then these will not be suitable for you. If you enjoy a break, a bit of a faff and some natter on the trail side, then these rides might be just your cup of tea.
Is this still going ahead ?
I’ve not seen any comments on here or the Facebook group
I would probably go if there’s enough interest from others
Hi Ady. Yes, the event is on. I wouldn’t worry about the lack of activity on the Facebook event page – very few people usually commit in advance, but I’d expect there to be a decent turn out. If you have any questions, ask them on the FB event page and the ride leader will see them.