Essential info
Kit lists
Mountain biking courses
Essential Equipment
- Bike (we know that’s an obvious one but it has been forgotten before now!)
- Helmet
- Suitable shoes (trainers will do the job but cycling shoes with a stiff sole and weatherproof upper will make life more pleasant)
- Small rucksack (you can manage without but it’s handy to fit all the bits and bobs in – and even better if it has a built in hydration system such as a camelbak).
- Waterproof jacket (any jacket that folds up small is best).
- Walking boots and socks (including spare socks) – see additional advice below.
- Thermal base layer (synthetic fibres rather than cotton)
- Fleece mid layer
- Cycling trousers with a padded insert (or, dare we say it, Ron Hill tracksters paired with cycling shorts work really well)
- Lightweight windproof jacket
- Cycling gloves (and a spare pair on wet or muddy days)
- Plenty of food (malt loaf is a great alternative to expensive ‘energy bars’)
- Drink (2 litres for long rides)
- Spare mid layer (on cold days)
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Compass for our skills courses (Silva type 4 is perfect if you’re buying one)
- Maps of area we are visiting (1:25,000 ordnance survey)
- Personal first aid and medication
- Spare clothes, towel and wash kit for after the ride
Your instructor will carry tools to tackle most trail emergencies but bring your tool kit if you have one – it’s useful to get used to using your own kit.
Optional kit
- Thermos flask
- Camera
- Money for a café stop
