Mountain Bike Events - Your feedback needed please

Evening All

I’ve volunteered to organise some mountain bike rides for the club.

So this post if to try and get an idea of what level of interest there is in mountain bike events, and for what sort of events.

I’d be grateful if anyone who might be interested in attending some MTB events could reply below or by message answering the questions below.

Would you prefer:
a) Local events on bridleways etc.?
b) Trips to Cannock Chase, Thetford, and etc.?
c) Downhill MTB events (Aston Hill etc.)?
d) Longer distance events (Roads/Tow-paths/Tracks etc.)?
e) More than one or all of the above, and if so which?

For local events around footpaths/bridleways would you prefer:
a) Weekday evening events?
b) Weekend events?

For longer trips (Cannock etc.) would you prefer:
a) Saturday
b) Sunday
c) A weekday

Can you give me an idea of your level of experience on a MTB as this will affect where we might go:
a) Absolute beginner
b) Intermediate
c) Expert

Any other thoughts/comments?

If I get a reasonable level of interest I’ll organise a selection of events over the summer as required and we can see how it goes from there.

Thanks
Phil.

Sorry - no IDEA what happened to the formatting :-(

For me Phil fitting it in maybe an issue but...

a) Local events on bridleways etc. yes
For these around footpaths/bridleways: a fixed weekday evening

b) For longer trips to Cannock Chase, Thetford, and Forest of Dean etc *yes**weekends the best

Not done a lot but say i'm Intermediate level

Hi Phil. Similar to Paul W. local bridle ways and beginner/intermediate.

Hi Phil
I'm probably the same as well.
Would be great if we could fit some in so thanks for picking this up.
Cheers
Jeff

Thanks Keith, Paul and Jeff. If anyone else is interested please reply as above.

Local weekday evenings, yes
Trips away weekends, yes
Level ? I've done a bit. But I'm no expert.

Phil,
Riding along local minor roads to link up tracks and bridleways is good for me.
I have ridden lots of this type of route locally and would be happy to share knowledge and lead.
Full MTB’s are not necessary - there are no mountains around here!
‘Gravel bikes’ are the new style.
Road bikes with good robust tyres and treads are all that is required.
There are also quite a few sportives available for this type of riding called ‘adventure cross’.
I have just completed one in the Peak District, 50% off-road and 50% going up and down big hills.
Further away, forest trails specifically designed for MTB’s may not be suitable for road bikes, even with big tyres.
David

Hi David,

What I'm aiming at is mountain bikes. That's why I volunteered to do this because I love taking mine out on forest trails, and on local paths and tracks, and will be anyway even if no-one else turns up!

Most people I guess have hardtail or dual suspension mountain bikes, and this is what these events would be designed for.

If anyone wants to use any other type of bike I've no objection at all but I guess I've got to warn that I wouldn't take any responsibility for any damage and I'm sure the club committee would say the same.

I don't disagree with what you say, I just don't want to put people off by making them think they need gravel bikes or have to use their road bikes across fields! You can if you want, but the events are aimed at mountain bikes.

For the avoidance of doubt I include a picture of my Norco hardtail below, which is what I'll be riding... Mine's a bit more battered than this, but otherwise the same. Anything similar or better and you'll be fine.

Here...

1 Attachment

Looks like you've got some good local knowledge to tap into there Phil who ever redryder is?
Me I happy to do with my hardtail MTB I don't think it'll be much appreciated if I can home with another... "gravel".... bike..😂😂😂

Hi Phil. Hardtail MTB for me,Paul W has obviously not explained to the other half about the clubs rule about N+1 bikes

No Paul & Pete, that's my problem 😊. I quite fancy an 'adventure bike' but there's no way I'll get away with it!

@Philmet1 Norco hard tail is the only way to go! Look forward to it. 😊

Hi @Malman, yes, probably will. (Although I'm having great fun exploring for myself too! 😊). At the moment I'm just trying to get people to give me an idea of what they want to do by replying on this thread - hint hint!

Hi Phil, a couple of local runs as promised..
Silverstone: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/810821978

Hilsden: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1175435078

Stowe: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1195936774

Excellent, thanks Paul.

@Phil did you get any nearer to planning an off-road event?