FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need?
Our routes include public roads and byways open to all traffic (BOATs), so you and your bike must be fully road legal with a valid UK driving licence, MOT, tax, and insurance. We also recommend having breakdown cover for your bike and individual personal accident insurance.
Riders
Our rides are designed for riders with some basic off-road experience and a reasonable level of fitness. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable handling your bike on uneven surfaces and ready for a physically active day.
If you’re new to off-road riding, please let us know before booking so we can ensure the route and group are suitable for you.
Riders must be over 18.
Bikes
Your bike must be a fully road legal bike, capable of riding on varied terrain off-road. We don’t accept motocrossers or trials bikes, even if they are road registered, because they are not suited to our routes. In consideration of residents and other users of green roads, your bike should not be excessively noisy.
Your tyres should be suitable for riding off tarmac roads and on mixed terrain including mud, gravel and sand.
Please check your bike before the ride to ensure it is roadworthy and trail-worthy, and that any luggage is securely fastened.
We recommend arriving with enough fuel to ride at least 50 miles, although all routes include potential fuel stops.
Clothing and equipment
You will need robust clothing, including a road legal helmet with visor or goggles, and a sturdy pair of motorcycle boots with protection for ankles and shins, preferably waterproof. Adventure or motocross boots are ideal.
You will also need a durable jacket, trousers and gloves, with a back protector and armour. Textile motorcycle gear works well and is ideal if it’s also waterproof and breathable. You are likely to get dirty and will need protection from brambles, branches and stones.
Bring water and some snacks - trail riding is physically active, and it’s important to stay hydrated and energised. Most riders carry a small backpack or hydration pack with a water bladder. Ziploc bags are useful for keeping electronics and essentials dry.
In case of emergency, please bring a fully charged mobile phone. It is recommended that the What3Words app is accessible in case you need to communicate your location.
What can I expect from my day?
Our rides run in most weather conditions and we adjust our routes accordingly. In extreme conditions, we may adjust or reschedule rides for safety, and changes will be communicated with as much notice as possible.
We start with a safety briefing before heading straight out onto the trails. We minimise time on roads, but all routes include some road riding between green lanes.
The terrain will include gravel, sand, dirt and grass tracks, which may be stony, rough, bumpy, rutted, loose or slippery. The trails run through farmland, woodland and heathland and you are likely to encounter mud and puddles. In East Anglia there are few steep ascents and descents, but there are rolling hills. The route may include shallow water crossings.
We ride in small groups of up to six riders plus guides leading and tail-ending. We will stop for regular breaks, and on a full day ride, for lunch. You can stop at any time you need – and if you’re finding it hard going, don’t hesitate to let us know – we will adjust the pace to suit the individuals in the group. Trail riding can be strenuous, especially if you don't do it often.
A half day ride takes around 3-4 hours and a full day 6-7 hours, but timings can vary according to the group and conditions.
Off-road, it’s normal to occasionally lose balance or drop your bike - even experienced riders do this from time to time. Knocks and scrapes are usually minor. Our guides will help you ride within your comfort zone, offer tips, and provide assistance if needed. Safety is our priority, so we encourage everyone to take things steadily and enjoy the experience.
We’ll finish the ride back at the agreed meeting point, with time to wind down, clean up and chat through the day with the group and your guide. There’s always an opportunity to share highlights, ask questions and hear tips or experiences from your guides and fellow riders. You can expect to head home tired but satisfied, with a better feel for off-road riding and the confidence to get out and ride more.
Additional Information
What if my bike breaks down or gets a puncture?
If you have a puncture or mechanical issue and you’re equipped to carry out a repair, we’ll do our best to help you get rolling again. If a repair isn’t possible on the trail, we’ll do what we can to help get you and your bike to the nearest tarmac road. Recovery and onward transport will be your responsibility.
Riding with us is a shared experience, and we look out for one another - you won’t be left on your own by the side of the trail.
Where do the rides start and is there parking for vans?
Please see our Routes page for more information on where rides take place. Parking for vans is available at these locations, although some meeting points may require paid parking.
Full details of the meeting point, parking and facilities will be provided at the time of booking. You can also contact us directly if you have any questions about locations, meeting points or facilities.
What time do the rides start?
Our rides generally start at 09:00 for full-day rides and 09:00 or 12:00 for half-day rides. Please aim to be ready at least 20 minutes early for the briefing.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, please contact us directly and we will discuss your requirements and do our best to meet special requests for dates, types of route, individuals or groups.
Do you offer women-only rides?
Women-only rides may be possible by arrangement. If you have a group of women you’d like to ride with, or you’re interested in joining a women-only ride if others are available, please contact us to register your interest.
For safety and support, we prefer to run women-only rides with both our female and male guides present whenever possible.
What bikes do the guides ride?
The current stable is a Voge 300 Rally, Yamaha Tenere 700 or KTM 990 Adventure, but this may vary. We also have enduro bikes that we may use if this is better suited to a private tour.
Can I hire a bike for the tour?
Unfortunately not – we only offer tours on your own bike.
Can road-legal quad bikes join the tours?
No, there may be restrictions on our routes, so our tours are for two wheels only.
Do you provide accommodation?
No, we don’t provide accommodation. Our rides are day experiences, so you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation if you’re travelling from further afield.