THE RIDING

Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous activity and carries the risk of serious injury or, in extreme cases, death. All participants ride at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety at all times.

All riders must complete the online waiver, whether you’re racing or just riding for fun.

Save time at the event and get it done in advance:
👉 Complete your waiver here

No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

🚴 Rider Responsibility & Course Use

Mountain biking is a high risk sport. No matter how well you know the course, you should never ride beyond your skill level and must always remain in control and ride sensibly.

Riding in control means more than just being able to stop, it also includes:

  • Having the skills to recognise and avoid hazards

  • Knowing where it is safe to stop on the course

  • Avoiding collisions with other riders through awareness and good judgement

  • Using the course responsibly, in a manner that matches your experience level

We strongly advise all riders to walk the course beforehand, noting ground conditions and any obstacles before riding.

All riders participate at their own risk. By riding, you accept that no liability can be accepted by the event organisers.

🏞 Ride your bike at the Malvern Classic by Purchasing a ‘Ride Pass’ Number Board.

Eastnor Deer Park is a stunning venue and we encourage you to bring your bike provided both you and your bike are fit for purpose.

When not in use for racing or official practice, the courses will be open for general riding.

  • Cost: £10.00 per rider for a Ride Pass Number Board, this covers you from Thursday 15:00 to Sunday 16:00.

  • 💳 Pay in advance when purchasing your festival ticket or on-site at Race HQ.

  • 📝 You’ll be required to sign in and will receive a number board and cable ties in order to access the courses. This must be attached to the front of your bicycle to access the courses.

🛡️ Rider Safety Equipment – What You Should Wear

All riders must wear appropriate safety equipment while on any course. This is not only for your protection but also a condition of participation.

Mandatory Equipment:

  • Helmet – A properly fitted, certified cycling or mountain bike helmet is required at all times.

Strongly Recommended Gear:

  • Gloves – For grip, control and hand protection in the event of a fall.

  • Knee and Elbow Pads – To help protect against impact and abrasion injuries.

  • Protective Eyewear – To guard against dust, debris, insects and branches.

  • Sturdy Footwear – Closed toe shoes with good grip, no sandals or flip-flops.

  • Long Sleeves and Trousers – To reduce risk of scrapes and cuts on rough terrain.

  • Body Armour / Chest and Back Protection – Especially recommended for downhill or more technical trails.

  • Hydration Pack or Bottle – Staying hydrated is essential during active riding.

Buy Tickets

RIDING FAQs

What grade are the mountain bike tracks?

🚵‍♂️ Mountain Bike Trail Grades Explained

All riders are responsible for choosing trails suitable for their ability. Here’s what the different grades mean:

🟢 Green (Easy)

For: Beginners and families

  • Wide, mostly flat and smooth trails

  • Gentle climbs and descents

  • Minimal obstacles

  • Suitable for all types of bikes and skill levels
    Skills Required: Basic bike control and ability to ride for short distances

🔵 Blue (Moderate)

For: Intermediate riders

  • Narrower trails with moderate gradients

  • Small obstacles like rocks, roots and berms

  • Some steeper sections and technical features
    Skills Required: Good bike handling, braking and cornering control

🔴 Red (Difficult)

For: Experienced riders

  • Challenging terrain with steeper, technical sections

  • Larger features like jumps, drop-offs and rock gardens

  • Greater speed and commitment required
    Skills Required: Advanced bike handling, line choice and confidence on variable terrain

Required Skill Levels for Trail Use

🧭 Rider Competency Requirement

All riders must be competent mountain bikers capable of handling a variety of trail surface conditions and weather scenarios.

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all, riders must meet the following skill levels depending on the grade of the trail..

You must be able to:

  • 🚴 Brake safely on descents

  • 🌀 Corner confidently at speed

  • ⚠️ Navigate technical features such as roots, rocks, drop-offs, and off-camber sections

 Green (Easy)

Skill Level: Beginner

  • Able to ride on gravel or smooth off-road surfaces

  • Basic balance, steering, and braking skills

  • Suitable for families and new riders

 

🔵 Blue (Moderate)

Skill Level: Confident Intermediate

  • Comfortable with moderate gradients and tighter turns

  • Can manage small obstacles like rocks and roots

  • Maintains good control on undulating terrain

🔴 Red (Difficult)

Skill Level: Advanced

  • Strong braking and cornering technique

  • Confident on technical features (e.g. drop-offs, rock gardens)

  • Can ride at higher speeds and navigate complex terrain

If you are not confident in your ability to ride safely under these conditions, you must not attempt the trails.

Bike Check?

🔧 Bike Safety Check – Rider Responsibility

Before riding any trail, it is your responsibility to ensure your bike is fully capable of handling the terrain ahead. Your bike must be properly serviced, maintained and ideally checked by a qualified bike mechanic before riding.

You must not ride the trails if any of the following conditions apply:

✅ Essential Pre-Ride Bike Checklist

The ‘M-Check’ is a simple way to make sure your bike is safe to ride. Watch the short tutorial video on YouTube HERE

  • Frame & Components:
    Inspect for any cracks, dents or damage. All components must be secure, undamaged and free from play or looseness.

  • Tyres:

    • Must be off-road style with knobbles for traction

    • Must be in good condition with no excessive wear or damage

    • Road/Hybrid tyres are not permitted (except on the pump track)

    • Tyre pressure should match manufacturer’s recommendations

  • Brakes:

    • Must function efficiently

    • Sufficient brake pad life to last the full riding session

  • Axles (QR or Bolt-Through):

    • Must be tight and securely clamped

  • Headset & Stem:

    • Must be secure, with no play or movement

  • Handlebars & Grips:

    • Bars must be properly aligned and secure

    • Grips must not spin

    • Bars must not extend beyond the grips

    • Bar end plugs are mandatory, open bar ends are not allowed

  • Suspension:

    • Must be in full working order, set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

    • Should be maintained by a qualified suspension technician

 

Riding a poorly maintained or unsuitable bike puts you and others at risk. Please take these checks seriously and ride responsibly.

Still have a question?

If you have any questions, please contact the Event Director Si Paton [email protected] or call/text 07968 229 359 anytime between 08:00 and 20:00, 7 days a week.