THE RIDING

Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport with the distinct possibility of severe injuries, or even worse.

No matter where you ride or how well you know the course you should never ride beyond your skill level and always ride in control and in a sensible manner. Riding in control does not just mean being able to stop, it also means having the requisite skills to recognise and avoid potentially dangerous situations on the course. You must also be able to recognise where it is safe to stop on the course you are riding. Avoiding accidents with other riders is an essential mountain biking skill. Riders must use the course in a sensible manner compatible with their level of experience. Riders should walk the course, observing current ground conditions, making yourself aware of any obstacles prior to riding the course. We ask riders to accept that they will ride the course at their own risk and accept that no liability can be accepted by the event organisers.

Eastnor Deer Park is a beautiful venue and we openly encourage you to bring your bike and ride if you know that your bicycle and yourself are both fit for purpose.  All of the courses when not in use for either practice or racing will be open for you to ride. The cost is £5.00 per rider payable in advance when you purchase your festival ticket or at at rider registration (at the event) as you will need to sign in and receive a number board and cable ties to ride any of the courses.

Intermediate trails require a higher level of skill and stamina from the rider. Expect a higher frequency of technical features. Trail surfaces may have more exposed roots and rocks than entry level trails and maybe loose and variable. The trails are generally flowing and undulating and can allow riders to pick up speed if they are confident of their ability. If you are unable to ride this you must not ride the trails.

More challenging and steeper gradients, with some infrequent sharper inclines and grade-reversals along with off-camber sections. If you are unable to ride this you must not ride the trails.

Riders must be competent mountain bikers in all weather and trail surface conditions, being able to brake safely on descents, corner at speed and safely navigate technical features including off camber sections. If you are unable to do this you must not ride the trails.

It is your responsibility to check your bike is capable of tackling the trail ahead, please ensure your bike has been fully serviced, maintained and checked off by a qualified bike mechanic prior to riding the trails ahead. You should also check the following, if any of the following points apply, you must not ride the trails.

-Inspect the bike frame and all of it’s components for cracks, if anything is loose, damaged, broken or dented.

-Tyres must be an off-road style tyre with nobbles for traction and in good condition. Bikes fitted with Road/Hybrid style tyres are not allowed (only on the pump track).

-Tyre pressures must be inflated to the manufacturers recommendations.

-Make sure your brakes are working efficiently and have enough brake pads to last the duration of your riding.

-Front and Rear axles (Quick Release or Bolt Through type) must be tight and clamped shut.

-Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play. 

-Handlebar and handlebar grips must be tight and unable to spin.

-Handlebars must not be sticking out from the grips. 

-Bar plugs must be fitted so that the end of the handlebar is not exposed.

-Suspension must be working as recommended by the manufacturer and set up and maintained by a qualified suspension technician.

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.