FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How fit do I need to be?
Mountain biking is a physical activity so does require a certain level of fitness. As a general guide, if you are fit enough to attend 2 sessions of aerobic activity per week, then you should be fine to participate in a mountain bike skills course or accompanied off road ride.

Is mountain biking dangerous?
A certain level of risk is involved but we make every effort possible to minimise the danger. We ask all riders to take responsibility for their own actions by acting in a safe and responsible manner whilst riding. But just incase... all instructors/guides hold a REC first aid certificate.

Do I need to bring a bike?
Not necessarily, but If you do have your own bike then bring it with you. We hold limited basic spares for emergency breakdowns but it is advisable that you bring any spares that are specific to your bike. We have bikes available for hire.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
YES... no helmet, no riding. If you are hiring a bike from us, a helmet is provided but if you have your own, please bring it with you.

What shall I wear?
This is dependent upon the time of year and weather conditions. T-shirt and shorts on warmer days with the addition of a fleece type top incase it cools off. Trainers make ideal footwear. If you own some cycling gloves, please bring them with you, although they're not a necessity. A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a worthwhile addition, anytime of the year! During the colder months a spare set of riding clothes would be a good idea, cold, wet clothes are not condusive to having a good time.

What other items do I need to bring?
A water bottle or drinking bladder and a small rucksack to carry everything in. A suggestive kit list will be sent with the booking form. If you're a regular rider then you shouldn't really need anymore than you would normally take for a day in the hills.

How do I book?
Either ring Stuart on 01650 521301 or email forestfreeride to discuss available dates and request a booking form.

What form of payment do you accept?
We request payment in full at time of booking by cheque made payable to Forest Freeride. Alternatively you can pay on-line with your debit/credit card via PayPal's secure payment page from our on-line booking form (you don't need a PayPal account). We will email you the form once your chosen course date has been confirmed.

Our cancellation/refund policy is:
1 month or more before course date - FULL refund
Less than 1 month before course date - 75% refund
Less than 1 week before course date - 50% refund
Less than 24 hours before course date - NO refund

If Forest Freeride cancel your course at anytime you will be given a full refund.

Should you need to change your elected date due to unforseen circumstances, we will happily re-arrange it at no further cost.

Where are you based?
North Powys in mid Wales. We are approx 24 miles north west of Newtown, Powys, 13 miles north of Llanidloes, 12 miles east of Machynlleth, 34 miles inland of Aberystwyth and 34 miles south of Coed-y-Brenin (compass points are approx). Our postcode is SY19 7BH (put this into Google Earth, Google Maps or any other postcode search facility for an accurate location). Detailed directions will be sent to you with the booking confirmation. OS Explorer map 215, grid ref: SH871975.

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Are your instructors trained in first aid?
Yes, all instructors hold a REC First Aid Certificate.

If you have any questions not covered, no matter how strange, please feel free to contact us and we'll do our very best to answer them. Telephone 01650 521301 or email us