Finding it hard to get out and put the miles in this winter? Can't find anyone to ride with or willing to fight the darkness?
Don't fear there are loads of ways of having fun on your bike whatever the weather, here's our guide to getting out there meeting like-minded riders to share the winter months with.
Unless you're into cyclo-cross or track racing the winter months offer less reason to train or ride and are seen by most as a good excuse to rest up on the couch. Even if you don't want to race the winter XC series or club road runs there are plenty of fun ways to keep your fitness and build a good base in time for next season.
Inside training can be effective when the weather is really bad, the gym offers a pleasant change in routine and spinning can be a novel way of getting your leg muscles used to high cadence sessions.
Who says riding at night needs to be slow?
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Building the enthusiasm and motivation to get on your bike when it's cold and wet outside is a challenge in itself but howabout taking on a real challenge with a tangable and achievable goal? Why not buy some lights and take on the night?
There are loads of MTB events based around the darkness ranging from 80 mile epics across the North Downs to our favourites involving map reading and orienteering. The best part about these kind of events, where you visit as many checkpoints as possible in the given time, is that you race the clock and get to ride with a mate at the same time. It's all about team work and having fun, and the hours simply whizz by, plus you've put in a fair few miles too. In the past we've done loads of the evening Trail Break Navigator Races, see
www.trailbreak.co.uk for full details and dates.
The weekend and weekday evening events are open to everyone from beginner to expert, they offer the perfect mix of fun and fitness over the winter months.
The concept is simple - all you have to do is visit as many of the marked checkpoints as possible in the allotted time, all permissible paths can be used and it's the competitors' choice as to which checkpoints they visit and by what route. Points are gained by visiting checkpoints and the winner is the person with the most points, simple. The checkpoints furthest away of at the top of hills are of course worth more than others that are right next to the start point. Keeping an eye on the time is essential as penalty points are awarded for every minute riders arrive back late
Top competitors look to almost clear the course but beginners or new riders will be happy to reach half a dozen and get back in time.
So fitness, quick thinking, navigation, and good riding skills all go to build a good competitor.
- 1 Feb, Woolhampton: Two hour night navigator based at the Rowbarge Inn
- 15 Feb, Wantage: Using the Ridgeway and surrounding hills. Based from Letcombe Regis hall
- 26 Feb, Bramley: Using the North Downs and based from Bramley Village hall
- 26 March, Kingsclere: Using the downs on thr south edge of the Thames Valley
- 12 April, Goring Heath: Two hour night navigator based from the King Charles Inn
- 7 May, Princess Risborough: Using the Chilterns and based from Princess Risborough school
Check out our lights feature for advice on which lights to choose. Grab a friend and have a go. You can only get fitter and have fun!
