Off-Road Club Rides

Groups, Routes and Ride Information

Our off-road programme includes gravel and mountain bike rides throughout the week, offering sociable riding on bridleways, tracks and trails across Kendal and the South Lakes.

Our rides use a simple colour grading system to help riders choose an appropriate group.

  • Black groups are for the most experienced and confident riders, comfortable with faster pacing, longer distances and more technical terrain.
  • Red groups suit riders with solid off-road experience and good fitness who are happy riding at a steady pace on varied terrain.
  • Blue groups are aimed at riders looking for a more relaxed pace.

Off-Road Coached Sessions

We also offer adult off-road coached sessions with dedicated Women+ groups as well as mixed groups, providing a supportive and progressive environment for riders looking to improve their skills. Sessions run on Thursday evenings at 6.00pm from the end of July to the start of September, based at Holmescales Activity Centre. Coaching focuses on developing confident, controlled riding, covering key techniques such as descending, climbing and cornering, alongside skills including wheelies, manuals and bunny hops. These sessions are suitable for all level of rider looking to refine technique and progress their off-road riding. Members can book per session via Spond.

Weekly Off-Road Rides

Wednesday Evening – Gravel Ride
Gravel rides take place every Wednesday evening, starting from the New Union Inn, Kendal. These rides are usually Red/Black paced rides, focusing on mixed-terrain routes including lanes, bridleways and gravel tracks. Ride details will be shared on Spond.

Thursday Evening – Mountain Bike Ride
Thursday evenings are dedicated to mountain bike rides, held at various locations across the South Lakes area. These rides are usually Blue/Red paced rides. Locations and ride details will be shared on Spond.

Third Sunday of the Month – Mountain Bike Ride
On the third Sunday of each month, we run a longer mountain bike ride at different locations in the South Lakes area, making the most of the region’s excellent trail networks. There are usually options for Blue, Red and Black groups. Locations and ride details will be shared on Spond.

These are group rides but not led rides, so all riders must familiarise themselves with the route information in advance.

Off-road rides are grouped by ability, fitness and technical experience. Ride coordinators will organise groups on the day based on conditions and rider experience.

If you are unsure which group is right for you, opt for the easier or shorter option.

Code of Conduct

  • All rides are undertaken at the individual rider’s own risk; each rider is responsible for their own safety, fitness, equipment and decisions.
  • Helmets are mandatory and bikes must be suitable for off-road riding and in good working order.
  • No one gets left behind; we start together, regroup regularly and finish with the riders we started with unless otherwise agreed.
  • Ride at a pace appropriate to the group, terrain and conditions.
  • Be courteous and give consideration to all other trail users, including walkers and horse riders; slow down and greet politely.
  • Follow the Countryside Code and Highway Code at all times; leave gates as found and respect access rights.
  • Ride responsibly on roads and lanes, using single file where necessary and allowing vehicles to pass safely.
  • Carry suitable spares, tools, clothing and food for the ride and conditions, including lights if low light is possible.
  • Choose rides appropriate to your fitness and technical ability and inform the organiser of any relevant medical conditions.
  • Treat all riders with respect; aggressive, unsafe or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Avoid unnecessary trail damage, respect wildlife and livestock, and take all litter home.
  • The ride coordinator may change plans, split groups or ask a rider to leave if safety, equipment or behaviour is a concern.

Juniors

To ensure the safety and well-being of all juniors, additional guidelines and consent requirements apply, and all junior riders are expected to follow the club’s code of conduct at all times.

In addition to our junior rides, off-road coaching for juniors is available at Holmescales. These coached sessions focus on developing mountain bike skills, confidence and trail awareness in a structured and supportive environment, led by qualified coaches. Further information can be found here.

Non-members can take part in one ride and for this ride only they are covered by British Cycling club insurance. If they wish to take part in subsequent club rides, then they must be club members and in order to provide personal third-party liability insurance, we strongly recommend that members join British Cycling. Details are on the British Cycling website.

The ultimate responsibility for personal safety and well-being is with the individual rider. Cycling activities with the club are undertaken at the individual’s own risk. Wearing a helmet on a club ride is mandatory.

Those attending should adhere to all the following guidelines and carry their membership card. If the coordinator is not happy with your equipment or ability on the ride you may be asked to leave the ride. Always ride safely and obey the Countryside code and Highway Code. All participants are responsible for their own actions.