JOINING & FAQs
FAQs
What rides do you organise?
Each month in term time, we put on two weekend day rides, roughly two weeks apart. These are all at Ashton Court, in a safe and traffic free environment, mostly on all-weather trails.
SPOKE rides are for young shredders who are confident enough to ride off road without their parents, in small groups of similar-ability children. SPOKE stands for 'Send Parents Off Kids Exclusive'. There are two groups on each SPOKE ride - for newer riders and those with a bit more experience. The minimum wheel size (normally) is 20 inch, but any well-maintained bike is fine (it doesn't have to be a 'proper' mountain bike). These rides are led by a British Cycling Level 2 trained leader, and they have a parent volunteer to help out too. Rides last an hour and we ask parent or guardians to stay in Ashton Court for their duration (there's a good cafe or it's a gorgeous place for a walk). To join a SPOKE ride, your child will need to be a member (which costs a one-off £15) and registered for that ride.
HUB rides are for young shredders and their parents or guardians. These rides are for anyone and all, and we organise groups based on who turns up, trying to put groups together of similar abilities. There will always be a Shredders leader present, but they aren't responsible for your child. These rides are as much about getting the grown ups on the trails as the children. They are a great way to meet other families who like to shred.
When we ride?
Check out this calendar (in the "RIDES" tab of this website), showing when our forthcoming SPOKE and HUB rides are!
To join the SPOKE rides, your child needs to be a member. This costs £15 (one off). You can download and complete the registration form here (https://forms.gle/KE4q1eA9dm3HAuYj7
). If there are any problems with this form, please contact bristolshredders@gmail.com. When we have received the form one of the committee will send over the payment details and welcome you to the club! Once a member, you'll receive monthly emails with the Eventbrite link so you can sign up for the SPOKE rides. These are about £7 per ride.
To join a HUB ride please just come along (parents and children riding together).
How do I get in touch?
Either use the contact form on this website or email us on bristolshredders@gmail.com
What if I have a welfare/safeguarding issue to raise?
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our welfare lead (Oli Cain): oliver.cain79@gmail.com
What age are the rides for?
The SPOKE rides are aimed at 5-12yr olds but if you think you'd like to join a ride and you are outside of this age range please get in touch for a chat.
The HUB rides are for anyone and everyone (parents and children riding together).
How good do I need to be?
For our SPOKE rides we generally split into two groups:
- Our rides for "newer riders" are suitable for anyone who can ride a bike on a flat path/road. You don't need any experience of mountain biking to join us.
- Our rides for "more experienced" riders are suitable for people with a bit more riding experience that ride with confidence on off road terrain.
Is everyone friendly?
We think so, but you'll have to come along to see for yourself! We are all just so excited to be able to share our love of mountain biking with people new to the sport.
How do I sign up to a ride?
We will advertise the rides on this website, via FaceBook, via Instagram and by the email address that you fave us when you joined. You then sign up to the ride using the links we send you.
What sort of bike do I need?
The most important thing is that the bike is working well, properly maintained and is safe to ride. Make sure your brakes are working properly, the gears shift easily (if you have gears) and the tires are pumped up. The minimum wheel size (normally) is 20 inch but it doesn't have to be a 'proper' mountain bike. If you have a "mountain bike" that's great but we have lots of people that ride on all around bikes. Just keep in mind that some sections get a bit muddy and slippery so if your bike has very smooth/slick tires it might not be suitable for riding off road.
What should I bring?
You will need a fully working bike suitable for off road riding. You will also need a helmet that is in good condition and fits properly. Please also bring clothing suitable for the weather (this often means a water proof and something warm), a water bottle and a snack. If you have a pair of gloves for biking or that you can bike in when it is cold please bring them as well.
What if the weather isn't good?
We make every effort to ride whatever the weather and wear warm and waterproof kit. However, there may be some times that it would be necessary to cancel the ride. If we do have to cancel a ride we will let you know as soon as we can.
Where do you meet?
We meet in Ashton Court at the Golf Club Car Park on the patch of grass between the car park and the miniature railway.
What if I'm late?
Please do your best to let us know if you are running late on the day. We will wait for you to arrive if we can!
What qualifications do the leaders have?
With each SPOKE ride there will be a leader who has the British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader Award. Part of this qualification is also being trained in outdoor first aid. We also always try to have a parent volunteer ride with each group.
What if I don't want photos taken of my child?
That's no problem! Please just let us know if you would prefer to not have photos taken of your child.
Club policies
We follow British Cycling guidance for safeguarding and data privacy. Please email bristolshredders@gmail.com if you would like to be a sent a copy of any of our policies.
Who is on your committee?
Our committee is:
Ollie Cain - Ride Leader and Club Chair
Fi Wilson - Membership Secretary and Treasurer, Ride Leader
Emma Hills - Volunteer Co-ordinator
Dan Summers and James West - Ride Leaders
Vicky Dixon - Safeguarding Lead
If you would like to be part of the club as a committee member, ride leader or volunteer parent, please get in touch!
