Get on your bike.
Join us for our NEW Open Cycle sessions!
Our off-road enclosed cycle circuit provides a safe space away from traffic, on our private estate, to enjoy riding a mountain bike. With varying degrees of difficulty, specifically designed for skills progression, our circuit includes:
- Fast and flowy off-road trail levels graded for beginner to intermediate skills
- North shore style wooden skills elements including low rollers, snake run, clatter bridge, and a suspension bridge
- Technical trail features including sweeping berms, switchbacks, and a rock garden
Parking on our site is available free of charge, with designated parking near the cycle circuit.
Important Information – Read Before You Join Us
We want everyone to enjoy themselves, and as such your safety is our top priority. Please do take note of the following information so you know what to expect, and what to bring to ensure a fuss free enjoyable time on our site.
Our Cycle Circuit
We are not an advanced trail centre. Our circa 2km course is designed for beginners and intermediate riders, who will experience uni-directional trails linked at various sections, and a number of technical features similar to those you will find on blue, green and red trail routes. You certainly do not have to be an expert at mountain biking to enjoy our trails, and even if you are a novice, we’d encourage you to give it a go. It’s also worth noting that our circuit is not a garden, and you will be cycling in terrain surrounded by wild flowers and tall grass – which is all part of the fun!
Supervision of Young People
There is no minimum age limit for our Open Cyles, but cyclists must be confident and competent on a mountain bike. During sessions, children and young people must be supervised at all times. If you are not taking part with your child, you will be required to remain off the trails and remain within the viewing areas.
Please note that our Open Cycle sessions will be open to the public, and we will not be placing any restrictions on age during specific slots, which means a young cyclist who is a beginner may be sharing the circuit with a more advanced rider. All participants should be aware of this, and we ask for respect and consideration of those riding with different skills levels.
Equipment
No helmet, no ride! It’s that simple. This is non-negotiable, and anyone who uses our facility must wear a helmet. This is without a doubt the single most important part of your cycling kit, and is often the difference between a very serious head injury and a simple bump on the head. Please make sure the helmet fits correctly, with the straps correctly adjusted, the helmet covering the forehead, not tipping backwards or forwards, and the straps fitting neatly around the ears.
Gloves are highly recommended for protection. This is not always obvious, but think about what happens when you fall – the first instinct is to reach out to the floor with hands to break a fall. Almost inevitably, fingers and hand palms are the first to touch the ground. Wearing gloves will at the very least keep you from losing a layer of skin on your hands and fingers.
Which Bike? You don’t need a fancy full suspension bike, but you will need one with gears, working brakes and knobbly tyres, capable of navigating off-road terrain. We recommend a mountain bike; but if you have a cyclo-cross bike or any other bike you have used off-road, this should be fine. We do not recommend push bikes or road bikes.
Spares/ Tools. Do please check your bike before you leave home – do an M-check, and ensure you’ve sorted out any repairs in good time so you can enjoy your session fuss-free. Unfortunately, we don’t have an on-site bike service team, nor do we carry any spares, so remember to pack your tool kit, tyre repair kit, bike pump, and anything else you may need.
Open Cycle Dates & Time Slots
- Tuesday 29th October – 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
- Wednesday 30th October – 9am-10am, 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
- Thursday 31st October – 9am-10am, 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
- Friday 1st November – 9am-10am, 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm
IMPORTANT: There is a limit of 24 riders permitted per hourly slot. There is a risk that you will be turned away if you arrive later than when the slot starts, so do be prepared for this, or to wait for the next slot. We ask all riders to be respectful of timings, and leave the circuit when your slot has ended.
How Does It Work?
The sessions are on a first come first served basis. These are not pre-bookable.
When you arrive on site, you will need to report to our Leisure Centre first. Drive all the way to the top of the drive, and park in front of the Leisure Centre building, in the main car park. Head into the building, and a member of our wonderful team will be on hand to welcome you, and run you through our simple process before accessing the track:
- Register your details
- Obtain a wristband for your time slot
- Make payment
- Read and complete a rider waiver
You will then be able to enjoy your session at your own pace.
Prices
- £5 per rider, all ages
- Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £16, with additional children charged at £5
What Else To Bring?
- Check the weather and dress appropriately. Layers are always a good idea – you need to stay warm if it’s cold, or be able to cool down effectively if you get too hot. This is the best way to ensure your temperature is regulated – you can pile them on if you get cold, and peel them off if you get too hot.
- Water is essential so don’t forget this. If you run out, pop into our Leisure Centre to refill your bottle.
- Energy boosting snacks such as chocolate or cereal bars are a very good idea. If you get hungry and need a nibble, do visit our Leisure Centre tuck shop.
Any questions, please email hellosportscentre@londonyouth.org
