Guiding for trail riders
We provide guiding for owners of Honda CRF250Ls, 300Ls and Rallys, older trail bikes, adventure bikes and novice trail riders on enduro bikes. Because we ride trail bikes, we do not usually guide groups on modern enduro bikes (unless we already know you) but please feel free to enquire. We can usually come and meet you at your accommodation. Please note that our Google Earth was set 15 years ago and is no longer when we are based. We are at Staylittle, SY19 7BU. I have tried to update the Google Earth location, but without success. Sorry if this is inconvenient for you!
New to trail riding?
We are happy for novice riders with enduro bikes to join our hire bike groups, and if you are a TRF member, this is free of charge for your first time, as it is if you are on an L or Rally. We usually keep our groups to a maximum of six riders, so if, say, four are on hire bikes, we have space for two more riders. You may find our Hints and Tips page useful.
NOISY BIKES!
IMPORTANT! Your bike must not be excessively noisy. Many of the unsurfaced roads go through farms and beside rural dwellings, and to ensure continued use it is important that we are considerate.
Sustainability of green roads
We promote a positive image of trail riders, and many of the local people we encounter frequently are friendly to us. We are concerned to maintain a future for trail riding and it is extremely important that you ride with courtesy and consideration.
All trail riding has some degree of main road riding. If starting from a town centre, it may be as much as 15 miles on tarmac before getting to the first green lane. Most days are about 50/50 trail/tarmac, although in winter we try to reduce that to 70/30.
Although we do our best to accede to a group’s wishes with regard to route, start location and number, there may be occasions when last minute changes cannot be avoided.
It is expected that all members of the group share responsibility for behaviour. If any rider is wheelying, riding off piste, roosting or any other inconsiderate behaviour, other riders in the group should point out to him that it is not acceptable. In the event of cancellation due to bad behaviour, all members of the group will be led to the nearest main road and will receive directions to return to the meeting place.
Breakdowns or accidents
If your bike breaks down, we will do our best to help you fix it. If it cannot be fixed, we assist with pick up of bike and rider if we can. If you have booked more than one day and your bike can’t be repaired, you may be able to hire one of our bikes. Price will be proportional to our usual rate, less the fee you have already paid. Likewise, if you have an accident and cannot ride any further, but do not require emergency services, if possible, we will pick you and your bike up, and take you to hospital or to your accommodation. Please note that this service is not always available if both Colin and Marianne are out riding.
Booking
We do not ask for a deposit for guiding. In winter, bookings are provisional until 48 hours before. Cash or bank transfer payment on arrival is required. If two days are booked, and you decide not to use the services of the guide on the second day, there is no refund. Cancellation incurs no charge. We appreciate that sometimes things go wrong and you may not be able to come. If you fail to turn up and have not cancelled or postponed, any future booking you make is subject to non-refundable full payment at the time of booking. You can book by email, landline phone 01686 430522, mobile phone or text 017849 760722, or by filling in the form on the contact page.
TRF member?
Marianne is Secretary of the Mid Wales Group. We are happy to provide gpx routes with notes for rides in Mid Wales and South Snowdonia. If you do ride on your own, please ride through all puddles unless I have given you a specific instruction not to. Very few cannot be ridden if you are careful. The scarring that occurs on land from riders avoiding puddles leads to landowners asking the council for closure of the route.
Terms and Conditions if you have your own bike
Trail Rides Wales provide guided trail riding on legal routes (unclassified roads and byways open to all traffic) in Powys, Gwynedd and Ceredigion. If you have problems with your bike, we will assist to the best of our ability.
Please note:-
Riders who show no courtesy or consideration to other users, livestock or preservation of the surface of the green lane, put all trail riders’ reputations in jeopardy. If the ride leader considers the behaviour of any member of a group to be detrimental to our continued use of the green lanes, he or she will cancel the ride at any time during the day without refund.
It is expected that all members of the group share responsibility for behaviour. If any rider is wheelying, riding off piste, roosting or any other inconsiderate behaviour, other riders in the group should point out to him that it is not acceptable. In the event of cancellation due to bad behaviour, all members of the group will be led to the nearest main road and will receive directions to return to the meeting place.
If two days are booked, and you decide not to use the services of the guide on the second day, there is no refund.
Although we do our best to accede to a group’s wishes with regard to route, start location and number, there may be occasions when last minute changes cannot be avoided.
We ask:-
You and your bike are licensed, taxed and insured for British roads. Please don't come on road registered motocrossers or trials bikes, as their gearing and comfort are inappropriate.
Your bike must not be excessively noisy. Noise annoys other users and residents nearby, and leads to their campaign for closure of green roads. Your bike must have lights fitted, preferably working in case of fog or heavy rain, and it is suggested that your bike has a full size number plate fitted.
You must wear appropriate clothing, including a back protector and boots that cover your ankle and shin. If you are new to trail riding and do not yet have all the kit, you are welcome to borrow some from us free of charge.
If you open a gate, you are responsible for making sure that it is closed (by you or someone else). Please do not ride off, otherwise riders following may assume that it was already open and fail to close it. Or they may close a gate which the farmer has left open (which can separate a lamb and ewe in spring)
Many groups use second man open, third man close, but some prefer one rider to open and close the gate. If it is a large group, do not close until the tailender has passed. If the gate has an unusual fastening, please close it yourself or tell the person closing how to secure it.
At junctions, please check that the rider behind you is still there. If he/she isn’t, wait at the junction. Eventually the leader will realise that he/she is on their own, and will return.
Please do not overtake the leader unless he signals you to do so. If he is going slowly, it is for a reason.
Do not wheelie, do stoppies or roost. If it goes wrong (and it can do) you may injure another rider or involve a member of the public. Wheelies on main roads or towns may be witnessed by Police, and lead to the whole group being stopped. The day will be ended.
Please do not go "off piste" or ride off the track. It is the farmer's livelihood and it is discourteous to damage his land.
If riding on a grass surface, please accelerate and brake gently to preserve the surface. Once torn up, grass takes a long time to recover.
Your bike must have lights fitted, preferably working in case of fog or heavy rain, and it is suggested that your bike has a full size number plate. Police in this area will stop a group if numberplates are small.
If Police stop the group and any irregularities are found, the day ends.
Please inform us when booking if you are inexperienced. As you have your own bike we assume that you are a regular rider.
If over 18, to sign an indemnity stating that it is understood that this is a potentially dangerous activity. If under 18, to be accompanied by a responsible adult who is participating.
Please arrive at the meeting place at 9.30am or other specified time. If you are going to be more than half an hour late, please phone or send a text to 07849 760722. If you wish to email, please send it to [email protected].
