INTRODUCING SURVIVAL SKILLS MINI RIDE-OUTS FOR 2022

This is actually a reboot of a plan I formulated in 2019, but for one reason and another, I failed to get any organised. And of course COVID did for much of the 2020 and 2021 riding seasons. 

Anyway, here's the idea. I know that some riders are put off group riding by the high-speed, crash-happy reputation of big ride-out groups, so the first thing I want to say is that's NOT what I'm planning. These rides will NOT be high-speed blasts as I like to look at the countryside I'm riding through. If you're on an A2 bike, you'll be perfectly at home on these rides. 

The jaunts will be for just a few riders - in fact, a maximum of five bikes per ride-out. That makes them ideal for riders who find big groups intimidating. 

They won't be long - under 100 miles and something like 60 to 75 minutes riding each way - and we'll have a leisurely mid-ride break to rest and socialise - so rides will typically be around three to a maximum of four hours total. Keeping the rides reasonably short and relaxed means they are accessible to riders who aren't used to longer rides. 

And I'm planning MORNING rides from late spring to early autumn, plus EVENING rides when the daylight hours allow

CONVENIENT START POINTS AROUND THE M25 & OXFORDSHIRE

Although we'll be starting from locations around the M25, I know plenty of interesting and scenic routes which will mostly avoid the main A roads and be along B roads or wider minor roads. An alternative start point near Oxford will allow us to get out onto some great roads in the Cotswolds

If we're starting in the morning I'll also try to make a stop for a decent early lunch rather than the standard greasy spoon. Where possible I'll make an interim stop at a farm shop too, just in case you fancy some nice produce. If it's an evening ride, we'll just have a short break somewhere so bring along your own food and drink.

You'll be riding with an experienced trainer too - whilst I won't be offering any training, I'll be happy to discuss anything to do with riding. And I may just have a few copies of my books with me available to buy. 

A COUPLE OF OTHER POINTS

:: rides will be WEATHER DEPENDENT. I'll be keeping an eye on the forecast and if it looks like a wet day, I'll postpone. They're meant to be fun rides, so there's no point in going for a ride in pouring rain on wet roads. 

:: rides are PRE-BOOK ONLY - you can book the first ride via the EVENTS page. No turning up on the day with a bunch of mates, please. But if you realise you can't make it please let me know so I can offer your place to someone else. If a ride is fully booked, drop me a line and I'll put you on the reserve list and offer you a place on a repeat ride from the same location. 

I'm anticipating weekend dates and weekday evening would be more popular, but there's no reason runs can't be during daytime during the week too - drop me a line if you'd prefer that. Similarly, if you know a couple of people and would like me to put a ride together especially for you, let me know. 

CHECK THE EVENTS PAGE FOR DATES