Join us this spring for our Introduction to Mountain Biking – the perfect way for beginners get to know our sport. Based in the Surrey Hills, this is the perfect introduction for the regular cyclist or budding mountain biker looking for a sociable, relaxed but structured launch pad into singletrack riding. During the 10-12 mile ride we will share our expertise and knowledge, providing you with the perfect foundation to take your off-road cycling to the next level. We will stop in suitable places to share tips and advice on core bike handling techniques.

Our professional MTB leaders will provide a super relaxed and sociable day that will kick-off with the all important informative briefing. After a chilled start we will explore the woodland trails and bridleways that festoon the famous Surrey Hills. Depending on the skill level of the group, we will use our unrivalled knowledge of the trail network to dynamically adapt the ride – ensuring that your introduction to trail riding and singletrack is all about high fives and ear-to-ear grins.

What to expect

You’ll need to have a reasonable level of fitness to be able to enjoy this day out. Although this is an intro to mountain biking, it is suited for active people who are looking to try off-road cycling under the expert leadership of a professional guide. The riding is a mixture of cross-country on doubletrack bridleways and the super fun and flowing singletrack of the famous Surrey Hills. The terrain and trails we will use are not very technical, but they will provide an exciting mixture, especially novice mountain bikers.

The Surrey Hills experience would not be complete without a mid-ride stop at the awesome Peaslake Village Stores for a famous cheese straw or slice of cake and the option of a post-ride drink or lunch at the Hurtwood Inn.

If you are still not sure whether this ride is for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The area and the trails

The lush woodland that smothers these green sandstone hills is festooned with ancient bridleways and trails. This ride will perfectly link together the best introductory trails of Holmbury Hill – and maybe Pitch Hill too, depending on our progress on the day. We will introduce you to classic trails such as Telegraph Row and Yoghurt Pots – and many many more.

Riding with Marmalade

We pride ourselves on creating the perfect vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident. Combine a super fun and relaxed atmosphere with Marmalade’s expert knowledge and professionalism we will guarantee you the best day out discovering the trails of the Surrey Hills.

Friends of the Hurtwood

This private area of Surrey is a special place, protected by the guardianship of a registered charity. Away from the public rights of way there is a vast network of unmarked mountain bike trails on private land. Through responsible and professional mountain bike leadership and coaching we are proud to be a supporting partner of Friends of the Hurtwood, with full permission to operate here.

E-bikes or manual mountain bikes are all welcome, whether you bring your own or hire from our friends at The Riders Hub.

This route is a traditional mountain bike ride. There will be fun bumpy descents, rooty forest trails and wide-open double tracks. So a hardtail or short travel full suspension mountain bike would be perfect. Big travel bikes are welcome – just be prepared for some extra effort.

This ride can be enjoyed on a conventional or electric mountain bike. If this ride is right for your level of experience and fitness, then bring your choice of machine. Marmalade rides have a friendly welcoming atmosphere, and e-bike riders who find themselves first up the hill are always patient and understanding of those relying on human-power alone.

Ensure your bike of choice is maintained and ready to ride, and please pack a spare mech hanger with your usual trail pack spares.

• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10-12 mi | 16-20 km
• Ascent: 1,600 ft | 500 m
• Level: Beginner
  (If you have any questions about your level, just contact us)
• Meet time: 9.00am │ 9.30 am on bikes
• Meet point: Walking Bottom car park, Peaslake

Equipment, kit and clothing

Essentials:

• Suitable mountain bike in good working order (bikes can be hired in advance)
• Helmet (in good condition, with no damage)
• Clothing and shoes appropriate for cycling and weather conditions on the day
• Personal choice of drink and ride snacks

Recommended:

• Gloves
• Glasses, sunglasses or eyeshields
• Backpack
• Spare inner tube
• Puncture repair kit and bicycle pump
• Padded cycling shorts for comfort

What’s not included

• Bike hire – this can be booked via the ‘Bike Hire‘ section
• Personal clothing & equipment
• Overnight accommodation
• Pre, during or post activity refreshments
• Personal travel or accident Insurance

• This ride is aimed at the novice off-road cyclist and the regular beginner mountain biker looking for a sociable and informative group ride. As part of the day we will share with you the basics and fundamentals of mountain biking
• To take part, you’ll need to be an active person who has the personal fitness to ride for at least 2 hours at a social and comfortable pace
• You should be confident riding a bike on roads or smooth terrain, able to operate it safely, before joining us to look at off-road skills
  • For more basic instruction on learning to ride, try a Bikeability course
• The trails may include features such as roots and loose rocks, along with small rollable steps – all of which can be easily ridden or avoided
• This ride may contain undulating trails – and in places, climbs that may be challenging
• This ride requires a suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bicycles are not suitable)
  • See the ‘Bike Hire‘ section below if you need to hire a bike
• Riders should be aged 18 and over
• If this ride sounds a little beyond your current skill and fitness level, please contact us and we’ll help you look at other options

Booking the Introduction to Mountain Biking as a private ride

Base price of £240 is for one to four people. Add more riders for a group of five to eight using the ‘Extras’ drop down menu.
If you want a completely bespoke guided ride, then choose the ‘Custom Half or Full Day’ option from the ‘Experiences’ drop down menu.
Still not sure what experience is for you or have a question? Then please send Sean an email or call on +44(0)7840724611.

Need to hire a bike? Then after you have booked your private ride, scroll down or click here to reserve your bike(s).

Meet point: Once you have booked, we can decide on the best location to start your ride. This will depend on where your accommodation is and whether or not you require bike hire. If required we can bring the bikes to you.
If you want to discuss this before you book then please send Sean an email or call on +44(0)7840724611.

(All prices include VAT)

How to book your bike:

1. From the system below select the dates to match the ride you have booked with us
2. Select the full day option
3. Select normal mountain bike or electric mountain bike
4. Choose the size of bike, based on your height
5. Go to checkout and complete the bike hire reservation for each rider

These fantastic bikes, and this booking system, are provided by our friends at The Riders Hub. If you have any questions or problems around booking your bike, just contact the Riders Hub team and they’ll help.