Difficulty: 4
Distance
17 miles
Ride Type
XC
Ascent
1,770 ft
Tour de Rings
£48.00 inc. VAT
Discovering prehistoric hill forts on two wheels with sea views and amazing South Downs bridleways to link it all together. This is what makes this cross-country MTB ride a sure fire winner for all levels.
Welcome to our backyard which is brimming with South Downs rides for beginners! This area of the National Park, is for most of the Marmalade team our home trails. The dense network of bridleways that spread out from the river Adur at Shoreham and high above Worthing and Steyning make this area a superb location for cross-country (XC) mountain biking.
“Why is the ride called the Tour de Rings?” – The simple answer to that question is that in our opinion a mountain bike ride around these parts would not be complete without taking in the two prehistoric hill forts of Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring. This loop that we take you on that includes circumnavigation of these ancient settlements, is perfect for any level of mountain biker looking to explore and take in this stunning area with its sea views.
Perfect for the new Mountain Biker
If you have recently taken up off-road cycling or have taken part in our other South Downs rides for beginners such as the introductory ride at Stanmer Park, then the Tour de Rings would be the ideal ‘next ride’ for you on your mountain biking journey.
What to expect!
You will need to an active person with regular cycling fitness in your legs to be able to enjoy our sociable South Downs rides for beginners. However, as mentioned above if you have recently joined us on our introductory rides, then this loop will be the perfect next step for you. In true South Downs style the riding is good old-fashion cross-country, with long but rewarding climbs and open epic views. The riding is a mixture of stunning double and single track bridleways to the super fun and flat out South Downs Way. The terrain is not overly technical, however, a couple of the descents do require confident bike handling techniques. The ‘Tour de Rings’ provides an exciting mixture to inject plenty of fun and a sense of challenge for all levels, especially novice mountain bikers.
If you are still not sure whether this ride is for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking here.
The area and the trails
This part of the South Downs offers an amazing network of bridleway trails that link seamlessly together to explore this stunning and ancient part of the South East. The majority of this classic ride handles the variety of weather very well but in places is exposed and therefore we would recommend packing an additional layer and your shades, when the sun is out and gleaming off the English Channel and the chalk.
Shredding with Marmalade
We pride ourselves on creating the perfect vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident to maximise your enjoyment during our guided South Downs rides. Combine this super fun and relaxed atmosphere with our expert knowledge and professionalism we will guarantee you the best day out on your bike to discover the trails of the South Downs National Park.
MTB bike hire
Visiting family and friends without your bike? Or simply you want to give this ride a go, but do not own a mountain bike? Then we can arrange day hires through our local partners, Chalk Pit Trails and or Hassocks Community Cycle Hire.
- Duration: We have all day, if we need it!
- Distance: 17 miles (approx.)
- Elevation gain: 1,770 ft (approx.)
- Technical Grade: Novice, but a cracking ride for all levels!
(any questions, please contact us) - Meet time: 9.30 am | 10.00 am on bikes
- Meet point: Shoreham / Worthing area (we will confirm nearer the time with the ‘info’ emails)
- Group size: 5-8 (max.)
What’s included
- Fully guided by a professional MTB leader
- This ride is aimed at almost all levels who like cross-country style mountain biking
- Have you completed our Rookie-to-Rider series or taken part in our other Novice rides?
- You are a minimum of an advanced novice off-road rider
- Or you are a regular cyclist looking for a challenging, rewarding and sociable guided mountain bike ride
- You are an active person who has the personal fitness to ride for at least 2-4 hours at a social and comfortable pace
- You will be confident in basic bike handling skills and proficient with operating your bicycle in the correct manner
- The trails will include features such as roots and small loose rocks, along with small rollable slopes. All of which are rollable or can be ridden around
- All the trails will have options to ride around features that you do not feel comfortable riding
- You have your own suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bicycles are not suitable for this ride)
- Contact Us if you would like to hire a bike
- The ride does contain a limited number of undulating and in places challenging climbs
- You are aged 18 and over unless accompanied by an adult also participating on this ride
- If this sounds a little beyond your current skill and fitness level, please contact us for other options
Equipment, kit and clothing
- Suitable mountain bike in good working order*
- Helmet*
- Gloves and glasses
- Backpack
- Spare inner tube
- Puncture repair kit and bicycle pump
- Clothing & shoes appropriate for cycling and weather conditions on the day
- Padded cycling shorts for comfort
- Personal choice of drink and ride snacks
* without these you will not be able to take part in the guided ride Our guides carry an extensive kit to assist with trail-side repairs
(IMPORTANT: your helmet must be within the warranty period from the date of manufacture to take part in any of our guided rides. See the warranties table tab. You will be asked to submit this information via our riders consent form).
What’s not included
- Bike hire
- Personal clothing & equipment
- Overnight accommodation
- Pre, during or post activity refreshments
- Transfers to & from location
- Personal travel/activity Insurance
Louise Pickles –
I recently joined Clive on an epic day out at the South Downs “Tour de Rings”. Despite the rain and the cold Clive made exploring the beauty and the many ups and downs of the area a real treat! It was evident that Clive knows the area really well and takes pleasure in showing off the natural beauty. He has an effortless way of providing directions while preparing you for the next bit of the trip and keeping up historical references to the areas of interest. It certainly piqued my interest in the 3 day South Downs Way trip! The day provided cross country mountain biking with a few spicy downhill trails – well worth the subsequent uphill climb. I had a brilliant day out and would recommend this to anyone.