The rides

We have redesigned our classic loop to cater to two different groups running in parallel on the same date. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned rider, we have the perfect mid-week adventure waiting for you.

• Novice Group: This ride is designed for anyone new to off-road cycling. It’s a fantastic foundation for a new hobby and an ideal opportunity to try a new electric mountain bike. Our experienced guide will coach you through core skills, including body position, braking, gear selection, and how to confidently tackle small trail features. Our goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to fall in love with mountain biking.
• Open Group: This ride is for more regular riders who want to enjoy a sociable mid-week outing. Join our guide and a group of like-minded riders on a classic cross-country loop. This is an all-inclusive adventure, so feel free to bring your traditional mountain bike, your e-MTB, or even a gravel bike to enjoy the best of the South Downs trails.

What to expect

You will need a good level of fitness and be an active person to be able to enjoy these rides. If you have recently joined us on our introductory rides, this loop is the perfect next step. We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable and confident atmosphere for everyone.

All groups will meet at The Bicycle Exchange’s Cranks Café for a pre-ride briefing and meet-and-greet. After the ride, we will return here for post-ride coffees, cakes, and lunch, allowing everyone to share stories and relax (food and drink not included). If you are still unsure whether this ride is for you, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The area and the trails

This part of the South Downs offers an amazing network of bridleway trails that link seamlessly to explore this stunning and ancient landscape. Our classic loop takes in the prehistoric hill forts of Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring. The riding is a mixture of flowing double and single track, including a section of the South Downs Way.

This is a good old-fashioned cross-country ride, with long but rewarding climbs and open, epic views out to the English Channel. The terrain is not overly technical, however, a couple of the descents do require confident bike handling techniques. The ride provides an exciting mixture of fun and challenge for all levels, particularly for those in the novice group.

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 South Downs.

This route is a traditional cross-country 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. And lastly modern gravel bikes would also be at home on this ride.

This ride can be enjoyed on a conventional or electric mountain bike or gravel bike, whether you bring your own or hire from the Bicycle Exchange. 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.

Hire Bikes – 2025 Trek Powerfly +4

• Duration: 3 hours
• Distance: 12-17 mi | 19-27 km
• Ascent: upto 1,800 ft | 550 m
• Level:  Novice and open groups
  (If you have any questions about your level, just contact us)
• Meet time: 08.30am │ 09.00am on bikes
• Meet point: The Bicycle Exchange and Cranks Café, Wiston Estate

Equipment, kit and clothing

Essentials:

• Suitable mountain or gravel bike in good working order (bikes can be hired above)
• 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

• Personal clothing & equipment
• Overnight accommodation
• Pre, during or post activity refreshments
• Personal travel or accident Insurance

• This ride is aimed at almost all levels who like cross-country style mountain biking
• We would recommend that you are a minimum of an advanced novice off-road rider and or regular cyclist looking for a rewarding and sociable guided mountain bike ride
• To take part, you’ll need to be an active person who has the personal fitness to ride for at least 3 hours at a social and comfortable pace
• You should be confident riding a bike on roads or smooth terrain and able to operate it safely
• The route may include features such as roots and loose rocks, along with small rollable steps – all of which can be easily ridden or avoided
• The ride does contain a limited number of undulating and in places challenging climbs
• This ride requires a suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bicycles are not suitable)
  • To hire a bike, select this option when you book your space
• 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 Wiston and the Rings as a private ride

To enjoiy this ride privately, the 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)7840 724611.

Need to hire a bike? Add these using the ‘Extras’ drop down menu.

Meet point: The Bicycle Exchange on the Wiston Estate. There’s free ample parking and car free access to the trails we will enjoy. However, 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)7840 724611.

(All prices include VAT)