https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/Welcome to the RSS news feed for Rough Ride Guide. Copy and paste the URL in the address bar into your favourite RSS reader to subscribe to this feed.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Fly Up 417 - NEEDS YOU!!!FlyUp417 Bike Park are facing possible closure because of roadworks on the A417 road!https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Shires---Free-film-about-what-makes-UK-riding-greatA film that celebrates it all, from the landscapes to the volatile weatherhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Chain-LengthUseful article by Shimano, to help you achieve the correct chain length...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Hafod-Trails---New-bike-park-opening-soonA new, privately run, MTB bike park with an uplift service near Brechfa Forest is opening in spring 2024  https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Trotternish-Ridge-in-the-Isle-of-SkyeWatch Danny MacAskill and Steve Peat ride the Trotternish Ridgehttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Revolution-Bike-Park-to-re-open-this-yearRevolution Bike Park is reopening for the summer, but still faces closure in the long-term.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//New-bikepacking-route-in-YorkshireDesigned for gravel bikes, the Route YC Adventure route is equally fun on mountain bikes, combining a good mix of gravel paths, single trails, cycle paths and quiet roadshttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Perthshire-Gravel-WebsiteA website dedicated to Gravel rides in Perthshire, Scotland.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//King-Alfred-Way-accommodation-guideKing Alfred's Way resources updatehttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Three visitors centres under review include Coed y Brenin and Bwlch Nant yr Arian, which serve some of the best trail centre routes in the UK, and the third centre of Ynyslas.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Vallon-sunglassesNew cycling specific sunglasses from VALLONhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Mountain-of-Hell-MTB-race-(in-France)Find out what happened when a novice tackled one of Europe’s toughest downhill MTB raceshttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//SPOTY-unsung-hero-award-for-bike-park-founderThe founder of a woodland bike park has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year unsung hero for the West Midlands.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Pier-to-Pier-WayThe Pier to Pier Way is a new 13-mile cycle route linking Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Isle-of-Man---bringing-it-all-togetherPlans to connect mountain bike trails through woodland areas into a single network have been backed by the Manx government.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//UK-trail-centre-updatesSome trail news and updates from 2023; with new tracks and even some new venues...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Southampton-Outdoor-Sports-Centre-£30m-upgrade-approvedSouthampton City Council has awarded itself planning permission to enhance almost every part of the 150-acre complex, which was built before the Second World War. In June the authority said the scheme would go ahead if flood and drainage mitigation measures could be agreed with the Environment Agency. According to the council's website, the application has now been approved - subject to conditions.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cairngorm-Mountain-Bike-Park---NOW-OPENThe new mountain biking trails are now fully open - Summer 2023https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Uploading-GPX-filesHow to guide: uploading GPX fileshttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Mountain-Mayhem---Cancelled-for-2023Sadly the decision was recently made to cancel this years event, largely due to spiralling costs...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Belvoir-Bike-ParkA new Bike Park is planned for the midlands, near Grantham, in the Vale of Belvoir.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//E-bike-charging-stationsSustrans are working in partnership with Bosch to place e-bike charging stations along some National Cycle Network routes. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Look-Mum-No-Hands---cafe-closesSo sad to see this brilliant cycle friendly cafe closing with no plans to open elsewhere in the immediate future https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Rebellion-Way-resources-map-updateWe've added more cycle friendly accommodation, points of interest and luggage transfer service. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bath-Bike-Park-Bath Bike Park will sadly not come to fruition https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//North-Downs-Way-Riders-RouteA revised version of the (272 km/169 mile) North Downs Way Riders Route has just been released by Kent County Councilhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Peak-District-circular-leisure-route-plansA planning application has been submitted for an 86km circular leisure route around the Peak District. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Southampton-Bike-Park---reopenedWe're pleased to announce that the work has been completed and the park is ready for winter riding - whatever the weather. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Craft-Brews-UK-threat-of-closureThe excellent Craft Brews brewery and taproom/cafe which is found on the popular King Alfred's Way cycle route, has received notification of the termination of their lease, effective 16th November 2022, by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, a charity, who were gifted Pierrepont Farm in 2006, where the brewery is located. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Revolution-bike-park-to-close-in-Dec-2022Sadly, the Revolution bike park is closing at the end of 2022!https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Northampton-Bike-Park---NOW-OPENThe new Northampton Bike Park has opened...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//The-Rebellion-Way-Cycling-UKs-newest-long-distance-bike-rideFollow in the chariot tracks of the trailblazing warrior queen Boudicca on this 228-mile (364km) bikepacking trail around Norfolk.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Aberfoyle-waymarked-trailsNEW waymarked trails offering: 10 km (family) Faerie Loop, 20km (intermediate) Aqueduct Loop and 30km (advanced) Lomond View. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bike-and-Beers;-West-Berkshire-Brewery-Sunday-24th-JulyAfter our first fun ride out in July 2021, from the excellent West Berkshire Brewery we are excited to be back in 2022.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Resources-(Google)-maps-for-long-distance-ridesAfter the popularity of the resources map we created for the King Alfred's Way cycle route, we've started work on some others including the new Cantii Way...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Northampton-Bike-Parkhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//King-Alfreds-Way-Supported-Events---Just-2-weeks-away!Join a supported ride along this hugely popular epic route https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//RIP-Bernard-HeathThe accountant who created a network of mountain bothies - 1928-2022https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//London-to-Brighton-Off-road-@-NightLondon to Brighton off-road bike ride at Night bike ride 25th June - just a few places remaining and entries closing soon! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//New-Pegasus-Trail-in-DevonThis newly created walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding trail takes advantage mostly of quiet lanes and public bridleways will eventually link the Granite Way with the Ruby Way.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Dalby-Forest---500m-of-new-Red-routeCurrent developments at Dalby Forest include a new 500 metre section of the Red routehttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cantii-Way---A-new-236-KM-cycle-route-in-KentIn case you somehow missed the news, Cycling UK has released its 5th long distance cycle route, which our very own Max Darkins of Rough Ride Guide, wrote the guidebook for.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cannock-Chase-Forest---New-trailPerry’s Trail is a new off-road trail for intermediate riders and will be used as the backbone of the course that will host the mountain bike competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this summer. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//National-Cycling-Show---FREE-ticketsOn 18th-19th June, at the Birmingham NEC, get free tickets (normally £10)https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Route-newsUpdated information on our routes, be it recommended accommodation, cafes, trail conditions, etc... https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cantii-Way---The-next-new-long-distance-route-by-Cycling-UKA 145-mile (234km) tour of Kent starting in the village of Wye, near Ashford.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//European-gravel-eventsWe have a webpage dedicated to listing a whole host of brilliant off-road cycling events around the UK, but appreciate you may want to travel this year too, now we can, so here are a few overseas events that may tickle your fancy... https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Trails-for-Wales-updateAfter a long two-year process and several delays due to the pandemic, the recommendations for how to proceed with access reform in Wales have finally been published. The results are disappointing, but there’s still more to do.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Big-Dog-lays-down---The-Brighton-Big-Dog-event-ceases-to-runWe're sorry to report that the twelfth annual Brighton Big Dog will not be running in 2022, or thereafter! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//AREA19---skills-area-in-north-ReadingA small area of woodland, leased by the club to provide a range of jumps, drops and bermed trails to suit a range of riders looking to learn and improve their riding skills and a place to hang out with like-minded riders. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Brisker-Waterproof-glovesWaterproof sibling of the superb Brisker glove didn't fit our hands whatever size we tried. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Chisholm-Trail,-Cambridge-The Chisholm Trail is an new walking and cycling route, creating a mostly off-road and traffic-free route between Cambridge Station and the new Cambridge North Station. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Storm-Arwen-forces-the-closure-of-some-forests-&-MTB-trailsThe nation’s forests in the north of England have suffered significant damage from storm Arwen, particularly in Northumberland, County Durham, Lancashire, and Cumbria.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Glenlivet---new-trail-openedThe first full hand built track, “Glenduro” has been finished. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Skyline-trail-at-Afan-re-opensAfter being closed for several years due to the development of a nearby wind farm, the Skyline Trail has been redesigned and it reopened in October 2021. And reports are that it is really rather good. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Leith-Hill-GreenwayThe Leith Hill Greenway is a mostly traffic-free, fully accessible multi-user route between Box Hill and Leith Hill. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//New-pump-and-cycle-tracks-in-the-making-for-ScotlandThe Scottish Government and Sportscotland, in conjunction with Scottish Cycling, have announced the first nine projects to receive investment from the £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cheddar-pump-track---Needs-youWith time running out on funding grant deadlines more signatures are needed before the funding deadlines expires. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cornwall-to-build-a-new-cycling-facilityA £7 million state-of-the-art hub is planned for Cornwall, which will include a road circuit and a BMX track.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//West-Kernow-Way---A-new-Cycling-UK-route-in-CornwallCycling UK has announced the launch of a new long-distance cycling route in Cornwall, called the West Kernow Way. A 150-mile loop of west Cornwall starting in Penzance, the route has reclaimed many lost ways, and is mostly off-road route, with quiet roads, coast and over 4200m of climbing! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Queen-Elizabeth-Country-Park---Family-trails-plannedPlans to provide more family-friendly cycling at QECP have been announced, with the project being given the go-ahead having secured funding from Sport England/British Cycling’s Places to Ride fund. Construction is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2022. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bike-and-Beer-seriesCome and join us and other like minded riders for a fun and casual ride through the stunning Chilterns countryside, with refreshments en route and beer tasting and food laid on afterwards. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//FATHERS-DAY-OFFER---SPECIAL-TICKET-FOR-YOU-AND-YOUR-CHILD-TO-RIDE-AT-OUR-BIKE-AND-BEER-EVENTBuy one ticket for a Father & Son/Daughter ride together, with meal for both afterwards and beer tasting for dad.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//We-continue-to-add-new-trails-to-our-UK-route-mapWith new additions from urban pump tracks to trail centres in Northern Ireland and GPX files for long distance rides.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Updated-King-Alfred-Way-accommodation-and-refreshment-listDownload our free PDF listing of places along the KAW route. Updated 02/05/2021https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//West-Kernow-WayNew long distance cycling route for Cornwall announcedhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Glenlivet-gets-permission-for-2-new-trailsPlanning permission for two new trails and a connecting trail get the go-ahead! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Wye-Valley-Greenway---A-new-family-trailA new 7km traffic-free family cycle ridehttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Last-few-spaces-on-our-London-to-Brighton-Off-road-bike-ride-@-Night!It's going ahead and tickets are nearly all gone, so don't hang around!https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//King-Alfreds-Way-supported-ride---last-few-places-remaining!Grab the opportunity to undertake this wonderful 4-day adventure, with support and luggage transfer throughout. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bath-Bike-Park---UpdateExciting new news and details of the bike park... https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//NEW-Surrey-Hills-Bike-Park---updateHopefully a new Bike Park is opening in the Surrey Hills later this year at the old Ranmore Common BMX track. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bicycles-on-London-trainsBikes on (London) Trains - Bank holiday freedom! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//New-Red-(grade)-track-at-Dyfi-Bike-ParkSUPER SWOOPER - a track full of berms from top to bottom, this mellow track is a perfect introduction to Dyfi Bike Park.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Welsh-Trails-Need-youHELP MAKE BARRY SIDINGS MTB TRAILS OFFICIALhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//New-UK-events-being-addedKeep an eye on our UK Events page as more events continue to be added...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//No-Big-Dog-for-2021Sadly the brilliant Brighton Big Dog bike event will not be held in 2021. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Woodys-Bike-Park-reopeningOpening on 3rd April https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Lincolnshire-bike-parkWolds Bike Park is situated in the Lincolnshire Wolds, close to Horncastle. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Barbed-wire-trail-traps-found-on-Malvern-HillsMalvern police post pictures on Facebook of several trails with single strand barbed wire strewn across them at waist height.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Mountain-Mayhem-cancelled-for-2021 Mountain Mayhem will still not be able to go ahead in 2021, the organiser has announced. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Forest-of-Dean-trails-to-receive-resurfacing£51,000 refurbishment of Countdown and Launchpad in partnership with Dean Trail Volunteershttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Cut-Gate-trail-work-in-the-Dark-Peak-is-almost-competeThe Bog of Doom now has stone flagging to provide a year-round route, with more work happening on North America trail too, it is all hoped to be finished later this month.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Burlish-Bike-Park---Needs-YOULong standing dirt jump site between Stourport-on-Severn and Kidderminster seeks support https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Shoreham-Bike-Park---Needs-YOUTo create a park that caters for all types of bikes and riders as well as space for people to use skateboards and scooters, and parkour. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//King-Alfreds-Way-Self-Guided-Supported-Ride---a-third-of-tickets-sold-already!!Tickets go on sale today for this epic self guided, supported ride. Only 30 spaces on this classic adventure.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Have-your-say-and-highlight-trails-you-would-like-to-see-upgraded-and-rideCycling UK have created an excellent interactive map, where you can highlight specific trails you'd like to try and get upgraded t allow cycling onhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Continental-style-stopovers-planned-for-campervans-in-HighlandsA network of continental Europe-style stopovers for campervans and caravans could be created in the Highlands.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Travelling-by-train-in-Scotland-gets-easierThe developments to the West Highland Line means riders will be more easily able to access the west side of Scotland when it goes on to Fort William.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//UCI-MTB-World-Championships-on-BBC-IplayerWatch coverage of the UCI World Champs XC and DH racinghttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Snowdonia-360A 360 mile road trip around the best bits of North West Waleshttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bikeslice---A-social-network-for-cyclistsBikeslice is a social network for all types of cyclists, offering communities, a marketplace, events, discussion forums, profiles, polls and instant messaging. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//London-to-Brighton-Off-road-at-Night-2020----final-updateFinal info for L2BOR@N 2020https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//London-to-Brighton-Off-Road-Night-Ride-FAQFAQ to the London to Brighton Off-road bike ride...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Martin-Lewis---Money-Saving-Expert-on-cycling-Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, offers some tips and advice for cyclists... https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Singletrack-Tea-towelMTB theme artwork/tea towel of 2020 lockdownhttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bike-Park-Wales---ReopeningWe are delighted to say that BPW is aiming for an opening date of July 9th (for pedal up riders)https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Welsh-Trail-centre-reopening-updateLockdown rules in Wales remain dramatically different to the guidance in England with stricter restrictions still in place.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//ScotRail-unveils-active-travel-carriage-designScotRail has unveiled its active travel carriage, designated for carrying bikes and sports equipment.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//L2B@Night-a-dry-runSaturday just gone would have been our London to Brighton Off-road at Night bike ride 😢 https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//10-Great-family-friendly-cycle-centresLovely weather combined with the lockdown has resulted in many families getting out on their bikes; some perhaps for the first time ever. We thought therefore, it might be helpful to recommend a few top destinations for family bike riding around the UK. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//British-Heart-Foundation-London-to-Brighton-Off-Road-bike-rideSeptember 5th 2020 Event updatehttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Downhill-MTB-computer-gameIt's not just the usual high-speed, high-adrenaline downhill MTB game you might expect. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Governments-new-guidanceAs from Wednesday 13th May we have MORE FREEDOM, but how much and what does it mean for cyclists...? https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//MTB-bellWith the need to social (physical) distance and with so many more people out on the trails than ever, it's time to get a bell for your bike if you don't already have one. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Coronavirus-Update-(April-6th)-for-London-to-Brighton-Off-Road-at-NightWhere do you stand with your purchased ticket and what are we doing to reduce the risk to event participants.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Free-MTB-film-streamingSome FREE MTB films while social distancing...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//What-a-winter!This winter has been one of the worst/wettest I care to remember, but its not all bad news...https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//RRG-Events-page-goes-liveEvents, demo days and MTB holidays page (for numerous providers) goes live... https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//London-to-Brighton-Off-road-@-Night---selling-fastLondon to Brighton Off road @ Night bike ride places are selling fast - half of the tickets are sold already! https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Rapha-to-make-MTB-clothingRapha to make MTB clothing, in 2021https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Four-new-cycling,-walking-and-horse-riding-trails-planned-for-CornwallA new network of four trails across Cornwall for cyclists, horse riders and walkers have been backed by councillors. https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//London-to-Brighton-Off-Road-at-NIGHT-bike-ride-tickets-now-available!!!Get your tickets now - at the early bird price while it lasts!https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//RRG-new-events-for-2020---Register-your-interest-now!If you would like to find out more information on our exciting new events for 2020/1 that include London to Brighton at Night, The Ridgeway Challenge and London to Paris Gravel then follow this link and register your interest....https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//The-Boy-who-biked-the-worldA book (or 3), aimed primarily at children, about a boy called Tom who cycles around the world, drawn from adventurer Alastairs' real life experience. We love it, it's a great read and very inspiring (for children & adults alike).https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//UKs-first-indoor-bike-parkThe United Kingdom is now set to welcome its first ever indoor bike park after crowdfunding project ‘Dirt Factory’ reached and surpassed its £300,000 target in just 16 days.https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Bontrager-Flash-Charger-pumpA pump for tubeless tyreshttps://www.roughrideguide.co.uk//Pedal-Planner-MTB-event-websiteMTB event website