Beginner's Mountain Bike Weekend in the Lake District

Located in the Northern Lakes, based in Penrith, this is the perfect setting for our ever popular Lake District Beginners weekend. Our routes take us to the foot of the Pennines, through the Eden Valley and around Lowther Castle and Helton Fell. Using bridleways and forest tracks which are gently undulating, be prepared for stunning views as you ride along the open fells in what is one of the most picturesque parts of the Northern Lake District.

These beginners weekends have been specifically designed for those just starting out in mountain biking. Easy-going, they offer advice and instruction on riding techniques on a variety of carefully selected tracks and trails. This is combined with simple advice and instruction on basic bike maintenance given in a relaxed and informative atmosphere.

With a minimum of two Skedaddle guides, themselves enthusiastic mountain bikers, leading the way you can forget about finding your own route and concentrate on the fantastic riding offered by our hand picked trails.

Our accommodation for the weekend is a bed and breakfast and offers a little luxury at the end of the ride. Why not take advantage of the Skedaddle free train station pick-up service from Penrith station to avoid those Friday night traffic jams. With direct trains from London to Penrith now taking only just over 3 hours there's never been a better time to escape to the lakes for a weekend!

Our support vehicle is never too far away and meets us at several points throughout the day with plenty of delicious munchies to help keep the pedals turning, as well as lots of hot and cold drinks. As you take in the great riding and comparable views the vehicle moves off ahead to prepare our delicious buffet-style lunch packed full of tasty, healthy choices. It’s also got bike spares and space for tired bikers if the going gets too tough and you need a lift up the odd 'cheeky' climb.

Primarily off road, the routes vary in degrees of difficulty and to maximise the grin factor, each is modified depending on the ability of the group.

Each trip is kept specifically small; between six to fifteen riders and is fully guided by at least two guides enabling us to cater for different fitness and experience levels in the group and has the luxury of a support driver as well. By all means bring your own bike along or if you haven’t got one, or just don't want to get your own dirty, you can hire a top quality Giant mountain bike with front suspension and disc brakes.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Upon your arrival you will be shown your room and then you can join us at either the accommodation or a local pub, where over a drink and something to eat an informal talk will be given about the events of the weekend. We use a selection of quality B&B's and small hotels which provide us with a great base for our weekend and a warm welcome to return to after a day in the saddle. Tonight is a good opportunity to get to know our MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) qualified guides who represent Skedaddle's friendly and enthusiastic attitude to mountain biking.

Day 2
After a good cooked breakfast at your accommodation the guides will discuss the route possibilities available and requirements / capabilities of the group. Following this and having assessed the weather conditions we can then tailor today's route accordingly; this is made easier by the fact that our routes are often in our guide's backyard where they regularly ride themselves.  

The day’s cycling will commence at around 10:00 led by a minimum of two Saddle Skedaddle guides in order to be able to fully support a mix of abilities. The group will be met at various points around the route by our support vehicle for snacks and hot or cold drinks depending on the conditions, with lunch served mid way through the route. Our lunches are commonly a buffet style picnic with a selection of local produce put together by our guides (often their pride and joy!).
 
Following lunch the route will continue, returning to the accommodation mid afternoon. The evening meal will be taken either at the accommodation or a local pub. As many of our guides help out on several trips this is a good opportunity for those who fancy heading further afield on their bike to get an accurate picture of the trips from someone who has been there and ridden the routes.

Day 3
After another hearty breakfast to set you up for a day on your bike, we will discuss the possible routes for the day based on our experiences yesterday. The guides will go through the highlights you can expect during the day pointing out areas with particularly good scenery as well as sections of outstanding riding. This is supplemented throughout the day as we discuss the route ahead of us. As yesterday we aim to be on the trail by around 10:00 again led by members of the Skedaddle team. The group is met at various points around the route by our support vehicle with a selection of tasty treats, with lunch served mid way through the route. Following lunch it is back on the bikes, returning to the accommodation late afternoon for a quick shower before heading home.

Equipment
We provide everything except personal equipment, clothing and a bike (although we are able to hire bikes at each location.) Apart from your emergency tool kit and spare inner tube you will not be required to take any extra equipment. If you are planning on bringing your own bike we strongly advise a well maintained / serviced mountain bike with a minimum of 24 gears and at least front suspension as well as tyres with an appropriate level of tread.

What the price doesn't include
(A) Bike & helmet hire (if required, £55).
(B) Personal clothing and equipment.
(C) Insurance (if required, £13).
(D) Two evening meals and bar bills.
(E) Single room option.