Frequently asked questions

Home Where do we start from?

Swan car park (Rowberrow – BS25 1QL) at 8.00pm on a Thursday night. Either just show up or contact us on the mail below for more information.

ride@shipham-mtb.org
Who are we?

We have been riding the Mendip for the last 10 years. It started off as a few people drinking on a Thursday night at the Miners in Shipham. Then someone had the bright idea of trying to negate the amount of Cider being drunk. Since then it has morphed into a Thursday night mountain bike group with riders traveling in from Weston, Bridgwater and so on. That said – the social side is still as much of the night as the riding – so every ride is rounded off with après drinks in the Swan at Rowberrow.
Is it a club?

We are not a club – it is just a group of like minded people (both blokes and women) ranging from 16 to 64 year olds - who should know better than to ride around in the dark slipping and sliding in mud. The only cost if any is a whisky hip flask for those cold frosty nights and a bag of Haribos.
What is a typical night like?

We cover around 12 miles – down to 8 miles when we are really slipping and sliding. We start at 8.00pm and are usually back by 10pm. There is generally an ascent to a local peak, which from the Swan is around 500ft of climbing over an approximate distance of 2 miles. This is followed by a well earned downhill and another final ascent of the night- generally slightly higher than the first because we drop lower. All this is interspersed with stops for banter, Haribos and whatever else.
Home Is there any technical ability required?

Technical ability is not important. Riding up hill is what takes the time and this is usually on easier terrain such as fire roads. Waiting for people coming downhill never takes that long whatever their ability.
What sort of bike do I need?

If you have a mountain bike that is mechanically sound – then that will be fine. A Halfords bike that is reliable and well maintained is far better than a popular good quality bike that has suffered neglect and breaks down trail side for the want of simple maintenance. Of course there are mechanicals on a ride – but avoiding something that could be repaired pre-ride is the key.
What do I need to bring?

You will need a spare inner tube for your bike as a minimum – with leavers and a small pump. There will always be someone to give you a hand changing the tube. Except for June - you will need lights. We do have a set of lights that can be borrowed to get you going. However, a cheap set can be picked up for less than £50 these days. If you need lights let us know before hand and we can bring some along. Mail us on ride@shipham-mtb.org
Do you do any other rides?

If you want a taster then there is the Saturday ride for an easier pace. For the Saturday ride mail us on ride@shipham-mtb.org to make sure someone is riding.

We also organise trips away occasionally – Snowdon, Exmoor, Quantocks etc.