When we set up PEDAL MTB Ltd back in February 2018, our aims were to share our passion for mountain biking and to provide the highest level of training that we could.    Over 5 years later, and with 200 Google 5 Star reviews, we are constantly looking to develop and improve what we do.  At the heart of this are our Core Values and commitments to all of our clients which aim to remove barriers to learning, development and fun.   We will prioritise safety.  Your well-being is our top priority. We’ll ensure that each session is conducted in a safe environment, and we’ll provide guidance on proper techniques and precautions. Feeling secure allows for a more enjoyable and effective learning experience.   We will treat you as an individual and every session will be based around your needs not ours.  We’ve seen and been on the receiving end of too many sessions where the coach / leader’s needs have come first.  This will never happen with any of our sessions, our job is to meet your needs not ours.   We will use simple language and won’t hide behind jargon and technical phrases.  Every activity has its own language, which is often just a barrier (think about watching a foreign film and trying to work out what’s going on).  We won’t do that, if you don’t understand what we are saying it is our job to put it across in a way that you will understand; this won’t involve saying it more slowly and more loudly!   We will take you to the right place for your level of skill so that you feel challenged NOT pushed.  Taking clients to the right place to develop their skills is crucial.  Not enough challenge and you will get bored, too much challenge and you won’t have the capacity to learn.  All of our sessions will be progressive and as your skills and confidence grow, we will look to take you to places that match them.   We will be honest.  We believe honesty is the best policy.  If we say you are getting better, then you are getting better, if we say it’s within your capabilities then it’s within your capabilities.  Likewise, we will have the more difficult conversations if your perceived ability doesn’t match what we are seeing; sometimes you need to go back a few paces to progress.   We will celebrate your successes, big or small.  Progress is progress, and we want to acknowledge and celebrate every achievement with you. From conquering a challenging trail section to mastering a new technique, we’re here to cheer you on and share in your victories.   We will foster a positive and inclusive environment.  Mountain biking is not just a sport; it’s a community. We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. Your journey is unique, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.  Remember, every ride is an opportunity for growth and fun.   Keep pedalling and enjoying the adventure! 🚵‍♂️💨 

Welcome to the second part of our 2-part blog on winter riding.  The first blog focussed on preparing yourself, this blog will focus on preparing your bike.  We’ll share our thoughts on how to set your bike up for the conditions and how to maintain your bike. The frosty chill in the air,  pristine snow carpeting the ground, and the joy of gliding on a bike through this wintry wonderland – there’s nothing quite like cycling in the colder months. However, winter brings with it unique challenges for cyclists. Icy trails, reduced visibility, and the cold itself can make for some treacherous riding conditions. But fear not! With the right preparation and some essential tweaks to your bike, you can confidently tackle these challenges and enjoy the beauty of winter cycling. In the first part of this series, we delved into what to wear for comfortable winter riding.  This blog will look at how to set up and maintain your bike. BIKE SET UP  We’re going to look at making sure you have control, that you can stop and that you can see, all of which are pretty important. Tyres  As the only contact point between you and the ground, tyres play a vital role in keeping you in control.  There are a couple of things you could change: Tyre Pressures. The cheapest and simplest thing to change is your tyre pressure.  The lower your tyre pressure, the more contact you will have with the ground, giving you more traction. Tyre Pressure Tips: Do Less tyre pressure equals more grip. Adjust your tyre pressure for better safety and experience the difference. You should have a lower pressure on the front tyre than the back. DON’T The pressure on the sidewall of your tyre as a starting point, will be too high. Instead, start around 25 psi and go from there. If you make the pressure too low, you’ll be more prone to punctures. Tyre Type. It’s important to note that not all tyres are the same with tread patterns, compounds and volumes making a huge difference to how the tyre performs. Winter often leads to muddy/slippery conditions and the best winter tyres often have a higher volume and more pronounced spikes on the treads.  When combined they will give you more traction. Tip.      If you change your tyres, ensure they are on the right way round using the rotational arrow on the side wall.  Putting them on the wrong way round will significantly reduce their performance. Brake Pads Pads will wear far more quickly in the winter than in the summer, so they will need to be checked and replaced more frequently.  The next choice is the type of compound to use, the 2 main types are shown below: Organic Made from organic compounds. The Good. Quieter Sharper braking The Bad. Faster wear Inconsistent in wet conditions. Sintered Made from Small metal particles are pressed into the compound. The Good. Longer lasting in wet conditions Consistent performance in wet conditions.

Whilst it’s still unseasonably warm in some areas, the days are drawing in and the clocks will go back in the UK on the last Sunday in October; change is on its way. This is the first of series of 2 blogs that will offer tips for making winter riding safer and more enjoyable. We will look at what to wear and how to set up and maintain your bike. The first thing to do is to check the weather – we use Yr.NO What to Wear The Norwegians are credited with the phrase that “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes”, which does have a degree of truth. There are limits however and the unique demand of mountain biking means that manufacturers and riders need to balance water / wind proofing capabilities with the ability to allow heat and sweat to escape; there will always be compromises. We always advocate a layering system, which allows greater flexibility in manging your body temperature than one or two bulky layers. Base Layers. These are close fitting items worn next to the skin, often synthetic materiel or merino wool, they will wick moisture away and keep a warm layer of air next to the body. Our preference is short sleeved as our arms don’t tend to get particularly cold. Mid Layers. Long sleeved jerseys with insulating and wicking properties, that can often be used on their own in spring / autumn conditions. Look for ones that are cut longer in the back to provide cover when leaning forward. Outer Layers. There are a number of options with outer layers. Jackets • Gilets – light weight, windproof gilets are a great addition to your wardrobe. They pack down to a small size and provide an intermediate level of protection. • Waterproofs – Long sleeved and breathable is the key here. We both use hooded versions, where the hood is cut so that it goes over the helmet. Check that the zips are waterproof too and ideally look for jackets that providing venting to allow heat loss. Finally, make sure they are cut with longer backs to provide protection when leaning forward. These will get wet and it’s important that when they do so, they remain windproof. • Windproofs – Soft shell jackets are becoming more popular, they can be worn on their own in dry conditions and, those that aren’t waterproof can be used under a waterproof jacket in cold and wet conditions. Trousers. Perhaps the biggest change in what we wear in recent years is the advent of well-cut full-length trousers. These are pretty much our go to from the end of the summer, especially when paired with winter shoes. Waterproofed versions are great when it’s wet. Look out for those with waterproof venting zips to allow heat to escape in between rain showers, especially on long climbs. All in One. In really wet weather, our go to is always the Endura All in One. It keeps you clean and dry