TOP PICKS JUMPS WORKSHOP 16th March Our jumps workshop is going to be an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to develop their skills and learn something new. We have a fantastic partnership with Bike Ranch, who have helped us create a jumps line that is perfect for beginners. With coaching provided, you will be able to receive guidance and feedback as you practice your jumps. The course is designed to be friendly and approachable, so you can feel confident as you learn. We understand that taking to the air can be daunting, but with our rollable jumps, you’ll be able to build your confidence and take your skills to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, we welcome everyone to come and join us for a fun and exciting day. So what are you waiting for? Make 2024 the year you learn to fly and join us for our jumps workshop on the 16th March. We look forward to seeing you there!   TOP PICKS KIDS CAMPS 1-3 April Our camps offer an exciting opportunity for young adventurers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and develop their mountain biking skills in a safe and supportive environment. Whether they are beginners looking to build confidence or experienced riders seeking new challenges, our experienced instructors are here to guide and inspire them every step of the way. For our younger riders aged 5-9, we have crafted a program that focuses on building foundational skills, teaching bike handling techniques, and fostering a love for nature. With a mix of fun games, trail rides, and skills sessions, this group is sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the trails and making new friends. For our older riders aged 9 – 14, we offer a more advanced program that delves deeper into technical skills, trail etiquette, and bike maintenance. These young riders will have the opportunity to tackle more challenging terrain, learn about bike setup, and participate in group rides that will push their limits and expand their horizons. No matter the age group, our camps are designed to instill a sense of camaraderie, resilience, and passion for mountain biking. We can’t wait to welcome all the young riders eager to embark on this thrilling adventure with us at Coed Y Brenin!

Staying safe on your mountain bike ride is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety:    Get a weather forecast:  Check the weather forecast before heading out.   Be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress accordingly.    Check Your Bike:  Make sure your bike is safe to ride, the most complete way to do this is an M Check.  A quicker check is:   Air. Tyre Pressures and suspension.   Brakes. Do they both work?   Chain. Is it rust free and does it run freely?   Drop. Pick your bike up and drop it, are there any strange noises, if so do an M check.    Check and Wear Protective Gear:  Always wear a properly fitting helmet.  Check that the helmet for cracks and dents before use.  Helmets are designed to take a single impact and should be replaced following a crash  Use gloves to protect your hands and consider wearing knee and elbow pads for added protection.  Glasses will protect your eyes from trail debris; clear lenses will give you better visibility than sunglasses. We use SMITH Wildcat glasses.    Set Up Your Bike  Make sure your bike fits you, it will be more comfortable, more efficient and safer.   Check out our You Tube film on Bike Set Up    Carry Tools and know how to use them!  Punctures and to a lesser extent broken chains will happen.  Carry some spares and tools and know how to use them.  Our You Tube films show you how to:  Mending a Puncture  Fixing a broken chain    Ride Within Your Skill Level:  Choose trails that match your skill level. Gradually progress to more challenging trails as you gain experience.  Avoid attempting advanced features if you’re not confident in your ability to handle them.    Share your Plan  Let someone know where you’ll be, a rough idea of your route and when you expect to be home.   Sharing your location with someone via your phone or a GPS tracker is another layer of security that you can add to each ride.    Stay Visible:  If your route takes you onto a road, use front and rear lights so that you can be seen.    Hydrate and Fuel:  Bring enough water to stay hydrated during your ride, especially on longer or more strenuous trails.  Carry snacks or energy gels to maintain your energy levels during the ride.    Emergency Preparedness:  Carry a fully charged mobile phone in case of emergencies.    Stay Alert and Focused:  Keep your eyes on the trail ahead and stay focused on your surroundings.  Avoid distractions like using your phone while riding.    Remember that safety is a shared responsibility, so always be considerate of others on the trail. By following these tips, you can enhance your safety and make the most of your mountain biking adventures. Finally make sure you have some FUN

Some of you may have seen recent articles (here , here & here) speculating on the possibility that NRW are contemplating the closure of 3 visitor centres at Ynyslas, Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin.  Nobody will be surprised to hear that government agencies are facing increasing budgetary pressures at present, there is hardly a day goes by without news of new cuts to services across the UK. These pressures mean that often, very difficult decisions need to be taken by service providers. Pedal MTB and our Partners Beics Brenin work closely with NRW at Coed y Brenin and were informed that a review of visitor centres was underway, with a board meeting scheduled for the beginning of February. This will discuss the outcome of the review and take decisions on the future direction of these centres. This timetable means that NRW are unable to give us any firm confirmation as to what the likely outcomes of the review will be. We expect to know more in the week beginning 5th February. It is important to say that we have operated at Coed y Brenin as Pedal MTB since 2018 and our partners Beics Brenin have been an integral part of Coed Y Brenin since 2004. We both have a long and successful working relationship with Natural Resources Wales. At present, we have received no indication from Natural Resources Wales that there is any risk of an end to mountain biking at Coed y Brenin, or to expect any immediate changes that would seriously disrupt our operations or impact our tender.  Of course, we also acknowledge that these are very difficult times of spiralling fiscal demands and it is only right that these challenges should be met by a thorough process of assessment to ensure that operations remain viable.  For this reason, we welcome any efforts to review the health of these visitor centres and their operating arrangements. Coed y Brenin has an important place in the history of mountain biking’s development in the UK. For many of us it was our first trail centre experience and for many more, their first introduction to the sport of mountain biking. Of course, this means we have seen a lot of concerned comments on social media, most have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. However, there are also those who have chosen to use this media speculation to add their own negative opinions, ignoring the fiscal backdrop to instead, take aim at mountain biking and the relevance of the trail centre model today. We wholeheartedly refute this claim, and see no evidence to support this idea in our data.  Visitor numbers, bookings, sales or indeed, the thousands of positive comments we receive from visitors about their enjoyment of Coed y Brenin clearly show otherwise. Coed y Brenin continues to provide great trail riding for all. Our Minotaur trail offers one of the finest introductions to the sport that can be found anywhere in the UK, while our epic The Beast remains a right of passage into

Having recently been taught to Wing Foil by the awesome Fun Sports in Rhosneigr, I was struck by how easy it is to just upgrade your equipment rather than focussing on developing skills and techniques; the same can be true for mountain biking.  Buying a new bike or component gives immediate gratification and a tangible outcome, learning a new skill however takes practice, time and patience.        Here are some key reasons why investing in mountain bike lessons may be more important than upgrading your gear:  Safety:   Probably the single most important reason for getting lessons.   Learning proper techniques and safety measures through lessons can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.    Mountain biking often involves unpredictable and uneven terrain, making safety awareness and skill mastery essential.   A well-coached rider is better equipped to handle unexpected obstacles and challenges, promoting a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.  Skill Development:  Lessons focus on improving fundamental mountain biking skills such as body positioning, balance, cornering, braking and line choice.   Developing these skills is crucial for navigating challenging terrains effectively.   Superior skills can make a significant difference in your ability and confidence to tackle difficult trails, regardless of the quality of your equipment.  Personalized Guidance:   Our Mountain bike lessons always offer personalised guidance from our vastly experienced instructors. This one-on-one attention allows for targeted feedback and corrections tailored to your specific needs and riding style.   Confidence Building:   Lessons provide a structured environment for building confidence on the bike. As you become more adept at handling different terrains and obstacles, your overall enjoyment of the sport is likely to increase.   Confidence is a key factor in pushing your limits and taking on more challenging trails.   Cost-Effectiveness:   Investing in lessons can be more cost-effective than constantly upgrading equipment. While better gear can enhance your riding experience, developing fundamental skills can lead to significant and long-lasting improvements without the need for continual equipment investments.   Efficiency:   Lessons can teach you how to conserve energy and maintain efficient riding techniques. This knowledge is essential for longer rides.   Improved efficiency can lead to better overall performance and enjoyment during extended mountain biking sessions.   Trail Etiquette:   Our mountain bike lessons always cover trail etiquette and environmental awareness. Understanding how to interact with other trail users and respect natural habitats is crucial for fostering a positive community and minimizing environmental impact.   Being a responsible and considerate rider contributes to the sustainability of mountain biking as a recreational activity.   While upgrading equipment often gives instant gratification and quick improvements, long-term enjoyment and satisfaction often comes from developing and honing your skills. Balancing equipment upgrades with investing in lessons can provide a solid foundation of skills, safety awareness, and confidence that can enhance your overall mountain biking experience. The combination of skills and equipment can lead to a safer and more enjoyable time on the trails. 

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