Group ride FAQ’s

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO JOIN A RIDE?

Nope, absolutely not. There are already loads of blockers to joining our rides. You have to be fortunate enough to own a bike, or have the funds to rent one. Then you have to either live in the Forest or have the means to get yourself there. Free thinking rides have to be free.

HOW LONG ARE YOUR RIDES?

Currently, we don’t communicate a ‘back by’ time. This is because we can’t predict mechanicals and we hate to put a time on pitstops. However, we recognise that 68 percent of women are primary caregivers and an end time would help people juggling caregiving with spending time on two wheels.

If knowing what time we plan to be back means you would be able to join us, please get in touch and we’ll establish a finish time.

CAN MEN COME?

We facilitate women and non-binary led rides. We welcome male allies who recognise the systemic barriers to women riding bikes and are keen to learn what they can do to help. Child care is a huge barrier to people joining our rides. If you are a man and are keen to join us, please consider offering child care to a Mum who is equally keen to join us.

DO YOU HAVE A STRAVA TEAM?

Whilst we recognise many of the community building elements of Strava, the league board, centring of stats and competition are not our vibe. You can crack on though, we love seeing women own ‘Queen of the mountain’.

DO I HAVE TO OWN A GRAVEL BIKE?

No. The 142 miles of gravel track we have here in the Forest are perfect for most bikes. People join us on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids and everyone has a good time. Don’t get swept up in the marketing hype of ‘gravel bikes’ and think you need one to join us.

WHO STARTED THE GROUP?

A bunch of women in Dorset and Hampshire wanted to find a diverse, inclusive, women-led group to ride off-road with. There wasn’t one so they set about building it. If there isn’t a women-led community near you, start one.

Not sure how to? We run an online workshop that is designed to help people kick start their own mission led community vibe. You can read all about it by click here.

ARE THESE BREEZE RIDES?

No. Promoting a bank that invests in fossil fuels is not in our plan to dismantle the patriarchy.

CAN I COME ON AN E BIKE?

ABSOLUTELY! We recognise E bikes as the life changing machines they are. Specialized have been kind enough to lend us a couple and one of our ride leaders, Sue, wouldn't be able to lead some of our longer rides if it wasnt for the Specialized Tero.

WHEN WILL YOU HAVE JERSEYS?

2000 and never. We would prefer to point you in the direction of women-led businesses that share our vibe like Iris.cc. Also, imagine showing up to a group ride and everyone is wearing the same thing and you’re not. Cycling is already spenny, no need to add a uniform to the list.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME THING GOES WRONG WITH MY BIKE?

Our rides are social rides, not guided. This means you are ultimately responsible for yourself and your decisions. However, there will be people on the ride who will be well placed to help you fix problems on the trail or help you get back safe should you need to end the ride. Our rides seem to attract excellent humans who will all be eager to help.

SHOULD I OFFER SOMEONE HELP WITH THEIR MECHANICAL?

Building confidence and community on two wheels means leaning into every opportunity to learn bike mechanics. If that means fixing a puncture takes an hour, it takes an hour. We have a 3 step, puncture etiquette guide.

1. ‘Do you want a hand?’

2. ‘Have you got everything you need?’

3. ‘Take your time’.

Job’s a goodun’

DO YOU RUN MTB RIDES?

Nope, not yet at least. With our group rides, we stick to what we know which is New Forest gravel, the odd bit of single track and bridle way. Never say never though.

DO I NEED LIGHTS?

Lights are always a good shout. Whether or not you'll use them depends on what rides you join. We do love a night ride as the Forest hits different in the dark.

DO YOU EVER ARRANGE ANYTHING FURTHER AFIELD?

Not formally, not yet. We recommend joining our Facebook group (link in bio). There are loads of rad people hanging out in there just waiting, pitched and poised ready to go on an adventure.

As a community, we love an overnighter, not just in the New Forest but in our second home, the Purbecks.

Go give @sistersinthewilduk a follow, they run loads of brilliant bike packing adventures. We can't recommend them enough.

WHY DO YOU SAY YOUR RIDES ARE SOCIAL, NOT GUIDED?

We don't subscribe to what British Cycling deems a 'qualified ride leader'. As a result, we are proud to be an independent community that organises group rides, we don't have insurance.

Everyone who chooses to join us does so with the understanding that they are responsible for themselves and their decisions.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Literally, whatever the hell you want. Lycra? Fair play. Checked shirt? Lovely. A dress? Sounds great. You do you.

WHO ARE YOUR RIDE LEADERS?

We have a group of excellent ride leaders who all volunteer their time to lead group rides.

We know that joining a ride for the first time can be very nerve wracking so we've got a page on our website with a little bio for every ride leader so you can meet them virtually before joining IRL.

HOW DO I JOIN YOUR CLUB?

We understand the confusion but we're not technically a club. The New Forest Off Road Club is more of a mindset than a club.

If you're out there, pursuing pleasure, leading with empathy and showing vulnerability, you're in the club. Welcome.