FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to the stuff we get asked a lot!
Which bike should I use – MTB or Gravel?
You can use any (off road capable) bike for any of our events. Even if an event is labelled as ‘MTB’ or ‘Gravel’ in it’s name, you can enter and ride on either kind of bike. So why is that, and which bike is going to be best for the event you have entered?
When we first introduced gravel to our event line up, we did so under the CX Sportive name, keeping the Trail Break name for our MTB side. But we’re in the process of rolling everything together under Trail Break, for one simple reason; gravel and MTB aren’t completely separate things. They are really two different approaches to largely the same type of riding, which is to say open hill / off-road / cross-country trail riding (which is exactly what our events offer). Now, that’s a fairly broad description, and “open hill trail” might cover what you think of as traditional MTB or traditional gravel terrain, or more likely, bits of both over the course of the same ride. And then there’s you to consider; depending on your individual experience and riding preferences, your definition of where the line falls between MTB and gravel may differ quite a bit from another rider.
So which bike is going to be right for you for the event you want to enter? To help you decide for yourself, you’ll find a suitability rating guide for different types of bikes to each event’s web page. This is all just a guide to help you decide which bike to use, or whether the event is going to be right for your bike; ultimately the decision is yours and you’ll be welcome at our events with any bike that you want to bring*. And if you’re really not sure, you can always contact us and we’ll be happy to talk it over with you.
Are e-bikes allowed on your events?
E-bikes are welcome on our events*. When you book your place on the event, just tick the “E-bike” box on the booking form.
E-bikes are allowed on our events. Please ride responsibly on public roads and trails (this applies to any bike!) and be an ambassador for e-bike use; help us establish e-bikes as a positive presence on on the trails through our events!
E-bikes will be noted on our ride results listings for information, but otherwise will be treated the same as any other bike, and subject to the same rules and ride time bands.
*To be allowed on this event, e-bikes must meet the definition of an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC) and be legal for use on UK roads and bridleways without a licence. For the definition and restrictions applying to an EAPC, see the government information at https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules. Any bike that does not meet the definition of an EAPC, or that has been modified to exceed the restictions to an EAPC in the UK will not be permitted on our events.
When will my event information / GPS / bike number be sent to me?
Everything you need will be sent to you by email at least 1-2 weeks before the event. In some cases you may receive information earlier, but an update / reminder will always be sent to you in the week before an event. The information you are sent will include everything you need to know to get to and take part in the event, including route maps and GPS file downloads. Nothing will be posted to you; physical items such as bike numbers will be ready for you to collect at event registration.
What is the minimum age for junior riders?
We have reduced price entry for most event for Under 16 and Under 14 age groups. As a guide, we say that our events may not be suitable for most under 12s, but we don’t have a strict set minimum age for junior riders, as age is not always a good gauge of ability. However, we do require a parent or guardian to vouch for a junior riders ability and to accompany, and take responsibility for them on ther ride. If you are not sure whether an event may be suitable for your child, please feel free to phone or email us and we will try to advise you.
I can't now attend. What are my cancellation options?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page for latest information regarding cancellations, refunds & transfers.
Does the ride start and finish in the same place?
All of our rides are circular (or out and back) routes, so you finish back at the event base where you started, with just one exception. The South Downs Century (or South Downs 100) is an end to end along the full length of the South Downs Way, so the start and finish are in different places (and you will need to arrange your own travel logistics). Every other event features a single start and finish in the same place to keep it nice and simple for you.
What is provided at the feed / support stations?
All of our events will feature at least one support station. The number of stations and what you will find there may vary per event.
Events with Full Routes up to 50km feature a drinks station with energy mix available, as many riders don’t need a full feed on rides of this distance. This is reflected in the lower entry price of these shorter events – we don’t want to charge you extra in your entry fee for food you might not want or need. If you do want food to carry with you on the ride, a selection of suitable snacks are available to purchase at the start, or you can bring something of your own. This drinks station will usually be manned and our team will be happy to provide general and mechanical assistance if needed.
Events with Full Routes over 50km feature a full feed station, as we expect most riders will need some level of food support for longer distances. We focus on providing you with food that is good for quick refuelling to keep you going (there will be ‘comfort food’ available at the finish in the form of our delicious chilli, pasties and more!) Longer events may feature more than one support station based on necessity. These feed/support stations will be manned and our team will be happy to provide general and mechanical assistance if needed.