We organise a cross-country Night Ride in and around Longleat Forest every Tuesday.  If you’re new to the club or an existing member everyone is welcome to come and join us, check out the details below for everything you need to know:

1. Where and When.
Meet in St Katherine’s Church car park, East Woodlands, BA11 5LQ, every Tuesday evening and be ready to ride for 7pm. Members are encouraged to ride to the start-venue, but where this is not possible, car-sharing is recommended. On arrival, please park your vehicle legally, carefully and considerately.

View BCC Tuesday Night Rider in a larger map

2. Fitness and Duration.
Nightrides last for approximately 2 to 2.5hrs, and anyone with a generally good level of fitness can participate. Riders self-sort into 3 groups of similar fitness and ability: the ‘Slow’, ‘Average’ and ‘Fast’ groups (or the ‘Super-social’, ‘Social’ and ‘Anti-social’ groups). Each group will always ride at the pace of the slowest rider within that group, and and no one will be left behind or get lost. All groups are led by our own CTC-qualified Mountainbike Ride Leaders.

3. Non-BCC members.
Non-members who are considering joining the BCC are welcome to join in for up to two rides, thereafter they must become a member of the club if they wish to ride with the BCC again.

4. Bring fully-charged and working lights.
Any decent bar- or helmet-mounted light of (say) 200 lumens or more which has been designed with night-time mountainbiking in mind will be fine to get you round the forest in the dark. If in any doubt speak to any regular nightrider or email any committee member. It is also a good idea to carry some form of back-up or ‘get-you-home’ light in case your main light fails.

5. Use a rear light.
A red rear light in ‘static’ mode, not flashing, should be used. Short sections of the nightride will inevitably be on public roads and use of a rear light here is law.

6. Ensure your bike is in good working order.
Any well-maintained mountainbike with working brakes and drivetrain will be sufficient. If in any doubt, get it checked over by a reputable bike shop.

7. No helmet, no ride.
Helmets must be worn on all BCC rides and should be a good fit, in good condition and free from any damage.

8. Wear appropriate clothing.
Cycling-specific polyester clothing is practical and wicks away moisture. Avoid flapping or baggy clothes which can tangle with your bike. Dress suitably for the weather and conditions. A wind- and rain-proof jacket of some sort is a good idea for wet and cold winter rides. Gloves are also advisable.

9. Food and drink.
Bring enough food and drink for a 2 to 2.5hr ride. Most people find one 750ml bottle of drink and a few snack bars will be sufficient.

10. Spares and repairs.
Assume you will get a puncture. Carry at least a spare inner-tube, a puncture repair kit and a pump. A multi-tool is also a very good idea for those emergency mid-trail repairs and/or adjustments.

11. Ticks.
Ticks are very evident in Longleat Forest. Check yourselves over carefully after any ride in the forest and remove the ticks correctly. Visit www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk for more information.