What is Trail Riding?

Trail riding is motorcycling on roads which never received a tarmac surface or where the tarmac was not repaired and the surface has reverted to grass or natural stone. Trail riding is fun, challenging, exciting, improves your skills and takes you into the most scenic areas of Wales.

Whilst trail riding you encounter fords, loose surfaces and sometimes big stones and rock steps. Most of our information is aimed at riders who are trail riding for the first time and who don't have their own trail or enduro bike. If you can't find the information you require, please email or phone 01686 430522.   (When emailing, please include a phone number.)

Where Will We Be Trail Riding?

For road riders without any previous offroad or trail riding experience, we offer two choices: a day which some find quite challenging and strenuous, or an easier day with lanes which avoid hills and rock steps. The usual day is near Aberystwyth and the easier route goes from near Machynlleth.

In winter we trail ride near Aberystwyth as there are lots of lanes without more than a couple of miles of tarmac lane linking them. In summer, we use a larger variety of routes when time for trail riding is not limited by daylight. Apart from the easy beginners' day, all our routes have a good variety, with plenty of hills and other scary bits!

"Just a note to say how much fun we had at the weekend! You’ve a nice approach to the trail riding: not too fussy or strict but serious enough (just) to keep us all intact. Thank you for the tips and coaching - key ones for me were positioning while standing and looking further ahead. We were chatting in the van on the way back and the bits we enjoyed and will remember best are the beautiful views over the valleys and coast, great hill ascents, fast valley trails, and Ian swimming in the deepest puddle!"
Phil, from Cirencester

Trail Riding - Our Bikes

We have trail and enduro bikes available, from 125cc to 510cc. Usually people who are new to trail riding are best using one of our trail bikes. These are two Honda CRF230s, two CCM CXR230s, a Suzuki DRZ400 and a Serow. The Serow has a very low seat height, so is ideal for riders with shorter legs. Our enduro bikes are Husqvarna TE250s and a 510. If you particularly want to ride a Husky, there is an extra charge of £20 for the TE250 and £40 for the TE510. However, if the group size or physical dimensions of a particular rider better suit a Husky, we will provide one for the same price as a trail bike. We have a Suzuki DR125 for riders on L plates.

For an explanation of the differences between our trail and enduro bikes, please see the More Information page.

We also have an enduro sidecar - not for the faint hearted! It has a tuned Honda XR650 engine, with electric start, in a custom built Kevin Hollister Racing chassis.

What Do I Need To Bring?

Nothing!   Well, nearly nothing - only spare socks, and a little cash. If you are riding in winter, thermal underwear (if you own some!) All protective clothing is provided. Depending on the route, we usually go to a cafe or pub at lunchtime, but if you wish to bring a packed lunch, that is fine.

Riding for Children and Adults Without Motorcycle Licence

For people who want to experience trail riding but don’t have a licence, we offer riding on farm and private land. The two farms we go to are very different: one is great for complete beginners and the other is mountainous and challenging. For more details, please see Riding Off Road page.

Please note that we do not usually teach beginners from November to February as conditions are often too difficult (either wet or frozen) and we are restricted in use during March and April due to lambing.

Can You Suggest Anywhere My Partner Can Visit Whilst I’m Riding With You?

The picture is courtesy of Jenni at www.equineramblersuk.co.uk showing a Tennessee Walking Horse and Icelandic Horse out in North Wales.