Trail Rides Wales    
Trail Riders
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Terms and Conditions if you have your own bike

Trail Rides Wales provide guided riding on legal routes (unclassified roads and byways open to all traffic) in Powys, Gwynedd and Ceredigion. If you have problems with your bike, we will assist to the best of our ability.

Please note:-

Riders who show no courtesy or consideration to other users, livestock or preservation of the surface of the green lane, put all trail riders’ reputations in jeopardy. If the ride leader considers the behaviour of any member of a group to be detrimental to our continued use of the green lanes, he or she will cancel the ride at any time during the day without refund.

Download the T & C here

All trail riding has some degree of main road riding. If starting from a town centre, it may be as much as 15 miles on tarmac before getting to the first green lane. Most days are about 50/50 trail/tarmac, although in winter we try to reduce that to 70/30.

It is expected that all members of the group share responsibility for behaviour. If any rider is wheelying, riding off piste, roosting or any other inconsiderate behaviour, other riders in the group should point out to him that it is not acceptable. In the event of cancellation due to bad behaviour, all members of the group will be led to the nearest main road and will receive directions to return to the meeting place. Although we do our best to accede to a group’s wishes with regard to route, start location and number, there may be occasions when last minute changes cannot be avoided.

We ask:-

  • You and your bike are licensed, taxed and insured for British roads. Please don't come on road registered motocrossers or trials bikes, as their gearing and comfort are inappropriate.
  • Your bike must not be excessively noisy. Noise annoys other users and residents nearby, and leads to their campaign for closure of green roads.
  • You must wear appropriate clothing, including a back protector and boots that cover your ankle and shin. If you are new to trail riding and do not yet have all the kit, you are welcome to borrow some from us free of charge.
  • If you open a gate, you are responsible for making sure that it is closed (by you or someone else). Please do not ride off, otherwise riders following may assume that it was already open and fail to close it. Or they may close a gate which the farmer has left open (waste of effort!)
  • Many groups use second man open, third man close, but some prefer one rider to open and close the gate. If it is a large group, do not close until the tailender has passed. If the gate has an unusual fastening, please close it yourself or tell the person closing how to secure it.
  • At junctions, please check that the rider behind you is still there. If he/she isn’t, wait at the junction. Eventually the leader will realise that he/she is on their own, and will return.
  • If riding on a grass surface, please accelerate and brake gently to preserve the surface. Once torn up, grass takes a long time to recover.
  • Please do not overtake the leader unless he signals you to do so. If he is going slowly, it is for a reason.
  • Please do not wheelie, do stoppies or roost. If it goes wrong (and it can do) you may injure another rider or involve a member of the public. Wheelies on main roads or towns may be witnessed by Police, and lead to the whole group being stopped. The day will be ended.
  • Please do not go "off piste" or ride off the track. It is the farmer's liveihood and it is discourteous to damage his land.
  • Your bike must have lights fitted, preferably working in case of fog or heavy rain, and it is suggested that your bike has a full size number plate fitted.
  • Please inform us when booking if you are inexperienced. As you have your own bike we assume that you are a regular rider.
  • If over 18, to sign an indemnity stating that it is understood that this is a potentially dangerous activity. If under 18, to be accompanied by a responsible adult who is participating.
  • Please arrive at the meeting place at 9.30am or other specified time. If you are going to be more than half an hour late, please phone, send a text or email to 07849 760722 (this number is given on the directions sheet).

Covid 19 supplementary T and C

No rider should attend if they or a member of their household has any covid symptoms. If you develop covid symptoms within 14 days, please let Marianne know. Thanks.

Booking information

  • In summer fees are due in full three weeks before your riding day, payable by transfer.
  • In winter, bookings are provisional until 48 hours before. Cash or bank transfer payment on the day is required.
  • Cancellation before three weeks incurs no charge. If you need to cancel after you have paid, you will need to choose another date; fees paid are not refundable.
  • If two days are booked, and you decide not to use the services of the guide on the second day, there is no refund.
  • We live at 300m (the same as Shap Summit!) and get snow every winter. Unless it is a light fall, we are likely to be cut off. All the roads to our village are hilly. If we have arranged to meet other than our house, and we cannot get out, a new date will need to be set.

TRF Code of Conduct:

  • Only use roads that the public are entitled to ride motorcycles on. Trail riding is lawful on green roads which are commonly known as unclassified county roads or which are classified as Byway Open to All Traffic. Motorcycles and riders must be road legal. Green roads are subject to the same laws as black roads.

  • Keep to the defined area of the green road. Endeavour to travel with least impact. Ride in the 4x4/tractor ruts and avoid creating a third rut, where safe, reasonably convenient, and possible to do so. Avoid straying from the road, especially on to moorland or farmland - doing so may be a criminal offence.

  • Give plenty of space to walkers, horses and cyclists. As a courtesy, on narrow black roads or green roads, stop and switch off engines when sharing the road with ridden horses.

  • Ride quietly and unobtrusively. Machines must be effectively silenced. Use the throttle with discretion, as noise does offend.

  • Honour the countryside code. Respect the countryside and those who live, work and play in it. Green roads can be valuable habitats for wildlife, take especial care in spring and early summer. Fasten gates to safeguard stock, except those tied open for land management purposes.

  • Travel at a speed which is safe and sustainable for the road surface. Ride at an unobtrusive speed, taking regard of conditions and visibility. Be prepared to stop within a maximum of a third of the distance in which you can see the road ahead. Excessive speed increases wear on the road surface, avoid travelling at high impact speeds above the voluntary recommended maximum of 25mph.

  • Endeavour to be a good ambassador for motorcycling. Be courteous to other road users and respect their equal entitlement to use the road. Bear in mind the difficulties of others and try not to add to them. Acknowledge others with a friendly wave or other suitable gesture. Responsible trailriding is a form of quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Maintain the standard of a responsible trailrider, so as not to disturb the tranquillity of National Parks and peaceful areas of the countryside.