Please reach us at surreyhillscycling@gmx.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Ideally yes. We don't have hire bikes and whilst borrowing/hiring one is always an option (see out links page for one such local provider), if you're doing any sort of distance on the road, being on your own bike that your familiar with and that as been fitted to you is always preferable.
We don't mind if you're new to riding a road bike or if you're a seasoned World Tour pro, but we do request that as a minimum you are competent at riding a bike, you are happy cycling on the road and you have a good understanding of the highway code. You are responsible for your own safety while riding and will be required to sign a waiver prior to the ride.
Whether you're riding with us at the start of your cycling 'career' or if you're a finely tuned athlete, we'll set the ride pace to suit you (within reason). First and foremost we're about enjoying the ride, the roads and the scenery that the Surrey Hills has to offer - not staring at the stem saving watts or trying to find your lungs!
Don't panic, we will be guided by you and set a pace that you're comfortable with and can maintain for the duration of the ride. And we don't mind how sedate or rapid (within reason!) you want to ride, the main objective is to show off the Surrey Hills and help you enjoy it, not set Strava PBs!
The hills that area is renowned for can be tackled by many different roads with varying gradients or can be excluded altogether. We can't guarantee a pan-flat ride, but don't worry, we will always tailor the ride to suit you, your ability and what you want to get out of your time on the bike. Our local experience also allows us to be flexible, so if we need to adapt the ride on the fly to keep it enjoyable, we will.
You'll need to provide your own riding kit and if you're a roadie already, you should dress for the conditions on the day of the ride. If you're new to road cycling, there is a myriad of advice available on the internet for all budgets and many online retailers, just remember, you can take layers off, but you can't put on what you don't have! We'll keep an eye on the weather and provide any advice if required.
As a minimum, you'll also need a drinks bottle (aka a Bidon - and cage to hold it) in order to stay hydrated on the ride.
A spare inner tube, pump, repair patches, tyre levers and a small multi-tool are a necessity on any ride to get you out of trouble, so it's a good idea to invest in these as a minimum anyway - so we have too! We'll carry a spare 700c inner tube as standard, but if your running 650b (27.5") wheels, deep section carbon rims or something unusual please make sure you have a suitable inner tube. If you're new to road riding, you may also want to consider a small under-seat bag to store your kit in if you're short on jersey pocket space or you don't have jersey pockets.
You'll need to bring any snacks/energy bars/energy gels you feel necessary (how many will depend on the length of the ride - or how big your pockets are - again, there is plenty of advice on the internet). Depending on your ride plan, we may have also factored in a coffee stop to restock energy levels.
The cost of a ride is dictated by what is involved and will be bespoke for you, but we start at £20 for a 1 hour guided ride.
Our rides take place on a Sunday morning, with a start time dependent on your ride requirements. Get in touch to enquire about availability.
Rides will start and finish in Cranleigh village, but we'll let you know the details when your booking is confirmed.