New for 2012

This course is designed for those who are new to road riding, are undertaking a sportive event for the first time or those who wish to gain the confidence and knowledge to push themselves harder and faster in their next events.

The Lake District is now becoming a sportive riders' paradise with the Fred Whitton, Clive's Cumbrian Way (sponsored by Cyclewise) and the Jennings Rivers Ride to name but a few. These are superb challenges that require plenty of training, not only physically but mentally too!! While riding in these events, we regularly meet riders who have become overwhelmed by the intensity of the challenge and are fearful of the big climbs and more importantly the fast descents. Cyclewise can help not only in making the ride easier but also, dare we say it, FUN!!!

Based on the experiences of Phil Davies, a prominent Sportive competitor who in previous years has finished 3rd in the Fred Whitton and regularly finishes in the the top 10, we have created a 2-day course that will give you the confidence to ride the big Lakeland climbs smoothly and efficiently and the fast descents safely and in control.



Day 1
On the first day of the course, we will look at :-
Bike set-up - incorrect set-up is like a pair of ill-fitting shoes and can cause discomfort and pain over a long distance
Gearing - too high or too low and you can blow!!!
Fuelling - not only what to eat and drink but also WHEN to eat and drink
Clothing - what to wear; is less more?
Maintenance - top tips to keep you riding and smiling
Rider etiquette theory - drafting and pack riding to keep you and your fellow competitors safe and happy

Day 2
Your chance to ride the three big passes of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter. This 30-mile ride out descends from Whinlatter, takes you through the scenic Borrowdale Valley, then continues up and over the steep and demanding Honister Pass and then the scarily fast descent into the beautiful Newlands Valley where a pub stop provides lunch. Next is the punishing (but rewarding) climb up Newlands Pass followed by the graceful descent to the start of the final climb up to Whinlatter Pass.

Instructor ratio: 1:6
Course Cost: £140
Course Venue: Whinlatter Forest Park

Please click here to make a booking

When you come along on a Cyclewise course you will be given a voucher that entitles you to 10% off shop purchases for the duration of your course and 10% off your next course booking. (excludes British Cycling Leadership Assessments)

All the course information will be sent to you via e-mail once we have received your online booking form. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our courses, we will be very happy to help.

New for 2012

The C2C is one of the most popular UK charity bike rides with over 30,000 riders undertaking the challenge each year. The actual route passes our Cyclewise Whinlatter shop and unfortunately we continually see and meet riders/groups who are very ill-prepared, mechanically challenged and are quickly losing their motivation when they are not even half way through day one!!!! This course is designed for anyone who is planning to attempt the C2C or any other UK charity road challenge and especially those who may be in charge of a group and feel that they and their group would benefit from the expertise and knowledge that Cyclewise can offer.

Although we like to be able to assist and help once people have made it to our shop, the old adage "prevention is better than cure" rings true and we would much rather enable you to enjoy the whole C2C experience safe in the knowledge that you are fully prepared for all eventualities and can enjoy all that the ride has to offer.

Our Cyclewise guides and coaches have not only completed the C2C on many occasions but they have also completed other endurance road events such as the Paris-Roubaix and End to End. We are also fully qualified British Cycling leaders, Cytech qualified mechanics and have the local knowledge to enable your day one to flow smoothly, setting you up for the remainder of your trip. Last year, for our own annual charity ride, we completed the C2C2C where we went from Whitehaven to Sunderland and back again in only two days!!!

C2C Training Course – this day looks at careful preparation of the bikes, including bike set-up, correct gearing and how to fit and load the essential kit to carry, combined with easy mechanics and quick fixes to keep you on the road; food and hydration tips, and cadence training to make you super efficient over the three days of your trip. We will also cover the paperwork aspect of organising a charity ride with advice on risk assessment and emergency action procedures (EAPs).

Instructor Ratio: 1:5 maximum
Group Course Cost: 1 person - £170
2 people - £200
3 people - £270
4 people - £320
5 people - £400
Venue: Whinlatter Forest Park

Hire a guide for your first day – Cyclewise can help give your group the perfect start to your C2C journey. With our superb local knowledge, mechanical expertise and group leadership experience, we can make sure your trip begins in the best possible way. Hiring a Cyclewise guide for your first day will alleviate all the worries and stresses that can be associated with such a huge challenge and will give you the confidence to complete the rest of the trip having had the best start possible.

Group Ratio: 1:10 maximum
Cost: £170 per guide
Venue: Starting from either Whitehaven or Workington

If you/your group would like to come along for the training course, please contact us to arrange a suitable date. If you would also like to hire a guide for the first day of your actual C2C ride, please let us know that date also.

Click here to confirm booking once you have arranged a specific date with us. Once we have received your booking form, we will send you all the information you require via e-mail.

Please do contact us if you would like to know more about the C2C/Charity Ride Training course.

NEW for 2012

For those who are relatively new to mountain biking or who are nervous about leaving the comfort and safety of the trail centre environment, this course is designed to help you make the next step with confidence.

During the 2 days of guided rides, you will you get to explore some of the finest low-level terrain the Lakes has to offer in the company of a very experienced guide. Primarily a guided weekend, there will also be the opportunity to learn key navigational skills and receive basic natural riding tips, leaving you with the confidence and ability to leave the trail centre behind and explore more natural riding on your own.

Both days will start from the YHA at Hawkshead, giving us great access to some of the best low level riding in the Lakes. If you are able to deal with the challenges of a good blue graded trail and have the stamina to undertake a journey of 3-5 hours or 25-35km, you will not only have a great couple of relaxed and fun days riding, but you will also find your riding naturally develops to the next level.

Natural Lakes Riding Essentials

Whatever you normally ride with at the trail centre should be perfectly suitable for this course. However your kit should include the following:-
Suitable biking clothing for the expected weather conditions
Mountain bike in good working order.....hardtails welcome!
Personal tools and spares which should include a replaceable gear hanger for your specific bike (Please contact us for more guidance)
Food, hydration and emergency rations for a 3-5 hour 25km-35km ride


Instructor Ratio: 1:6 or 2:8
Cost: £140 for the 2 days (Accommodation not included)
Venue: Hawkshead YHA

Please click here to make a booking

When you come along on a Cyclewise course, you will be given a voucher that entitles you to 10% off in the Cyclewise Whinlatter shop and 10% off your next course booking (excludes British Cycling Leadership Assessments)

All the course information will be sent to you via e-mail once we have received your online booking form. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our courses, we will be very happy to help.

NEW for 2012

The biggest, highest, longest and hardest 2 days of riding that Cyclewise and the Lakes have to offer. Not for the fainthearted, these guided days will give you the opportunity to tick off some of the Lakeland classics while in the company of some of the most experienced MTB guides in the UK. The rides are designed for those who have already completed a minimum of our Cyclewise Core Skills course and are now proficient in all of those techniques PLUS have a great fitness level and a sense of adventure to match.

Both days will start from the YHA at Ambleside, giving us great access to some of the best riding in the Lakes, such as Walna Scar, Garburn Pass, High Street and even Helvellyn to name a few. With a good forecast, good fitness and a good sense of adventure, we aim to bag some of these biggies. These are BIG days with BIG views which will pack in some BIG climbs but also some BIG descents and leave BIG smiles!!

Lakeland Classic Essentials
Whatever you normally ride with at the trail centre should be perfectly suitable for this course. However your kit should include the following:-
Suitable biking clothing for the expected weather conditions
Mountain bike in good working order.....hardtails welcome!
Personal tools and spares which should include a replaceable gear hanger for your specific bike (Please contact us for more guidance)
Food, hydration and emergency rations for a 6-hour, 45km-55km ride

Instructor Ratio: 1:6 or 2:8
Cost: £140 for the 2 days (Accommodation not included)
Venue: Ambleside YHA

Please click here to make a booking

Please click here to make a booking

When you come along on a Cyclewise course, you will be given a voucher that entitles you to 10% off in the Cyclewise Whinlatter shop and 10% off your next course booking (excludes British Cycling Leadership Assessments)

All the course information will be sent to you via e-mail once we have received your online booking form. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our courses, we will be very happy to help.

The MBLA Trail Cycle Leader Award (TCL) consists of a two day training course followed by a one day assessment (for use in AALS defined non-licensable terrain formally AALA) All Cyclewise Training mountain bike courses run on a ratio of 1:6 or 2:8 from our fantastic training venue at Whinlatter Forest Park.

The Trail Cycle Leader Award is an ideal qualification for anyone who works in Outdoor Centres, Guiding Companies, Schools, Youth Groups etc or anyone who may be looking to do this in the future or just has an interest in mountain biking, improving their skills and gaining a qualification that gives them all the information to go out, have fun and be safe.

The Mountain Bike Leader Award (MBL) consists of two days training plus a one-day assessment (for use in AALS defined licensable terrain). All Cyclewise Training mountain bike courses run on a ratio of 1:4 with 2 instructors working on every course. The Mountain Bike Leader Award is a senior award. It is a more challenging course that requires a higher technical skill level, coaching delivery and advanced leadership management. Candidates MUST have obtained their TCL Award before undertaking the MBL Training.