FREE supported Discovery Rides on traffic-free routes. There'll even be a mechanic with you!

Rediscover the simple joy of cycling in a relaxed group-ride on easy, traffic-free routes supported by an expert ride leader and mechanic.

These ride are focussed on fun and rediscovering the simple joy of cycling with other people. You will ride at a relaxed pace with frequent stops and the route has no significant hills. Rides are on the Downs Link shared-use path, a  well maintained traffic-free route that is easily accessible from Horsham, Southwater, Broadbridge Heath and the surrounding area.

• Route: traffic-free, well maintained offroad route without big hills

• Duration: around 60-minutes riding plus breaks - total session time is 2 hrs including pre-ride checks and stops

• Rider age: adults only, 18 yrs of age and over

• Ability level**: beginners and intermediates who can demonstrate basic bike/cycle control (starting, stopping and turning left & right). 

• Group size: up to six riders per ride - ALL riders must be registered in advance

• Support provided: groups led & supported by experienced ride-leader who is also a mechanic and first aider

• Equipment required: riders must provide own bike/cycle and equipment - hi-viz tabards will be provided and must be worn

• Suitable bikes/cycles*: hybrids, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hand-cycles, trikes and adaptive cycles suitable for light offroad use

• E-bikes allowed? Yes, EU/UK EAPC compliant e-bikes are welcome. Non-compliant illegal ebikes are not permitted

* IMPORTANT: Your bike must be in safe and rideable condition. Please have it checked or serviced by a qualified mechanic before your ride. Riders with bikes deemed unsafe will not be permitted to participate.

** If you are not yet able to ride to a basic level we can refer you to a qualified adult cycling instructor.

What to expect on your ride

Meeting at the Southwater Country Park Visitor Centre (off Cripplegate Lane, Southwater), you will be greeted by your Ride Leader who will coach you through essential pre-ride bike & equipment safety checks. We will then set off at a relaxed pace and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Downs Link, one of England's greatest offroad routes. Riding through the beautiful Sussex Weald countryside you'll rediscover the pure joy of cycling in a small group and we'll stop for occasional rest breaks and to discuss how we're finding the experience. You can relax and enjoy the ride knowing that your ride leader is there to deal with any issues that might occur. We finish the ride back at the Southwater Country Park.

What you'll need

• Transport to and from the start/end point: you'll need to make your own way to and from the Southwater Country Park Visitor Centre

• Bike: a suitable bike or cycle that is in safe and rideable condition

• Cycling helmet: we recommend you wear one but it's not compulsory

• Clothing: suitable for light exercise in the conditions on the day, PLUS an additional wind/waterproof layer if the forecast is variable or uncertain

• Footwear: suitable for cycling and without a heel. Should also have some grip. Trainers or walking shoes are perfect!

• Food and drink: it's really important to stay hydrated and fuelled, and you'll have much more fun if you're not thirsty or hungry

• Sunscreen and sunglasses: look after your skin and eyes - slap on the SPF50 and wear shades if there's any chance of sunshine

• Pump & puncture-repair kit: never leave home without these!

• Medication: any medication or medical devices you might need during the ride. You must inform your ride leader of any medical condition that may require treatment or effect your ability to ride but you are responsible for carrying any medication or devices needed

Choose from one of four rides in September and October 2024

Choose from the dates below and click the link to visit our Eventbrite booking page where you can choose from the early or late session. The time of each session varies by date so please ensure you book the correct session time.

Online booking helps ensure everyone who wants to join a ride can do so. However, if for any reason you are unable to book via Eventbrite please contact Velo Square at drbike@velosquare.uk or call 07786 633 582.

IMPORTANT: Please read the terms & conditions below before booking your ride

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE BOOKING YOUR RIDE

Booking a place and attending a ride constitutes agreement to the following terms and conditions: 

1. Rides are available by pre-booking only. Anyone arriving without a pre-booked place will be refused entry.

2. Riders must be able to demonstrate a basic level of competency: start, stop, ride with control while observing surroundings, make left and right turns

3. Your bike must be in safe and rideable condition to participate. You should have it serviced and made safe to ride by a local repairer or at a Dr Bike Clinic before attending your class. Riders who's bike's are deemed unsafe will not be permitted to participate.

4. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your ride's advertised start time.  We are unable to wait for late arrivals and you will miss your ride. 

5. You are responsible for wearing suitable clothing and protection for the conditions. If the Ride Leader deems your clothing to pose a risk to you they may refuse to allow you to participate.

6. Riders will be issued with hi-viz tabards that must be worn for the duration of the ride. Tabards must be returned to the ride leader at the end of the ride.

7. You are responsible for your own safety and that of those around you and you must follow all instructions given by the Ride Leader.

8. If you choose to withdraw mid-ride you are responsible for making your own way back to the start/end point.

9. Mechanical failures can occur when cycling. Your Ride Leader will do everything they can to resolve any issues but where this is not possible they may recommend that you make alternative arrangements to return to the ride start/end point. The Ride Leader and Velo Square cannot accept liability for any costs incurred in making those arrangements.

10. You must advise us of any medical condition or disability that may effect your ability to participate in the activity. Where reasonable adjustments are needed to facilitate your participation we will take all reasonable measures to implement them. You are responsible for managing any medical condition and for carrying any medication or devices necessary.

11. Cancelation by us: in the unlikely event that we have to cancel or reschedule your appointment we will endeavour to provide at least 24 hours notice. If we have to cancel we will try to offer an alternative appointment within two weeks of your original booking. We are not liable for any losses you incur consequent to cancellation.

12. Cancellation by you: if you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know as soon as possible so we can make your place available to someone else. If you fail to attend and do not give us notice we reserve the right to decline any booking you make for future activity.