Which trails do you use for coaching?
We operate primarily from the trails at Ashton Court and Leigh woods outside of Bristol and run some advanced sessions at the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. We can also run courses at nearby trails should the course require different terrain.
Sessions run at a location of your choice further afield will be subject to travel expenses – please call us for a chat if you want Pedal Progression to come to you!
If you are using sat nav, the nearest postcode for us, the Ashton Court trail centre and main car park is BS8 3PX, we are inside the top entrance of the estate next to the golf course. Sat nav can often just lead you to the main road outside the estate.
What is the maximum group size and age for skills coaching?
All of our Adult led coaching sessions are based on a maximum of 6 people per instructor. We are able to supply more than one instructor, get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Full day public sessions operate at a maximum of 6 riders and we will never compromise the quality of sessions by overbooking courses. Sessions for for under 16s run with a max of 5 children if only one instructor or 7 children with one instructor and one assistant instructor. Or up to 10 with two instructors.
All our guides have third party public liability insurance which covers them to lead a maximum of 8 riders at any one time. They are qualified mountain bike instructors, have outdoor first aid qualifications and are enhanced DBS checked.
What should I bring with me for a coaching session?
- A mountain bike in full working order. You don’t need an expensive bike with full suspension, but a bike that works and that’s been properly serviced is essential.
- A helmet. We WILL NOT let you ride without one.
- Relevant clothing for the weather. Cover skin on legs and arms. Please dress to keep warm if it is cold and always bring a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast.
- Footwear suitable for riding in. Cycling specific shoes or SPD’s are not essential but closed toed shoes are. We always recommend flat pedals for learning new techniques especially jumping.
- Lunch and a drink. Hot food is available from the café but please bring a packed lunch if you prefer. Make sure you have enough water with you.
- Body armour. This is optional but if it makes you more confident, wear it.
- A spare inner tube for your bike.
- Should a participant’s bike be deemed unsafe, we will refuse them the right to ride in the session and no refund will be offered.
What happens if it rains before my skills session?
We run courses in all weathers and the trails at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods ride well in all conditions, however, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone due to dangerous weather conditions and heavy snow. You are entitled a refund or if you wish, to attend a future date in these rare instances.
I don't have a bike, can I hire one for a skills session?
Yes, we have a fleet of hire bikes and you can hire one for a flat rate of £10 if you are taking part in a public or a bespoke session starting at Ashton Court. You must let us know that you would like a bike as soon as possible after booking your session to guarantee a reservation.
Youth groups, schools, stag and hen parties and guided groups are subject to different pricing – please see our ‘Groups’ pages here.
I haven't been mountain biking before, are the trails hard?
The Ashton Court and Leigh Woods trails are designed with all riding abilities in mind. We see riders from 3 to 93 riding them on balance bikes to e-bikes, hybrids and CX bikes. The trails do provide challenges, but those perceived dangerous have alternative routes to help avoid problems. This doesn’t however, mean the less dangerous routes provide no risks…
What are your terms and conditions?
You can see our full terms and conditions for skills coaching and guiding here and for our bike hire here. Our website terms can be found here.
What is your cancellations policy?
You will be entitled to cancel your booking at any time but we will be entitled to charge you the following amount if you do:
- Up to 10 days before the Session – Full refund less 10% admin charge
- Between 10 days and 5 days refund less 50%
- Between 4 days and 48 hours refund less 75%
- Less than 48 hours no refund
We will return the balance of any payment already made by the same method as the payment was originally made as soon as we are reasonably able. If we both agree, we can re-book your Session for another date instead of returning any money to you. Please see our full terms and conditions for skills coaching and guiding here and for our bike hire here.
What is your privacy policy?
Pedal Progression Limited (“We”) are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
This policy (together with our terms of use and any other documents referred to on it) sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. Please read the following carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it. By visiting www.pedalprogression.com you are accepting and consenting to the practices described in this policy.
Read our full Privacy Policy here.
What is your complaints policy?
We are committed to providing a high-quality experience for all our customers. If something doesn’t meet your expectations, we want to hear about it.
In the first instance, please speak to us directly during your visit or contact the owner as soon as possible after your experience.
We aim to acknowledge all complaints within 2 to 3 days and respond fully within 7 to 10 days. Where issues are more complex, we will keep you informed.
All complaints are taken seriously and handled fairly, with the aim of reaching a reasonable and practical resolution.
Feedback helps us improve, and we use all complaints to continually review and enhance our services.
What is your health and safety policy?
We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our customers.
All of our activities are carefully risk assessed and delivered by qualified, experienced professionals. We take appropriate steps to minimise risk while maintaining the quality and enjoyment of our rides and guiding.
We hold comprehensive insurance cover for all activities, including public liability, professional indemnity, employer’s liability, and product liability.
Customers are expected to follow all safety instructions provided by our team and to ride within their own ability.
We regularly review our practices to ensure high standards of safety are maintained at all times.
When you sign up to a session you will be clearly informed or both parties responsibilities under our terms and conditions. These can be found here.
What is your Equality and inclusion policy?
We believe mountain biking should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all riders, regardless of race, culture, gender, sexuality, disability, learning needs, or background.
Our coaching and hire services are designed around the individual. We aim to create a space where every rider feels safe, respected, and supported, with sessions adapted to suit different needs, abilities, and goals.
Our team is trained in inclusivity and awareness, and we actively listen to feedback to identify and remove barriers to participation wherever possible.
We offer flexible coaching options, a range of equipment, and use our best practice, skills, training and experience to proactively make reasonable adjustments to help riders feel comfortable and confident.
We are committed to continually improving our approach and building a diverse community that reflects the people we ride with.
You can find our statement here.
If you have any specific requirements, feedback, or would like to get in touch, please contact us at ollie@pedalprogression.com.
