Yesterday’s route around #Goodwood and #KingleyVale had it all: big #SouthDowns climbs, surprise singletrack, huge puddles, woodland bluebells, meadows of cowslip, and a cracking roast at @theselseyarms_westdean. A perfect #MarmaladeMTB day!
You know you’re riding near Goodwood when you start to see vintage Land Rovers… #MarmaladeMTB
🏴 Where is the best #MountainBiking to be had in #England? - #SurreyHills? - #SouthDowns? - #LakeDistrict? - #PeakDistrict? ...or somewhere else? #MarmaladeMTB
A trail-curious road biker, an excited returner to mountain biking, and an experienced rider seeking a bit more off-road confidence: the perfect trio for yesterday’s #MarmaladeMTB Intro to Mountain Biking on the #SouthDowns. Based from @riversidesouthdowns, we took in amazing views, swooping trails and glorious sunshine. 👍
Each of the Marmalade team has our favourite bit of the #SouthDowns. For our Clive, it's hills above #Chichester and #Goodwood, where he first discovered his love of mountain biking. Join him on Sunday 28 April for one of #MarmaladeMTB's favourite downland days. It's about 20 miles (32 km), so it's not too long, but it's hilly enough to be worthwhile. E-bikes and conventional bikes both welcome. Come and join us!
The sun is shining on the beautiful #SouthDowns and we are getting ready for Sunday's first Intro to #MountainBiking ride of 2024. This is just the ticket if you're looking for a gentle pressure-free taste of off-roading in our amazing national park. It's also a good plan for more experienced mountain bikers who are a little rusty and want an easy re-introduction. See you on Sunday, at @riversidesouthdowns, near #Arundel? Check availability via the link in our bio ↖️ #MarmaladeMTB
"Up until now I had tried to teach myself MTB skills by watching YouTube videos, but this wasn’t yielding many results. I decided to go on #MarmaladeMTB's intermediate training course and was blown away by the improvement I made in just one day." - James Next up this coming weekend: advanced skills. Check out the coaching link in our bio ↖️
When you're tuning your advanced #MountainBiking skills, drop-offs are often high on the list of skills to conquer. Confidence and speed are key ingredients – and also weight distribution, keeping your weight fairly central until it's time to extend those arms and help the front wheel reach the ground at just the right moment. And, something you'll hear just as often in our advanced-level coaching as in our 'fundamentals' sessions: keep looking ahead! If you're looking for the expert guidance to help you progress from red to black, #MarmaladeMTB's Advanced Coach & Ride days mix tailored training from qualified coaches with time to ride, enjoy the #SurreyHills and put those new skills to good use. Our next Advanced session is this Saturday, 20 April. Time for you to upgrade your skills and feel the fun of high-level skills? Check availability via the coaching link in our bio ↖️
Three returnees and three newbies - And they loved it! Our 2024 season of weekend open group rides is off to a blinder with a firm favourite. The Surrey Hills and North Downs tour is brilliant on every level. A brilliant day with Mel, Steve, Andy, Soizic, Alec and Jonothan - thank you. #MarmaladeMTB #LondonCycling #SurreyHills
The #MarmaladeMTB Group Coach and Ride revolution continues! In April, there's an intermediate and an advanced day planned: Sat 20 April: Advanced Sun 28 April: Intermediate (just one place left) It's a simple combination: 3 hours in the morning, learning and practising skills aimed at your level. Then, after a break for some lunch, it's back out on the trails for a 2 hour ride to put those new skills to good use! Check out the coaching link in our bio for info and to check availability...
We're always listening for your feedback on your #MarmaladeMTB experiences, so we're making an important change to this year's two #IsleOfWight trips. Last year's riders told us that, though they loved the day-long scenic riding, they found the two ferry rides were less exciting. Coffee on the morning sailing from Portsmouth and cold beers on the evening boat back to Lymington were simply not thrilling enough. This was useful feedback. So this year's two Isle of Wight visits will begin and end differently. We're using personal watercraft – often known as 'jetskis' – to make our way to the island in the morning, and home again to the mainland in the evening. This way, we'll ensure the biking action never stops. The hire of the jetskis will be included in the price you've already paid, though if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome. We have purchased easy–to–fit bike racks for the back of each craft. Sean is your guide for the Isle of Wight trips, and he has recently passed his Personal Watercraft Guide certificate, so you’ll be in safe hands. - If you use an e-bike, please ensure you have an adequately sized plastic bag that will cover the electrical parts of your bike during the trip across the Solent. - If you are booked on one of this year's two Isle of Wight trips, please fax us your 50 metre swimming certificate by 12 noon today.
Feedback like this is making us blush. ☺️ Thanks Peter! We're so glad you enjoyed your Group Coach & Ride day. "Great day's training with Jim. Really informative and I felt I learnt a lot. After lunch, we enjoyed putting into practice what we had learnt in the morning. If you’re new to mountain biking or like me you have done a few rides but want to improve I would definitely recommend this course. As always Marmalade MTB delivers." - Peter Adams #MarmaladeMTB
Calling HR managers, events professionals and L&D consultants… If you're arranging an off-site experience for your team this summer, NOW is the time to get planning. We can assemble activities, venues, dining and every other detail. So let's get to work... #MarmaladeMTB #MountainBiking #SurreyHills #SouthDowns
The #SurreyHills are a brilliant playground for mountain biking, with amazing trails for all levels. We often get asked how newcomers should find their way around. The best way? Book a private #MarmaladeMTB guide, to tailor a route just for you (or you and your friends, if you invite them…)
This business group take it in turns to host each other in their respective countries as part of their annual review. 🇬🇧 🔄 🇫🇮 For this year's event, the Finnish contigent were invited to a three day retreat in central Brighton. We had the privilege of taking them out on a carefully curated South Downs adventure on Tuesday, that finished with a delightful lunch at @tottingtonmanor . These colleagues have taken on many amazing experiences together over the years, and they certainly came together to embrace the very soggy conditions for their eBike ride. Superb enthusiasm and team work resulted in all day smiles and a huge sense of achievement. #CorporateEvents #SouthDowns #TeamBuiding #MarmaladeMTB
On Monday, we once again showed there's more to visiting #London than its concrete jungle. Business travellers Lori and Shawn had a lot of fun on the woodland trails of the #SurreyHills, ahead of their working week. #MarmaladeMTB #BusinessTraveller #VisitLondon #CorporateEvents
Feels like spring has come to the #SurreyHills. #MarmaladeMTB
Another #Surrey idea for your early-season calendar: Our ' #SurreyHills & #NorthDowns' is a great cross-country #MarmaladeMTB ride that mixes bridleways and big landscapes with the twisty singletrack of the #Hurtwood. If you want to see the variety that makes Surrey riding so great, then Sunday 7 April is the date for you... More info via the link in our bio ↖️
New to the #SurreyHills? Starting out in #mountainbiking and looking for a #MarmaladeMTB ride that's right for you? Or just looking for an easy start to your mountain biking this springtime, whatever your level? Our first Surrey-based Introduction to Mountain Biking kicks off on 17 March. This could be the perfect start to the season, having fun amid Hurtwood's amazing singletrack... Check availability via the link in our bio ↖️
Did you get our email, unveiling 2024's range of day and half-day #MarmaladeMTB adventures? There's a mix of new rides, improved rides and some unmissable classics to get in your diaries for the spring and summer. If you missed the email, drop us a message and we’ll get this important info to you ASAP.
Upper intermediate and advanced riders! A sneak preview of something we're about to unveil in our 2024 schedule of day and half-day rides: We've revamped the #SurreyHills Trailblazer. This full-on ride has always focussed on Pitch and Holmbury Hills in its quest to bring you challenging trails for expert riders. For 2024, we're extending the Trailblazer to take in the exciting trails of Winterfold Hill too. There are some great trails over there. Whether you're a trailblazing veteran or you're planning your first #MarmaladeMTB ride, if you're an upper intermediate or advanced rider, we'll see you on the trails...
Everyone KNOWS coaching can help mountain bikers to be smoother, faster and safer. But not everyone has time, right? Weekend time is precious. Yes, you could invest a few hours in coaching, but maybe you just want to RIDE and have FUN, right? That's why we're excited about our new Group Coach & Ride days. Because they are BOTH: the focussed learning of a professional coaching session, combined with the sociable laughs of a #MarmaladeMTB group ride in the #SurreyHills. A couple of weeks ago, our novice-level riders got things started. This coming weekend, it's the turn of intermediate mountain bikers to try our new formula. Still a few places left for Saturday 17 February. Joining us?
Who’s this lurking in the swirling mists of the #SurreyHills? It’s @father_shred and @apclimb, testing out some twists, changes and surprises as we freshen up our #MarmaladeMTB 2024 Surrey Hills options. What changes are they plotting? 🤔
More #IsleOfWight action! One or twice a year, Sean (the #MarmaladeMTB founder) has a bright idea. And sometimes those ideas turn out to be absolute zingers. In 2023, Sean's big idea was the 'Trans Isle of Wight': an east-to-west ride over the island's best trails. Add in a couple of ferries and a luxury minibus transfer and it turns out Sean's idea was a goodie, with two sold-out instalments in 2023. 2024's Trans Isle of Wight also sold out amazingly quickly. So we've done the obvious thing, and put another in the diary: Saturday 1 June 2024 We've already contacted those of you who pre-registered your interest, so now we have places up for grabs, on this big ride, cramming the fun of a weekend adventure into just one day! Check out our “All our day rides” link in our bio ↖️
We're really chuffed to see the bookings coming in for our new 'Group Coach & Ride’ sessions. If you know coaching sounds like a good idea, but you just love to spend your precious time riding great trails with fun people, then we think we've cracked the perfect combination: - 3 hours of professional coaching, tailored to beginner, intermediate or advanced level - a lunch break - 2 hours of riding the best #SurreyHills trails, on routes picked to show off your new skills First dates are available now: - Beginner: 24 Feb, 23 Mar - Intermediate: 28 Jan, 17 Feb, 9 Mar - Advanced: 20 Apr, 26 May Want to check availability? Link is in our bio. ↖️ #MarmaladeMTB
Did you know we have three brand new trips for 2024? 1. The Best of the South West (Dartmoor, Exmoor & the Quantocks) 2. Eastern Downs Escape (Cross-country perfection on the South Downs) 3. Dark Peak Classic pt 2 (Brand new epic routes in the Peak District) Which takes your fancy this year? #MarmaladeMTB
There are now two ways to benefit from #MarmaladeMTB's expert coaching... 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Our tried-and-tested private sessions are customised just for you (or for you and your friends). Spend time with qualified coaches Jim or Andy, focussed on the skills you're looking to boost: from trail fundamentals to jumps, drops and alpine techniques. 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 & 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 Combine the fun of a Marmalade ride with the skills coaching you know you need. Book a place on a novice, intermediate of advanced day, alongside other riders who roll at your level. After 3 hours of coaching with Jim or Andy, you'll take a break and hit the Surrey Hills trails again, for a 2 hour ride to put your new skills to good use. Which is right for you? Check out the Skills Coaching link in our bio ↖️
Short steep climbs are part and parcel of many off-road rides. Learning to take them in your stride can really boost your enjoyment. So how do you do that? Firstly, always be looking ahead. Be ready for that steep hill, selecting a low gear before you hit the climb. If the rise looks short, see if you can build some speed on the approach. But don't let this mess with your gear selection. You need to be ready for when that momentum runs out and the grind begins. Like in many mountain biking moments, weight distribution is absolutely critical, as we aim to ensure each wheel bears enough weight to do its job. Move your weight forward, in order to bring more ballast to your front wheel, keeping your steering under control. It's often best to stay seated as you climb, dropping your elbows and wrists to bring that weight forward. But you have the choice to stand, as Rachel is showing us here, as she powers up this short climb. Be careful though: standing up too soon, or too far forward, can take too much weight from your rear wheel and cause it to slip. If you stand, keep your bodyweight mobile, ready to subtly adjust your balance between your two wheels. Want more expert help to get your skills nailed? Choose between personal coaching or our new 'Group Coach and Ride' dates, starting soon. Book via the link in our bio ↖️ #MarmaladeMTB
The #SouthDownsWay. One classic long-distance trail. But dozens of ways to ride it. We like to hit the South Downs Way #MarmaladeMTB-style. - No stressful catching trains to the start and finish. - No constant packing and unpacking of bags. - No lugging of camping kit. - No loneliness on the long days in the saddle. - And definitely no sleeping in bags under hedges!
If you’re in the know, you know that #MountainBiking at this time of year can be wonderful. Crisp skies, uncrowded trails, much-needed fresh air. Just some of the reasons we’ve started our Winter Warmer rides in the #SurreyHills Who’s playing out? #MarmaladeMTB
Thank you 2023 and for everyone who rode and made memories with us! We rode all over the South Downs, Surrey Hills, crossed the Isle of Wight, enjoyed big country adventures in the Peak District, Lake District, and the Tweed Valley. And not forgetting epic trips to South Wales and the groups that conquered two long distance classics, the South Downs Way, and the Trans Cambrian Way. There's been 1-2-1s, family outings, bikepacking intros, large coporate events, ride and dine birthday treats, skills coaching, international groups, our regular weekend day rides, and our awesome multi-day trips... it's been one helluva ride! See you in 2024 for an even bigger and better year! #HappyNewYear everyone, and thank you. 🥳 #MarmaladeMTB
For some of us, Boxing Day is about getting in a ride. For others. it's a chance to daydream about warmer times and plans for next year. Where are you dreaming of? #Dartmoor? The #IsleOfWight? #MarmaladeMTB
Enjoy your Christmas, folks. Whether you'll be grabbing a few hours on the trails or staying in to enjoy the festivities, have fun and look after yourselves. And if you find yourself daydreaming and planning your 2024 adventures, drop us a message. One of the Marmalade team might be able to help with your questions – especially if you're figuring out how to spend that gift voucher you've received! 😉 Cheers! Sean and the #MarmaladeMTB team.
No need to worry about postage times for this Christmas present! Choose a #MarmaladeMTB gift voucher (any value you like, or Ride & Dine, or coaching-specific), and we'll email you it to your inbox instantly. Up to you whether to print it out and wrap it up, or to email it to the mountain biker in your life who deserves a treat. See the link in our bio ↖️
A BRAND NEW way to enjoy some #MarmaladeMTB coaching in 2024… Skills training with a qualified coach can really help you make fast progress on the trails – but often you just want to enjoy some fun riding with other mountain bikers. Now you can have both in one day… Our new ‘Group Coach & Ride’ days: – 3 hours of coaching with other bikers at your level, then… – 2 hours of riding, enjoying the #SurreyHills and putting your new skills to good use! Three levels to choose from. See the ‘Skills Coaching’ link in our bio for dates. ↖️ Treat a loved one to a Marmalade gift voucher so they can look forward to this?
Great to see so many of you for yesterday’s annual #MarmaladeMTB festive ride and lunch!
The toughest choice in December is never to do with Christmas presents. It's all about the difficult decision of what to choose from the @hurtwood_inn Christmas menu! Today is the last day to sign up for this Sunday's #MarmaladeMTB Christmas ride in the #SurreyHills. We're donning our Christmas outfits and hitting the trails with a choice of two rides (novice and intermediate), then most of us are sitting down to enjoy a Christmas lunch among Marmalade friends. (You could opt just to ride, but then you'd miss out on such delights as venison carpaccio, wild bass fillet and Hurtwood's amazing tiramisu!) Sunday's weather is looking good, so, what will you choose?
Got any big trips to look forward to in 2024? We've now released the dates for a whole bunch of big country experiences: from the wilds of England's south west to the world-famous trails of southern Scotland - via our favourite Welsh adventures, of course! Pick a winner and start planning. (Or maybe grab a #MarmaladeMTB gift voucher to help the mountain biker in your life have a blast in 2024...)
Be honest: when was the last time you had any coaching, to fix your technique problems and improve your riding? #MarmaladeMTB
Will we have snow for our annual #MarmaladeMTB festive ride and lunch? Less than two weeks before we find out. (Still a few places left if you’d like to join us!)
Be kind to your future self. How are you likely to be feeling once Christmas and New Year are out of the way? In need of a bit of gentle exercise and a bit of space? Our next Winter Warmer is scheduled for Sunday 14 January in the #SurreyHills. No rush, no stress, just a gentle ride with #MarmaladeMTB friends, maybe with a stop for a coffee or hot chocolate. We'll finish at the @hurtwood_inn, where the option of warming post-ride lunch is always tempting. Joining us? Great. See the Surrey Hills link in our bio ↖️
The #SouthDownsWay is a classic pilgrimage, completed by numerous mountain bikers every year. But what's it like riding the #SouthDownsWay the Marmalade Way? Is it possible to tackle this hilly hundred-miler with a bit of comfort and luxury? Head to our website to see our blog post that explores what it's like to ride the South Downs Way with #MarmaladeMTB...
Looking for a gift for the mountain biker in your life? We may be able to help... A #MarmaladeMTB gift voucher could be a real treat for someone you love this Christmas. Choose from three flavours... - 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 – the best upgrade for any level of mountain biker - 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗲 - a winning combination of a South Downs adventure with gourmet lunch at Wiston Estate's Chalk restaurant. - 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 – for the recipient to spend on the Marmalade treat of their choice! Link in our Insta bio ↖️
Sometimes the fun of a good ride is as much about socialising and spending time in nature as it is about the actual trails. In winter, this counts double, with the temptation of a hot chocolate, a roaring fire or a pub lunch making our cosy experience complete. Sunday's new Winter Warmer, led by #MarmaladeMTB guide Rachel, was just lovely. Wintry woodland trails, coffee at @heartworkcoffee and a fireside chat at the @hurtwood_inn. We had so much fun, we're doing it again... Sunday 14 January, meeting at #Peaslake in the #SurreyHills. Perfect for a bit of gentle new year exercise, eh?
Which part of your mountain biking technique do you most need to smarten up? What's the weakest link in your skills toolbox? For some riders it's their cornering, for others it's their confidence around drops and obstacles. If you could fix one part of your biking technique repertoire, what would it be? #marmalademtb
Every three years, each #MarmaladeMTB guide refreshes their first aid qualification. This week it’s the turn of Sean, Jim and Clive, spending two days with @firstaid4staff_ and @theridershub_ , ensuring we can manage whatever surprises the trails may (hopefully not) throw at us.
Our new three-day adventure for 2024 takes us to south-west England’s big three: - #Dartmoor - #Quantocks - #Exmoor Stunning wilderness to explore. Check availability via the links in our bio ↖️ #MarmaladeMTB
It's back! The classic off-road pilgrimage we always look forward to: three days along the #SouthDownsWay, taking in 100 miles of off-roading and around 12,000ft of climbing. Whether you've already ridden the South Downs Way, or you're looking for a new challenge – or a way to tempt a friend into an adventure – here it is, with a choice of two dates in 2024: May and September. Each night we'll retire to the @NorfolkArmsHotel, #Arundel to restore and refresh ourselves ready for the next day's riding. Want to know more? Check the link in our bio ↖️ #MarmaladeMTB
What's best about winter mountain biking? - Quiet trails? - Wintry countryside views? - A warming hot drink? All three are distinct possibilities on #MarmaladeMTB's new Winter Warmer ride in the #SurreyHills next Sunday. Join Rachel for a relaxed ride.
Thank you, Lucie, for hosting our South Downs Way groups! One of the foundations to the success of Marmalade's SDW adventures (and a major reason for our FIVE STAR reviews) is Lucie – our host at Arden House B&B in Arundel. Our unique three-day format and team – comprising of Arden House's Lucie and Wayne from Eastbourne Minibuses – has given many groups across the years memories to last a lifetime. Lucie and her husband have put their beloved B&B on the market as they look forward to a well-deserved retirement. There's still time to experience Lucie's hospitality, unrivalled breakfast, and personal touches. If you are looking to visit Arundel for the Christmas markets or for just a short relaxing break, then be sure to book a night or two at Arden House. (Drop us a message if you'd like a private bike ride while you're there!) Lucie - From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you've done to establish our trip as the best way to complete the South Downs Way. Sean Founder | Marmalade MTB For 2024 and beyond the good news is Marmalade is staying based in Arundel. Our guests love it here. With its central location, cosy eateries, and history. To see our new choice of accommodation and for all the 2024 details, check out the link in our bio ⬆️
Join our Rachel on the new 'Winter Warmer' ride on the 26th November. Perfect for newbies to off-road biking or for any rider looking for an excuse to enjoy a relaxed experience across the woodland wonderland of the Surrey Hills... There'll be a mid-ride rustic coffee*, deep autumnal colours, big views, even bigger smiles and a cosy fireside lunch* at the end. *optional Bike hire available ✅️ eBikes welcome ⚡️ Ride at your pace 🧡 Link in bio ⬆️ for full details. #MarmaladeMTB
Autumn, between the showers……. #southdownsnationalpark #southdowns #mtb #sondertransmitter #marmalademtb
If you're joining us for our #MarmaladeMTB #SurreyHills Trailblazer ride on 12 November: This Sunday will, of course, be #RemembranceSunday. We'll be taking a couple of minutes' break from riding at 11am for the customary reflection.
If the current wet weather is getting you down, here's a tip. Start doing exactly what we're doing: making exciting plans for summer 2024! Here's one for starters: June 2024: Three days in the #LakeDistrict: home to England's craggiest, most mountainous landscapes. Expert #MarmaladeMTB guiding paired with accommodation in a quaint 17th century inn. A bit of sunshine to look forward to?
New to mountain biking, @drewemerson asked us to show him around the #SurreyHills. His skiing skills transferred brilliantly onto the trails. A natural! #MarmaladeMTB
This year has seen us working with more corporate groups than ever before – and we've loved it. Specialist insurer Pernix asked us to take a group for a short adventure on the #SouthDowns, before they enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the wonderful Chalk restaurant. Such a great day: bikes from @theridershub_ , guiding by #MarmaladeMTB, and hospitality by @wistonestate.
Our final 2023 open group ride on the #SouthDowns was simply lovely. A band of regular #MarmaladeMTB smiling faces joined us for a sunny scoot among the autumn leaves of the @goodwood estate and #KingleyVale, taking in a chunk of the #SouthDownsWay. We’re still up for wintry South Downs fun: just hit us up for a private session!
Bring on tomorrow’s #SurreyHills Singletrack Adventure! #MarmaladeMTB
The wet weather can’t beat the amazing #SurreyHills! The #MarmaladeMTB Singletrack Adventure (our intermediate-level classic) is back this Sunday. Who’s playing out?
Another #RideandDine, and this time for Cristina and Paul who wanted to escape to the country for an off-road biking adventure followed by a fabulous gourmet lunch at Wiston's, Chalk Restaurant. Did you know this can be booked as a private experience and or gifted using our personalised eVouchers? #MarmaladeMTB #wiston #chalkrestaurant
It's 70 days until official Christmas. But only 62 days until #MarmaladeMTB Christmas! Join us in the #SurreyHills on 17 December: - A ride around our favourite Hurtwood trails - Choice of two levels: easy or intermediate/advanced - Dress for the occasion! - Three course Christmas dinner together at the fabulous @hurtwood_inn - A look back at the year with prizes and other fun - Bring your own bike or hire from @theridershub_ Secure your place via the ‘Festive Ride 2023’ link in our Insta bio ↖️
Ready for the last #MarmaladeMTB #SouthDowns open group ride of 2023? Join us at @thefoxgoesfree_ this Sunday, for an intermediate ride around the trails of #Goodwood and #KingleyVale. The forecast is for sun. Let's say 'Goodbye Summer' in style... Info via our bio: Links > South Downs Day Rides