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Improve your off-road confidence with a private gravel coaching session designed around your riding goals. Perfect for newer riders or those transitioning to trail riding, these 2-hour sessions cover the techniques needed to handle gravel, roots, drops and more with control and ease. Bring a friend along if you'd like to share the experience — the session is tailored for up to two people.
Sessions begin with a brief chat about your current experience and any challenges you’re facing. Whether you're struggling with balance on descents or unsure how to tackle roots and uneven terrain, the coaching will adapt to suit you. Skills are broken down clearly before being practised multiple times, with guidance and feedback after each attempt to help them stick.
Rather than following a fixed route, rides take place in locations where the terrain can be used to develop your technique. Expect to stop and revisit sections several times to build skill and confidence. The pace is always set by the riders, and the overall focus is on progression, not distance. Advice is also provided on kit, route planning and where to ride next, so you’ll leave with practical tips as well as improved ability.
Sessions are arranged within a 30-mile radius of Brixton in south London. Once you’ve booked, a convenient meeting point will be agreed — usually a local café near parkland or woodland. Locations are selected based on your needs, so if you're looking to practise technical trails or prefer smoother gravel, the terrain will reflect that.
South London and its surroundings offer a wide range of trail options, from the singletrack and climbs of Surrey to gentler gravel through parks and commons. Riding within this radius allows flexible coaching without needing to travel far, making it easy to fit into your schedule and ideal for London-based cyclists looking to build off-road confidence close to home.
No prior trail experience is required, but riders should be comfortable cycling on varied surfaces. Gravel or cyclocross bikes are ideal, though other off-road capable bikes may be suitable — feel free to ask before booking if unsure.
Helmets must be worn, and all riders should bring a spare tube, water, snacks, and clothing suitable for the weather. Sessions go ahead in most conditions, and learning to handle mixed terrain is part of the experience.
Coaching is led by Charlie, a British Cycling qualified coach and ride leader with over 20 years’ experience. Whether supporting complete beginners or competitive racers, Charlie has helped riders progress through clear, supportive instruction tailored to each individual. As current cyclocross secretary for Dulwich Paragon and the lead off-road coach at Herne Hill Velodrome, Charlie is well respected in the cycling community and brings both technical knowledge and practical insight to every session.
Having coached over 100 riders across all ability levels, Charlie understands how to create a positive learning environment, whether you're tackling your first bit of singletrack or aiming to fine-tune your riding style. With a strong focus on developing confidence as well as skills, each session is relaxed, constructive and designed to help you feel more in control — and more excited — about heading off-road.
Gravel or cyclocross bikes are recommended for these sessions as they are designed to handle a variety of surfaces including loose gravel, dirt, and roots. These bikes typically have wider tyres and more robust frames than road bikes, making them better suited for off-road challenges such as uneven terrain and short drops. However, if you have a hybrid or another type of bike that can handle light off-road conditions, it may still be suitable depending on the specific session goals and terrain.
Before booking, it’s a good idea to check with the coach if your bike is appropriate, especially if it’s not a gravel or cyclocross bike. The aim is to ensure you get the most from the session and ride safely, so unsuitable equipment could limit what you can learn or how confident you feel. Bringing a bike you’re comfortable with will also help you focus on skill development rather than worrying about your gear.
No prior experience off-road is necessary to join these sessions. They are designed for riders at all levels, from complete beginners to those with some experience looking to improve their technique and confidence. The coach will assess your current ability during the session and tailor instruction to your needs, focusing on key skills like climbing, descending, cornering, and handling tricky surfaces.
The session’s relaxed approach means there’s no pressure to perform or cover large distances. Instead, time is spent working on individual techniques and giving you plenty of chances to practise with feedback. Whether you’ve never ridden off-road before or want to fine-tune specific skills, you will progress at your own pace.
A helmet is compulsory for safety and must be worn at all times during the ride. Additionally, bring a spare inner tube and basic repair kit in case of punctures or minor mechanical issues. Hydration is important, so carry water and some snacks to keep your energy levels up during breaks.
Dress appropriately for the weather with layers and waterproof clothing if needed, as sessions run in most conditions. Sunscreen is also advisable if it’s sunny, since exposure can be significant even on cooler days. Comfortable shoes and clothing suited to cycling will help you focus on technique rather than discomfort.
Sessions are held within a 30-mile radius of Brixton, London, with meeting points usually at local cafés near parks or woodland areas. The exact location is chosen based on the rider’s needs and the skills being worked on. This flexibility means you can expect terrain ranging from smooth gravel paths to technical singletrack sections depending on what you want to focus on.
The South London area offers a good variety of suitable trails and open spaces for off-road cycling. Areas such as Surrey and nearby commons provide options for technical challenges and easier routes alike. The coach will agree on a convenient meeting point with you after booking to make access as straightforward as possible.
Yes, although the sessions are primarily designed as 1:1 coaching, you can bring a friend or partner along to share the experience. The maximum group size for these sessions is two people, allowing the coach to give personalised attention while still accommodating a shared session.
Sharing a session can be a great way to motivate each other and enjoy learning together. It also means the coaching can adapt slightly to cover the needs of both riders, though it will still be focused on individual skill development to ensure everyone progresses.
You will cover essential off-road techniques including correct riding position, climbing efficiently on uneven surfaces, descending safely, handling off-camber sections, and cornering with control. The session is designed to build both your technical ability and your confidence on a variety of trail features.
Learning to ride efficiently and comfortably in different positions will reduce fatigue and improve your control on challenging terrain. The coach will also provide tips on reading the trail ahead and choosing the best line, which are crucial skills for safe and enjoyable off-road riding.
About the centre
London
Operated by Hidden Tracks Cycling, a partner of adventuro.
Bra_ov and Southern Carpathians, Romania
From €130
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £89
