Test your off-road skills and improve your cyclocross technique with a focused half-day session guided by a British Cycling qualified coach. Whether you're preparing for your first race or looking to fine-tune your handling, this 4-hour coached ride is tailored to meet your group’s ability and goals.
The session begins with a short introduction and setup check before heading straight into skills-based coaching. Beginners will work on the fundamentals, including body positioning, basic cornering, dismounts, remounts, and riding on off-camber surfaces. The coaching is practical and focused, using short loops and technical features in the terrain to help you develop control and confidence. There’s a strong emphasis on understanding the why behind each movement, making it easier to apply those skills during training or racing.
For more experienced riders, the focus shifts to more advanced elements such as explosive starts, shouldering techniques, bike carrying, managing steep or technical descents, and building tactical awareness for racing. The coach will also cover tyre pressure selection, pacing, and preparation strategies to help you maximise your performance. Sessions are designed to be constructive and engaging, with plenty of time for questions and individual feedback, so everyone finishes with clear takeaways.
The ride can take place at any agreed location within a 30-mile radius of London, using parks, woodlands, and natural trails to provide a varied and realistic riding surface. Meeting points are usually cafés close to suitable terrain, offering a relaxed place to gather before the session begins and regroup at the end. Locations are chosen to offer everything from tight corners and off-camber sections to steep climbs and natural features ideal for skill development.
Once your group has booked, you’ll work directly with the coach to finalise the most convenient and suitable meeting point. The flexibility in venue means the terrain can be matched to your group’s ability level and learning priorities. Whether you prefer smoother grass tracks or more technical woodland trails, the session will make use of every available slope, corner and obstacle to replicate real cyclocross conditions.
You should be a competent cyclist able to ride for a minimum of two hours at a moderate pace. No prior cyclocross experience is necessary, but confidence in basic off-road riding will help you get more from the session. A cyclocross or gravel bike is ideal due to the mix of surfaces and technical demands involved. Helmets are required, and riders should bring appropriate clothing, water, snacks, and any personal spares they might need.
The group size is limited to ensure that each rider gets tailored attention and that the session flows at a manageable pace for all involved. If you have any questions about your bike setup or fitness level, the coach is happy to advise in advance of booking.
With over 20 years of experience coaching and leading rides, Charlie brings deep knowledge and a friendly, focused approach to each session. As a British Cycling Level 2 Cyclocross-specific coach and the current cyclocross secretary for Dulwich Paragon, he works with over 100 riders across all levels, including as lead off-road coach at Herne Hill Velodrome.
Charlie is skilled at adapting his coaching to each group’s needs, offering a balance of technical instruction, race insight, and fun. His sessions are structured, accessible, and grounded in real-world race and training experience, making them ideal for riders who want to progress without pressure. Whether you're new to cyclocross or looking to improve your performance, you’ll benefit from a well-organised session in a supportive environment.
Cyclocross (or CX) is a cycling discipline with roots dating back to early 1900s northern Europe. Originally created by road racers to stay fit during the off-season, it blends elements of road cycling with the challenges of off-road terrain. A typical CX course includes a mix of surfaces like grass, gravel, tarmac, and mud, and often features obstacles such as steep banks, tight corners, and hurdles that require you to dismount and carry your bike.
Despite its reputation for being tough—cold, wet, and muddy—cyclocross is attracting more riders each year because of the challenge and fun it brings. You don’t need to be a top-level athlete to take part; most competent cyclists can join in and enjoy it. Racing or training in CX builds fitness and bike handling like nothing else, and you’ll walk away from each session feeling like you've achieved something. It’s welcoming, supportive, and, above all, highly addictive.
Not at all. These sessions are designed to suit all levels, from those who’ve never touched a CX course before to more seasoned riders looking to sharpen technique. If you can ride confidently off-road and are comfortable on your bike for a couple of hours, you’ll be just fine.
The coaching is flexible and adapts to your group’s ability. Beginners are walked through the basics in a clear, manageable way, while more experienced riders can work on the finer points of race preparation, technique and strategy. There’s no pressure to perform—just an emphasis on progression, enjoyment and learning.
Ideally, you should bring a cyclocross or gravel bike fitted with knobbly tyres for grip on grass and mud. These bikes are designed for varied terrain and are built to handle the stop-start, high-intensity nature of CX riding.
If you don’t own a CX or gravel bike, other off-road capable bikes might work, but some techniques (like remounting or shouldering) won’t translate as easily. If you’re unsure, get in touch ahead of the session and the coach can advise whether your setup is suitable.
Dress for the weather and for a workout. Layers are best—ideally breathable, quick-drying gear. Don’t forget your helmet (which is mandatory), gloves for grip and protection, and appropriate shoes that work well both on the pedals and for running with the bike if needed.
You’ll also want to bring water, snacks to keep you fuelled, a spare inner tube, a rain jacket if it looks damp, and sunscreen if it's sunny. It’s always better to have too much than too little—cyclocross is unpredictable, and so is the British weather.
To set up a session, just gather your group (up to 8 people) and reach out to book. Once the date is confirmed, you’ll agree on a meeting point that suits your group and the coach. Typically, this will be a café near a park or wooded area with suitable terrain.
The sessions can be held anywhere within a 30-mile radius of London, making it easy to fit in around your location. Once booked, the coach will coordinate the logistics directly with you to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
The session is designed to cover a broad range of cyclocross-specific skills. Depending on the group’s level, this may include riding position, cornering, off-camber riding, climbing, descending, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, carrying, and race tactics.
Each skill is taught progressively, with time to practise and refine through repeated drills and short course loops. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to tackle a cyclocross course confidently and efficiently, whatever your starting level.
Yes—and that’s why people keep coming back. It might look like hard work (and it is), but it’s also full of laughter, challenge, and unexpected wins. You’ll push yourself in ways you hadn’t imagined and likely finish covered in mud, but smiling.
Many riders start just to try something new and end up hooked. There’s something addictive about overcoming the tricky sections, learning new techniques, and getting cheered on while sliding around a corner. It’s a brilliant blend of personal challenge, team energy and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.
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About the centre
London
Operated by Hidden Tracks Cycling, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £35
