Ride Sheffield

Category: Announcements

  • Trail Crews and Trail days

    Trail Crews and Trail days

    In Sheffield we are pretty lucky to have a wide selection of trails, from the rights of way network that criss-crosses the city and the Peak District, built trails like Lady Cannings, Greno and Parkwood, a myriad of hand-crafted trails in Wharncliffe and of course BMX tracks such as Bolehills. While it has been (and always will be) an aspiration to provide more trails for mountain bikers to ride by changing designations on rights of way and creating more built trails, a key part of what we have to do is to look after what we have already.

    One of the many things this year has shown us is that mountain biking is getting more and more popular. That, coupled with a couple of the wettest winters on record has really taken its toll on the trails.

    Trail days are not a new thing for us. We have been getting out and working on the trails for pretty much as long as Ride Sheffield has existed, and we are grateful to all those people who have come and helped out. This year started off well with a huge effort to repair the flood damage on Devil’s Elbow with over 30 people helping out. But then covid put paid to any trail work for a long time and has then restricted us to trail crews of no more than 6 people. But taking an optimistic and ambitious look at 2021 and beyond, we want to do more with the trails and we want to do things a bit differently

    Trail Crews

    At the start of 2021, we are going to start recruiting for trail crew members. It is our ambition to have multiple trail crews, likely starting with 2 and growing if the volunteer numbers are there. One that will be based in the north of the city and will focus on trails such as Greno, Wharncliffe, Parkwood, Cut Gate for example and one in the south that will focus on Blacka, Cannings, Eastern Moors, Rivelin and anything in between. Crews would also be able to work together on larger projects too. Once the crews were trained, they would be able to work independently as well as supporting larger trail days too

    We will provide the crew members with PPE, First Aid training, relevant trail checker skills, risk assessing and training in correct and safe techniques for trail work. We will also provide suitable clothing to identify you out on the trails. What we then expect from each member is attendance at a number of trail days a year.

    It is also our hope that we will be able to have tool stores that can be accessed by those on the trail crews, with one in the north and the south.

    The size and extend of the trail crews is dependent on funding, it will be part funded by Rad Tax, but if we secure additional funding it will allow us to be more ambitious with the roll out of the crews.

    We will post more information on how to apply to become a member of the trail crew in the new year, but if you would like more info or to register your interest please email us at info@ridesheffield.org.uk

    Trail Days

    We are hoping to be able to start doing bigger trail days again in the new year. Currently we have a small midweek crew heading out to keep on top of things, but we will continue to review the situation and will keep you posted subject to Tier levels and other restrictions. Additionally, if you do see areas that you feel could do with trail work doing to them, please let us know and we will add it to our list or pass it on to the rights of way team. Please get in touch at info@ridesheffield.org.uk

    Ride Sheffield’s strength has always been the awesome riding community we have in the city and we look forward to more or you joining us and making riding better for everyone in 2021 and beyond.

    All photos in this article with thanks to Salt St.

  • Redmires Update: Project Postponed

    Redmires Update: Project Postponed

    Over the years Ride Sheffield have dreamt big and grafted hard to realise some very ambitious projects and have built a well earned reputation as a riding community that gets the job done.  Our latest venture, Redmires, was set to be another example of this same commitment but unfortunately we have faced an ever growing set of unforeseen challenges and now three years down the road, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our work on the project. 

    Thanks to the generosity of local business and riders, the money required to build the track in Redmires Plantation was quickly raised. We formed an excellent relationship with Sheffield conservation groups to ensure we knew what possible impacts we could have on local wildlife. Ride Sheffield and Sheffield City Council (SCC) went the extra mile to produce a proposal that addressed numerous issues that could have an impact on the project.

    But that’s where the good news ends. Redmires lies within the Peak District National Park (PDNP) and therefore comes under close scrutiny due to its proximity to land that is of prime conservation status. The National Park Authority has the highest standards and in spite of our best efforts to fulfill those standards, we have run into a brick wall.

    Along with local residents, the PDNP has raised a number of objections including the effect the trail would have on landscape value, exacerbated by Storm Doris felling a belt of trees adjacent to the Long Causeway. The possible increase in parking and the fact that an endangered species, nightjar, is now nesting in the plantation were also crucial issues.

    We may all have opinions about the veracity of these objections but we were under no illusions when we first proposed this project that it would be a real challenge. The delay has understandably caused some serious debate within the local riding community with some arguing that we should abandon Redmires. Rightly or wrongly, we stuck to our guns for three years but, as a result of changing circumstances, we have to make a difficult decision.  Given the complexity of the planning application, it’s highly likely that Redmires will not be built for five years.

    But we’re not giving up. For a number of reasons, we’re determined to continue striving to achieve what would be a ground-breaking trail. It would set an important precedent, that mountain biking and conservation can co-exist. Time will be a factor because the growth of new trees will have a number of benefits for our project, not least removing the landscape impact.

    Importantly, this allows us to move on in a number of ways. First up, we’re keen to revitalise Greno. All three tracks need maintenance and reinvention with DH3 due an overhaul to ensure it becomes as popular as Steel City and Pub Run. We’ve already spoken to our corporate sponsors and they’re happy for funds they donated to be used for Greno. That, along with donations to the Greno Trail Fund and the Xmas raffle means we’re close to the required sum.

    Secondly, Lady Canning’s has been incredibly popular since construction and is showing serious signs of wear and tear. Again, we want to bring it back up to the highest possible standard. We may not be able to rebuild both of them immediately as that will depend massively on the continuing generosity of the Ride Sheffield mountain bike community. We’re in the process of making an application to the Santa Cruz Pay Dirt fund which could go some way to financing this work.

    Sheffield is the coolest mountain biking scene in the country. Thanks to the support of our community, we raised £45,000 towards Redmires. At some time in 2021, we will seek your opinions on what to do with the remaining Redmires funds. Ride Sheffield is determined to carry on listening to our supporters, being influenced by them and supporting the local mountain bike community.

  • Roll up, Roll up

    The Ride Sheffield Christmas Raffle is ON. This is all you need to know:

    Eyes On The Prize

    Thanks to our amazing supporters we have some awesome raffle prizes which you could be taking home this Christmas. Here is what’s up for grabs:

    Cotic Voucher worth £549
    Hope e4 brakeset with rotors and mounts
    Renthal bars x 5
    Peaty’s Selection Pack
    Fasthouse Jersey, Shorts, Gloves and Pants
    HKT Protect frame protection
    Broker riders hoodie x 2
    Bike Garage voucher
    Shralp Devil’s Elbow Tee
    Bontrager shoes
    Bontrager waterproof
    Shoes and waterproof
    Hope head doctor
    Hope bar end plugs
    Hope bottle
    Hope Jersey
    Ride Sheffield hip flask

    Expert Bike Repair
    £100 voucher

    Raffle Closes: Sunday, 20th December

    Tickets: £2 per ticket – unlimited tickets available!

    Ticket Purchase Options:

    1) Transfer via PayPal as ‘Friends and Family’ and reference ‘Raffle’
    – please send payment to ridesheffield@gmail.com

    2) Bank Transfer direct to Ride Sheffield and reference ‘Raffle’
    – Payee Name: Ride Sheffield
    – Account number: 91574205
    – Sort code: 40-31-02

    3) Sign up to the Ride Sheffield RADtax and get double entries as a thanks for your long term support – eg. Join on the red level at £20 per month and you receive 10 tickets plus an extra 10 as a thank you from Ride Sheffield.

    Sheffield Raffle Funds

    All proceeds from the raffle will go into the Ride Sheffield fundraising pot which is our life blood, and allows us to develop and maintain the trails. If you want to find out more about Ride Sheffield’s fundraising jump over to our Support Us page. Thanks to all those who already donate through RADtax and help us to keep the trails running sweetly.

    via GIPHY

  • Get ready for the Anti-social Social

    The Ride Sheffield team has decided it’s time to spread some Christmas cheer to all our Sheffield riders who have made it through 2020 with the all new ‘Anti-social Social’. About now we would usually be planning a ‘Winter Social’ with real people and real conversation, but this year we’re taking it digital with an online raffle, yes you heard it correctly, there is MTB merch up for grabs. There will also be a week of Ride Sheffield announcements to get you hyped for 2021.

    Coming soon

    The ‘Anti-social Social’ raffle will be kicking off on Wednesday, 9th December and be drawn on Sunday, 20th December. From Sunday, 13th there will be a weeks worth of activity where you will be hearing updates from our team about plans for next year, and some tips to hone your riding skills. 

    The Ride Sheffield Christmas raffle is always a crowd pleaser at the Winter Social, and this year it won’t disappoint. The full lowdown of prizes will be revealed on Wednesday, 9th December, but to whet your appetite we can tell you there are definitely Hope brakes and a Cotic voucher worth £500 up for grabs.

    On Sunday, 20th December when we’ll be announcing which lucky riders have hit the jackpot by winning one of our raffle prizes.

    via GIPHY

    ‘Anti-social Social’ Updates

    If you want to get involved all you have to do is follow our social channels where we will be posting all you need to know about how you enter the raffle, what you could win, and the all important Ride Sheffield news for 2021. Take your pick from twitter, Facebook or Instagram , or fill your boots and follow all three!

  • Levelling Up to Tier 3 for Sheffield MTBers

    Levelling Up to Tier 3 for Sheffield MTBers

    LOCKDOWN 2 UPDATE – please bear in mind that this article was originally written when Sheffield had been moved into Tier 3, with Derbyshire in Tiers 1 and 2. As of November 5th, England is now in Lockdown, meaning slightly different guidelines yet again. Full details can be found here , but here’s a quick update;

    While we should stay at home wherever possible, we are allowed to exercise outside with members of our own household, those we’ve formed a support bubble with, or one other person from another household.

    Travel is now only allowed for a handful of purposes, although this does include travel for exercise. We’re aware that for many people driving to ride is the only option, but would suggest riding from home wherever possible. If you do travel, be considerate of others, especially in isolated villages with lower infection rates but higher numbers of elderly people. Ride well within your limits, but do get out there – riding is SO good for your mental and physical health!

    As the announcement was made that Sheffield is heading into Tier 3 Covid restrictions we can’t deny one of our first thoughts was ‘can we still MTB with our mates?’, closely followed by ‘can we still go to the pub after a ride?’.


    At Ride Sheffield we’re all about keeping you safe on and off the trails so here’s how we see it when it comes to riding in Sheffield under Tier 3. This is a helping hand to interpret the rules and understand what it means for us when it comes to shredding in Sheffield. Our focus here is on the restrictions for those people living within Sheffield not people travelling from other regions.


    These were the first questions we asked, so based on the information we now have we’ll do our best to answer them.

    Can I ride with friends outside of my household?

    Tier 3 interpretation: The guidelines state you can ride as a group of six or under but you must adhere to the social distancing rules of 2 metres. 

    Ride Sheffield guidance: When on Bridleways try to keep your social distance from your riding group but also be aware of other trail users who perhaps are not as comfortable mixing outside of their household. Do the right thing if the trail is tight, stand aside and ‘be nice say hi’ to walkers or horse riders.

    Can I ride on my local trails and Ride Sheffield trails?

    Tier 3 interpretation: As Greno, Parkwood and Lady Cannings are all within the Sheffield boundary you can absolutely use these trails if you are keeping your social distance in place.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: This is why we have invested so much in delivering sustainable local trails, so enjoy them and hone your skills for when we’re released back out of this tier. Please bear in mind that popular spots may get busy, particularly at weekends. Be prepared to head somewhere else!

    Which mountain bike trails are within the Sheffield boundary?

    Tier 3 interpretation: As outlined above you are allowed to ride local trails so knowing the boundary is important. You can check out OS maps or regional maps.

    Sheffield boundary road map

    Ride Sheffield guidance: In addition to the obvious popular spots, please be willing to give something different a try. Maybe that local bridleway near your house isn’t as exciting as practicing your favourite berms, but it may well be a good bit quieter and help spread the load.

    You can also take a look at the Trailforks map on our website to give you further ideas of loops to head for on the mountain bike.

    Can I ride over the border into Derbyshire?

    Tier 3 interpretation: This is not advisable as it is deemed as unnecessary travel and residents in Tier 3 are not supposed to visit areas in Tier 2, which would include most areas of Derbyshire bordering Sheffield. There’s a lot of confusion around the naming of areas, bearing in mind that Peak District doesn’t just mean Derbyshire – it’s far from straightforward and better to follow by County area.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: At this time, we wouldn’t recommend riding in Derbyshire but if you do, consider avoiding local cafes and shops as this is where most of the animosity occurred during the first lockdown. We are conscious of thinking about the locals in villages of Derbyshire who will not be wanting an influx of people from Sheffield so we’re seeing this as a good time to stay local.

    Can I go to the pub after my ride?

    Unless you’re riding with your household or meeting them afterwards for food it’s a no.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: Pack some good trail snacks and have a socially distanced stop and chat in the wilderness.

     We understand everyone’s interpretations can be slightly different but under our ‘be nice say hi’ mantra, now doesn’t seem the time to push the boundaries. The more we all play the game and stick to the rules, the sooner we can be planning trips out of area, and who knows maybe even abroad – that’s our 2021 goals right there!

  • Trail Tool Boost for Ride Sheffield

    Trail Tool Boost for Ride Sheffield

    The Peak District National Park Foundation has awarded Ride Sheffield with a £500 grant towards trail maintenance projects, resulting in the purchase of a new leaf blower. 

    The newly formed charity, the Peak District National Park Foundation, has been fundraising to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Peak District in 2021. Thanks to their efforts the optimistic target of £70,000 is now well within reach, and as part of this project Ride Sheffield has been able to invest in this game changing piece of equipment.

    Leaf blowers have proven really useful for clearing trails of muck and mulch, making everything even more rideable, and keeping the trails as clear as possible through autumn and winter. Getting rid of the organic matter that rots down into mud means that we don’t have to scrape it off later in the year.

    We’ve been able to borrow Sheffield City Council’s machines, but demand being high meant that availability hasn’t been great over the last couple of years.  An extra leaf blower will be a huge help.

    “It’s the little things that matter! Maintenance isn’t sexy or good at creating news headlines, but is at the heart of good conservation management  and sustaining a high quality landscape. A place where wildlife can thrive alongside the people who want to enjoy ‘blowing the cobwebs’ away, be it walking, riding, running or just enjoying being in nature”
    Jon Dallow, Sheffield City Council

    Sheffield City Council are kindly testing and maintaining this blower for us and we’ll be sharing it with them to use when they have larger projects.  Ride Sheffield will be getting out as much as we can to clear the trails we’ve built with the council at Parkwood and Lady Cannings, Sheffield Wildlife Trust sites like Greno, along with the bridleways dotted around the area.  

    Before…..

    “We’re delighted to have the ongoing support of Ride Sheffield to help look after the network of public bridleways and footpaths at Blacka Moor nature reserve. The recent purchase of a leaf blower with funding from the Peak Park Foundation will really help the volunteers keep the routes clear and in good condition over the autumn and winter.”
    Nabil Abbas, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust

    After!

    We’re chuffed to have the support of the land managers we work alongside, along with the Peak District National Park Foundation and their grant money.  Team work as it should be! 

    You can read more about the work of the Peak District Foundation and their work here

  • Greno Woods Crowdfunder!

    Greno Woods Crowdfunder!

    Greno Woods has been providing mountain biking good times for the past 30 years in different guises, from hand cut tracks with wild sketchy jumps, through some quite gnarly north shore and loamy natural runs, to the trails that we have now. 

    10 years ago, Sheffield and Rotherham, Wildlife Trust bought the woods and in part of the efforts to raise the money (and the profile of the plans) that was needed to buy the woods, we thought a (big) little race would be a good way of contributing to this. 

    The birth of Peaty’s Steel City DH on a damp cold day in March was the catalyst for further development the woods. Money from the first race went into building the Steel City DH track, funds from the next race went into formalising Pub Run and DH3. 

    Since the very beginning SCDH has been funding the trails in Greno woods from inception to new lines, refurbs and revamps, with Ride Sheffield managing and maintaining them. 

    The bikes and the way we ride has changed a lot over the past ten years and we have worked hard to keep the tracks as well running and relevant as possible.

    Greno’s trails are some of the most ridden (and loved) across Yorkshire and while they have been built to a great standard by Bike Track, things wear out eventually.

     We want the trails to remain a great experience for everyone, we want them to be progressive and to play an important role in the development of riders in the city. But that’s not something that is possible on just the money raised by the race.

    Greno Woods Crowdfunder

    So, here is where we need your help…. We are going to be crowdfunding for the next phase of planned work in Greno, we have some major repairs and redevelopments on Steel City and DH3, but we need your support to get them done! 

    Want the best berms this side of Whistler Bike Park? Want trail featured that can help progress your riding? 

    Want trails that run as well in the winter as they do in the summer……? 

    Well now is the time to contribute. As well as your money raised, SCDH will also be contributing with funds from the race, but the more you can donate the further we can make that money go

    Below is a Brief description of the work we plan to do and how much we need to raise to complete each section…. We will have 2 months to raise the funds, with a deadline of the beginning of May and will keep you updated with a weekly totaliser.

    Plans and costing

    Steel City DH – £8,000

    Red trail

    The Red trail from the split down will be brought up to the same spec as the rest of the trail.  

    Build up and reshape all the turns on this section up to the pro jump. 

    Lift all low-lying areas to above ground level to improve drainage and reduce on maintenance.

    A new corner will be built at the end of this section before the pro jump to separate the Red and Black trails better. The Red trail will now run to the right-hand side of the existing trail where a new tabletop jump will be created parallel to the pro jump. 

    The new jump will be a rollable tabletop that is similar in shape but shorter than the pro jump to help the progression up to the pro jump. 

    This jump will land and a new section created to keep riders separated from the pro jump right up until entering the existing corner. This will give riders plenty of time to be able to land and control speed before joining together just before the corner. 

    Black split 

    The existing Rollable double will be extended slightly on the landing and angled to suit the new line into the pro jump.

    The corner after this will also be changed and built up to improve the line into the pro jump. 

    A new set up rollable jump will be created out of the turn to gain speed and reduce the need for pedalling into the pro jump. 

    The existing pro take off will be moved to the left so that it runs in a straight line, this will also open up a safe run off space in between that and the Red trail and will also help for races. 

    The existing pro landing will stay the same, we will also repair existing black trail to the left of pro jump as a chicken run in normal riding situations. 


    DH3 – £8,000

    New rollable features on the top section as better trail qualifiers and to make the first bit more interesting. 

    The first jump will stay the same but the berm after will be built up and extended to stop riders cutting straight down the open. 

    The first rock garden will be removed, and a big berm will be made with a feature after it. A new corner will be made before the big rollable double this will help control speed into this feature,

    The jump will be resurfaced and all the way into the next berm. The berm after the double will be built up and extended to stop riders needing to brake so much after the jump and also to stop riders going over it and cutting the track. 

    The first section on the second rock garden will stay but from where it drops, we will take the rest away and a new berm will be made to help maintain riders speed. So, you will have a berm then a straight rock garden then a berm so riders can hop from the rock garden into the berm.

    The existing berm before the tabletops will be built up to help maintain speed and to the tabletops. Tabletops will stay same they will just be resurfaced and the landing right into the berm after them. After this point the track will all stay the same just general improvement works and surfacing in areas. 

    The last big left-hand corner will be redone to repair braking bumps and generally make it better at speed.

    Additional Costs – £4000

    As well as the direct trail work, there are additional costs in maintaining a safe and fun set of trails, so a little contingency and planning at the start goes a long way

    We’d like to include new signage for new trail features and replacing missing/damaged ones.  

    While we’re getting material, it makes sense to stockpile extra to be used for future volunteer dig days, as borrow pits and material transport are more efficient while done at the same time. 

    How to Donate

    Bank transfer



    Direct transfers can be made to the Ride Sheffield account, details as follows;

    Account name – Ride Sheffield
    Sort Code – 403102
    Account number – 91574205
    This account is with HSBC.



    Paypal

    Click the button to donate via Paypal.



    Alternatively, send Paypal donations to ridesheffield@gmail.com using “Friends and Family” if possible please!  Pop a note in the comments box “Greno 2020” and we’ll be sure to match your donation up.



    Commercial donations



    We welcome donations from businesses, along with offers for help other than just funding.  Perhaps you can provide food or tooling for a dig day or can offer prizes for us to run a prize draw for people who’ve donated.
    Please contact ridesheffield@gmail.com to discuss any idea you or your company might have.

    Looking After Greno

    Beyond the Crowdfunder one of the best ways to keep the trails running sweetly well into the future is to get involved in the upkeep of the trails as part of a Ride Sheffield Trail Crew. We would like a dedicated trail crew for Greno and will be make sure that you are fully trained to carry out the work, so if that interests you, please get in touch.

    But for now, donate, spread the word and make Greno great again!

  • Redmires – what’s been going on?

    Suffice to say, our Redmires project hasn’t gone as smoothly as some of our other works. We’ve not been the best at updating you guys, but that’s partly been down to not having firm answers on everything.

    So, to bring you all up to date.

    Redmires has funds in place, that’s sat in our account waiting – there’s been no change there. Where we and Sheffield City Council have had issues is with planning permission and surrounding issues.

    With ground nesting birds on site, specifically Nightjars, we discussed the idea of a partial trail closure on the top section of the track during ground nesting bird season. That’s an option, but expensive to do the works to close/open the section each time. Within 2-4 years, the Nightjars are likely to move on, away from the bike trail and into new felled areas. This is something for us to bear in mind as the project progresses, but isn’t the main reason for the delays – it’s really down to Planning Permission.

    Peak District National Park Authority have advised Sheffield City Council to withdraw the current application and submit a full application instead. This is more work for the Council staff and should be submitted around Spring time. Peak Park want more details and information, which means more ecological studies and checks – therefore more time.

    Ok, so what about our trail then?


    Basically, it’s going to take time – but we’re confident that the planning permission will get through. Sheffield Council staff agree, which is great as it’s those guys doing the legwork here.

    In the meantime, we’re working on making sure that we work on the relationships with other users and stakeholders to make sure that we all understand the different points of view.

    The aim is for the new application to be submitted this Spring. We’ll then update you once there’s more news from PDNPA.

    As ever, any questions please feel free to discuss with us on info@ridesheffield.org.uk

  • Sign up as a supporter!

    You’ve all been more than generous when we’ve been fundraising for new build trail projects – Lady Canning’s and Redmires wouldn’t happen without payments from riders and local businesses alike.

    We’re now looking at the bigger picture, the longer term and potential for the future. Simply put, we need to look after the trails we have, whether purpose built or the network of bridleways that we’re lucky to have access to in Sheffield. That takes money.

    With that in mind, we’re asking for you all to sign up as Ride Sheffield supporters. We have 4 different levels, each of which can be paid in a lump for the year or split into smaller monthly payments. Direct debit from your bank account, or card payments – no bother!

    Each year, you’ll get a little thank you – something which can’t be bought elsewhere. Have a look at the details below; (more…)

  • Guess Who’s Back?

    Yes, the question that has been on a lot of peoples lips since last November can now be answered!

    Lady Cannings, Blue Steel trail has finally reopened!

    While it has taken a little while longer than even we expected to have the trail reopened, we have had to battle with much greater damage to the trail by the foresters than we had expected, coupled with a very wet January and February, not to mention a couple of substantial storms that have left downed trees and hung up branches everywhere. So, all things considered, to us it feels like a result to have it opening now. (more…)