By Eva Best

Your Cycle Hire Questions, Answered

Hey folks! We get asked lots of questions about our Cycle Hire, so to make things super easy for you, we’ve put this super handy video together. Alternatively, you can read the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

What are the minimum and maximum age requirements?

Our minimum age requirement for cycle hire is 12 plus for a standard bike. As of now, we aren’t offering bikes for children. This also includes child seats, trailers, and tagalongs. This is because we recently moved to a new cycle hire centre and we’re unable to hire these out until we have established family-friendly cycle routes which don’t include the main road.

What are your height limits and frame sizes?

Our minimum height requirement for a standard bike is 4ft 10 and the maximum is 6ft 5. Our frame sizes range from 14.5 inches to 21 inches.

What type of bikes do you provide?

The bikes we offer are standard mountain bikes. We do not offer tandem or electric bikes, or trailers for dogs.

What equipment do you provide?

We provide your bike, a helmet and a pack with a puncture repair kit, bike lock, bike pump and a spare inner tube. If you’ve never repaired a puncture before, we have full instructions on how to do so. We also offer free cycle route maps where we’ve highlighted local points of interest, as well as pubs on your journey.

Do I need to be able to ride a bike?

To join us for a cycle hire session you will need to be able to ride a standard mountain bike adequately and we do not supply stabilisers.

What kind of routes do you offer nearby?

We have a variety of routes, both local and further around the beautiful New Forest. All of our routes are part of the ‘New Forest Cycle Network’ which means they’re all gravel tracks off-road. You will have to travel on the main roads to get to these routes, and off-road cycling in the New Forest is only permitted on certain routes. Please take a look at the ‘New Forest Cycling Code’ for more information on this. To help you make the most of your Cycle Hire with us we ask that you please follow both the Highway Code and the New Forest Cycling Code which is supported by cycling groups and local organisations.

What do I need to bring/what do I need to wear?

You’ll need outdoor clothes for cycling and waterproofs in case the weather is temperamental on the day. Also, make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes that will stay on for the duration of your ride. For when it’s hot, we recommend you bring drinking water and sun cream. For when it’s cold, it would be best to layer up with a warm hat and some gloves, plus a flask of hot drink. Make sure to bring snacks to keep you going throughout the day, and a rucksack to carry your spare kit. It’s a requirement that you bring along any medication that you might need.

Can you drop off the bike or pick it up for me?

We do not drop bikes off to you or pick you up from your final destination. Your bikes are available anytime from 9.30 am on your chosen booked day and you will need to drop them back to us no later than 4.30 pm on the same day. For those looking for multi-day hire, we offer this at our standard day rate for each day you have your bike for, with an additional overnight charge for those keeping bikes overnight.

Can I reserve bikes?

We can reserve bikes for you if you have chosen to hire your bikes for a full day and you can book this by popping us a call, or by booking via our website.

Where are you based and do you have parking?

Our cycle hire is based at our Hazel Copse site. We also have free parking on site and you can park here for the whole day whilst you’re out exploring on your bikes.

What if the weather is bad and I want to cancel?

Our activities go ahead in almost all weathers and we’re experts at maximising the fun, even in the rain! If we are made aware that you wish to cancel your booking within 48 hours of your activity you will lose your payment and we will be unable to rebook you. If we are given 7-days notice, we can offer a full refund or credit. Between those times, 50% of the credit will be offered. Upon booking, you can opt to pay our optional Poor Weather Insurance. This enables you to cancel your activity up until 5 pm the day before and you’ll be eligible to move dates or receive a full refund. Our ‘Poor Weather Insurance’ fee is £2.50 per person. This is only available at the time of the booking and not applicable to same day bookings. We always cancel sessions and rebook or refund customers for no charge if we deem weather conditions to be unsafe.