What we’re about
Welcome to Leeds Mountain Bikers (LMB). We meet regularly for adventurous and challenging off-road rides and our aim is to provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere in which to enjoy our sport, with all the benefits of riding in a social group.
We welcome new members, but please understand that while many of our riders have a lot of experience, we are amateurs and do this for the love of our sport. We do not hold any formal qualifications. We are not instructors, mentors nor technical experts.
We will always help and support each other when needed, and will never leave a group member behind, but all riders must accept that mountain biking is a dangerous sport, and that individual riders are responsible for their own safety.
LMB, its organisers, hosts and leaders will not be held liable for any injury or loss incurred.
Rides will each have one or more designated hosts, who will be familiar with the route. If you are new to the group you will be asked to fill in a 'Rider Information' form with your personal details, and also to sign our 'Participation Statement' and disclaimer. We also suggest that you complete a personal medical information form to carry with you on the ride. (You can download, print and sign these prior to attendance from... here ).
We charge a subscription fee of £1 per ride or £10 per calendar year (Payable each January), which allows us to cover our subscription to Meetup.com.
This is payable in cash to the ride leader.
*Note that as of January 2023, we will no longer be affiliating to British Cycling, so please do not use their payment system.
Rides have a maximum attendance of 15 riders, but if full please get yourself on the waiting list. Spaces usually appear nearer the ride.
If you subsequently are unable to attend, please let us know early, so somebody else can take your place.
PARTICIPATION STATEMENT & ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
As a condition of riding with Leeds Mountain Bikers, all persons must be aware of and accept the following:-
- MOUNTAIN BIKING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY WHICH CARRIES A RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY
- RIDE ORGANISERS DO NOT NECESSARILY HOLD ANY MOUNTAIN BIKING QUALIFICATIONS NOR ARE THEY INSTRUCTORS, MENTORS OR TECHNICAL EXPERTS
- ALL RIDERS ARE INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS AND SAFETY
- RIDERS WILL AT ALL TIMES CONSIDER THE SAFETY OF OTHER PERSONS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY TO AVOID DANGER TO OTHER RIDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
- SELF RELIANCE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ARE CENTRAL TO THE WAY LMB OPERATES
Risks include but are not limited to the following:-
- We actively seek to ride over terrain which will in places be technically difficult, and where a fall could result in injury. It is each rider's responsibility to read the trail ahead of them, and make their own decision as to whether they are capable of riding any particular section, or whether to dismount and walk.
- We may also ride through remote, exposed, upland and mountain areas, which may be exposed to extremes of weather. Routes may be physically demanding, typically covering 20 plus miles of off-road riding, with several thousand feet of ascent. It is each riders responsibility to ensure they possess the appropriate fitness, and to carry suitable waterproof/warm/cool clothing, food, liquid, and equipment for the proposed route in the prevailing weather conditions.
(Check weather forecast and each 'ride description' for details).
- The routes we follow may be used by other persons such as walkers and other mountain bikers. It is each LMTB rider's responsibility to ride in a manner which does not put other persons or property at risk.
- Rides will usually include sections on the public highway. Each rider is responsible for riding safely and in accordance with the highway code.
Further requirements
- Riders must be 18 years of age or older
- Approved cycle helmets and knee protection must be worn- No helmet no ride
- Suitable bikes: Appropriate quality full suspension or hard tail mountain bikes
- This includes UK road legal electrically assisted mountain bikes with pedals (E-Bikes)
- NB- de-restricted bikes, or those modified in such a way which makes their use on UK roads illegal, will not be permitted on our rides
Leeds Mountain Bikers and Ride Leader will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with mountain biking activity (except for death or personal injury caused by their negligence) and waive all and any claims against [Leeds Mountain Bikers and Ride Leader] in this respect.
