What we do

Horwich Ride Social is a local, social, non-competitive cycling group. Our main aim is to encourage ANYONE to get on a bike. Riding in a group is always more fun than riding alone, so please feel free to join us!

All our rides are free. There are rides from all disciplines (road, hybrid, electric & mountain biking). These take place in three groups: women, men & mixed rides. When you join the group we’ll keep you up to date with the rides we put on. 

The rides are graded “Easygoing”, “Steady” & “Challenging” based on distance & climbs. We can help you to find the type and grade that you’ll enjoy. We suggest first coming along to a “Steady” ride on a bike you are comfortable on (each ride description says what kind of bike is suitable, many are for couple of bike types, for example Hybrid & Electric). 

Our rides explore the beautiful area of Horwich and all surrounding districts of Bolton, Chorley & as far afield as West Lancs. We know so many hidden gems and all our rides are researched by a wonderful team of qualified volunteer Ride Leaders. There is very often a cafe stop or bring your own refreshments.

We are welcoming, diverse & inclusive. The group is completely run by volunteers who love cycling so much that they want others to discover how much fun it is to get out on two wheels. We are Cycling UK and British Cycling Community Group affiliated.

What happens at a ride? 

10 – 15 minutes before the start time everyone arrives & is led through a comprehensive bike check. The Ride Leaders brief the group on the route, highlighting any hazards & when any cafe stop/break will be. One Ride Leader stays at the front to show the way, the other stays at the back checking no one is left behind. They use clearly visible hand signals to indicate riding instructions. At road junctions both leaders come to the front to assist the group safely through them. 

Rides take place at both weekends, weekdays & evenings. These are either on the road, on trails using hybrid bikes or mountain biking tracks. The approximate time is given in the ride description.

Progressive Ride Programmes –

Horwich Ride Social also runs various 4-6 week courses to help women enjoy their cycling more, whether you are a rusty cyclist, new cyclist or want to try a new type of cycling.

We regularly run -

  • “Sofa to Saddle” runs for women to return to cycling. This culminates with the group cycling up to 10 miles. Any kind of bike can be used: no bike, no problem, you can hire one from us! We have helped hundreds of women to enjoy riding a bike, for leisure, commuting or with their family.
Ladies by bikes in park
  • “Sofa to Sportive” is for women who want to ride a Sportive . They can train & increase skills and distance alongside others with the same aim. The leaders have a wealth of experience to impart. The rides start at 10 miles, working up to 50 miles by the end of the series. 

We periodically run -

  • “Dirty Divas” is for women who want to try out mountain biking & learn the skills to enjoy it. We start off tackling the trails around Horwich and then extend further out from this.

The Dirty Divas ride series is for ladies who want to have a go at MTB but perhaps were a little afraid to do so. It is aimed at novices who can cycle but want to try a different discipline. 

We ride over six sessions on a Sat/Sun morning.The majority of the sessions are based around Rivington with the last two hopefully utilising the mtb trails slightly further afield - these will be confirmed nearer the time. The series will build up your confidence on mixed terrain which hopefully will give you that ‘have a go’ attitude as you will be alongside other like-minded ladies. 

It doesn't matter at all if you need to walk some sections, it's what is comfortable for you. The group is kept really small to give the band of sisters ethos, encouraging one another and having banter along the way. A good level of strength and fitness is required.

The mileage will start off at approx 8miles and approx 900ft of ascent for session one and then we increase this each time.

These rides are confidence based and are not coaching sessions for the technical sides of MTB but tips and tricks will be given throughout.

  • "Conquer and Climb" ride series is specific to ladies who are wishing to challenge themselves in both distance and elevation. 

Each session sees either; an increase in mileage, an increase in elevation or and increase in both. It is aimed at ladies who have a personal goal to achieve or just to improve their overall fitness amongst other like-minded women. 

It is not a regular ride, it is a commitment of at least 4 sessions out of 6. You must have a strong mindset and at a good fitness level and be able to cycle at an avg pace of at least 12mph to begin with. The starting point will vary from week to week and can be of up to 1 hour drive from Rivington.

Techniques that will be covered:

  • Sprinting or cornering at speed
  • Pedalling
  • Cornering
  • Climbing
  • Group riding

Keep an eye out for dates when these run and sign up. Any queries as to whether it is a suitable programme for you or do you have a suitable bike please get in touch. We’d love to help you progress in your cycling, become more confident, learn new skills and take on new challenges.