In the interests of promoting this integrated sport as fully inclusive, Rough Riderz has formed a new partnership with a well established mountain biking group, 'The Northern Munkies', based in Cumbria. This new and exciting affiliation opens many doors, including joint ventures e.g. new tracks & a more accessible MTB community... so watch this space. Plus, with the help of our new "partnerz in grime" we have launched a unique new forum that will benefit anyone who chooses to register with us.

We have teamed up with another bunch of mountain bikers known as The Northern Munkies.

Duncan was using cycling routes in the Lake District way before the majority of people, and has a thirst for fast downhills, the rougher the terrain the better. Shane is another biker who hammers his bike down the roughest terrain possible. Ben prefers mountainous tracks, more winding trails than downhills. He is very much at home on the North Face Trail in Grizedale Forest. Then there is Rob, the main downhill expert among them.

An established and experienced group, they will help us gain extra exposure, making the UK MTB community more aware and equal. In turn, this could also promote the construction of new trails and/or minor adaptions to existing trails, to improve access. The sharing of knowledge and information we have will also be very useful to all concerned… our overall intentions in forming this alliance is to help benefit both clubs, and the many enthusiasts in the UK mountain biking scene.

Our joint forum with 'The Northern Munkies' is now in action! We will now keep you updated on what's happening with both clubs through our new joint quarterly newsletter. PLEASE NOTE: The newsletter will only be distributed to those members who are also registered users of the forum.

This forum is intended to provide the newest and best online meeting place where both two and four wheel mountain bike riders can share their information, news and experiences. Discuss and exchange tips, tricks and ideas in the world's first 'fully inclusive' MTB forum environment... so what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and choose a username for yourself today!

The club has contacted the Forestry Commission, in an effort to get involved in any future dialogue about the various downhill mountain bike trails across the country.

We have succeeded in this, by being invited to help advise them on any improvements to the current facilities available, and to discuss possible venues available for building new sites. We also hope to negotiate an agreement on improving uplift services (or tow vehicle access) to the best trails. All of this will then make the 4-wheel sport much more accessible.

In a BBC interview, Karl Bartlett, a project manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, explained how they are already helping to roll back the boundaries of physical activity for disabled people: “getting people into mountain biking at all levels is really important for us... we need to make our region as accessible as possible to everyone... it is important that disabled people get a real experience of mountain biking”.

Rough Riderz is now registered with the National Governing Body of British Cycling. This is the internationally recognised governing body of cycling in the UK.

It administers the sport in the following disciplines: BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain Bike, Road and Track. It’s members have access to an extensive events programme, racing licences and a range of benefits. The organisation underpins cycling with programmes focusing on facilities, major events, coaching, volunteers, club development and grass-roots participation.

British Cycling has a vibrant membership of cyclists, who join the organisation to race and to access a range of cycling-focused membership benefits. These include liability insurance cover for cyclists at fault in accidents and featuring "no excess", a unique British Cycling benefit. There is free legal advice from dedicated specialists in working with cyclists' cases. Discounts are available on some travel, equipment, holidays, event tickets, etc.

British Cycling is also committed to bringing the biggest cycling events to the UK. Along with several World Championships due to visit the country in the next few years, they have also been supporting a large number of regional and club facility development and re-development projects.