ABOUT THE CLUB

On the newly opened trails at Bedgebury, a number of riders were coaxed, cajoled, encouraged and corralled by the then site manager (and much missed) David Hiscock into considering setting up a bike club. It was David’s vision that what had been created should be enhanced and mountain biking be developed for everyone, especially those new to the activity.

So, in 2006, Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club was formed and a committee set up to take things forward. The first ‘big’ decision was deciding on the club identity and this came from the in-house scribbler who offered up a number of ideas to choose from. Believe it or not, the original identity was not the one we eventually saw; as part of the process there was a lot of interaction with the Forestry Commission (FC, as it was then) who had some concerns over design ideas. Happily this meant a rethink that resulted in the club logo that we now have, the indomitable Barry Boar.

The colours are not an accident either: the dark green signifies the evergreens and conifers, the mid green is for the deciduous trees and bushes, the light green is for lichen, bracken and ferns and the red is for berries and fruits- these colours are registered with British Cycling who, when we submitted them, mentioned that they were very distinctive and highly praised in their offices. By us adding ‘If you can read this someone stole my hydration pack‘ to the back of the shirts it helped convey a little of who we were and wanted to be.

By 2010 BFCC were one of the fastest growing and, as a result, largest bike clubs in the country- not just for mountain biking. We had British Cycling accreditation which meant we could train MTB coaches and offer training to riders from kids upwards. Not only that but we organised and held racing events, from the shorter hour long race series up to the unforgettable ‘Insomnia‘ 12-hour night race. This was held on a course that covered most of the forest site south of Park Lane using existing trails and forest roads as well as a few sections added for flow (some with humorous and slightly dubious names- if you know you know!). All of this done with the club volunteers marshalling, manning the pits or running the timing as well as laying out the course… so much effort but still fondly remembered by competitors and the club alike.

Then of course there was the trailbuilding which enhanced what already existed and also created new trail sections to create a more contiguous and enjoyable trail experience- please see the ‘Trails‘ page to get more information but without the club there wouldn’t be Wanda’s Trail, Thirsty Turkey or Cake Run, to name but 3 sections. Since COVID-19 there’s not been as much work done but late 2025 will see the club looking forward to new build opportunities and the welcoming of a new, enthusiastic set of Trail Pixies.

The club can boast (and so it should) a large number of British Cycling qualified mountain bike coaches which has meant training session and kids clubs, offering development for those wishing to take up the sport and progress; indeed, a number of our previous junior club members have go on to national level participation in cycling events. If you might be interested have a look at what rides or coaching might be on offer and sign yourself, or your kids, up.

And so we come ever closer to 2026 when the club will celebrate 20 years of doing what we do and trying what we can to make Bedgebury a place for people of all MTB abilities to come and enjoy the trails, the company and the sport. But it also depends on you and we’re always on the lookout for those that want to volunteer some time into ensuring all the things we do can happen and, maybe, allow us to keep wanting to do more, for all of us.

Many thanks for all your support in getting us to where we are and hope to see you on the trails sometime.