FOD Women’s Takeover Day

In partnership with Whyte Bikes, we’re thrilled to announce the first-ever Women’s Takeover Day at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre — a day dedicated to riding, connection, and community, all in celebration of women who love life on the trails.

Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just getting started, this is your day. We've put together an awesome line-up designed to offer something for everyone — from confidence-boosting coaching to chilled-out social rides. It's all about good trails, good vibes, and good company.

We believe the trails should be for everyone — all ages, all abilities, all bodies, all backgrounds. So grab your bike, bring your mates, and get ready to roll.

Programme:

All day: Half price uplifts

FlyUp Downhill are offering half price single uplifts (£2 each, normal price £4). Card payments only, first come, first served, subject to space on the bus. Come to the Forestry England tent to grab your ticket. 

9.00am to 2.00pm: Whyte Bike Demo Rides

Test ride various Whyte bikes on a specially designed loop. The team from Whyte will be on hand to help you get set up, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.

Booking link

9:30am to 12:30pm: Women's Dig with Dean Trail Volunteers

A great opportunity to progress your trail building skills in a safe and supportive social space, get out in nature and give something back to the MTB community.

Booking Link

9:45am to 11:45am: Girls Only Little Fodders Sessions

This session is perfect for girls (ages 10 - 14) wanting to increase their confidence, progress their skills, and ride with other like minded girls of their age and have some fun!

Booking Link

10:00am to 12:00pm: ProRide – Confidence Builder

To start building the skills and confidence to progress from blue grade trails to ride the reds.  

SOLD OUT

10:00am to 1:00pm: Katy Curd – Race Focus

Designed for women already competent on the downhill and enduro trails at the Forest of Dean but who are looking to sharpen their skills and find that effortless flow when the time counts.

SOLD OUT

10:00am to 12:00pm: WyeMTB – Gravity Youth Camp

For girls aged 14-17, a session to focus on all aspects of gravity led riding/racing such as skill development, building speed, fitness planning and testing, nutrition and race preparation. 

Booking Link - limited spaces left

Use code 6QZJYFMD to save 50% on the session price

10:00am to 4:00pm: Goals Beyond Grass

Goals Beyond Grass is a project providing adapted bikes for all riders. Travelling across Gloucestershire, they provide a range of bikes for all types of disabilities. The Goals Beyond Grass bike sessions are a great way to access inclusive cycling and nature all at once. Contact Goals Beyond Grass with any questions and to book.

10:00am to 12:00pm: Women’s Takeover RED social ride

A social ride ride hosted by local experienced riders. The ride will be a chance to meet others and ride together. The session will ride red graded trails with the focus on staying social and staying together.

Booking Link - limited spaces left 

10:30am to 12:00pm: Women's Takeover BLUE social ride

A social ride ride hosted by experienced mountain biker, Fi Spotswood. The ride will be a chance to meet others and ride together. The session will ride green and blue graded trails with the focus on staying social and staying together.

SOLD OUT

1:00pm to 3:00pm: WyeMTB – Finding Your Feet

If you’re new to the sport or if you’ve only been riding for a short while, this session is ideal for you and can give you a huge confidence boost.

Booking Link - limited spaces left

Use code 6QZJYFMD to save 50% on the session price

1:00pm to 3:30pm: ProRide – Confidence Builder

To start building the skills and confidence to progress from blue grade trails to ride the reds.  

SOLD OUT 

1.00pm to 4:00pm: Timed Runs on Twisted Sister

Collect your timing chip and lap at your own pace – just for fun, to challenge yourself or against your friends, this is your opportunity to experience a timed run on one of the Hope Women’s Enduro stages before the big day. Open to female riders and free of charge thanks to the generous support of Pedalabikeaway.

Booking Link

1:45pm to 3:30pm: HUB Ride - Family Social ride

This is the Shredders family Hub Ride - all ages, all bikes. Just come along for 90 mins of free, family, fresh air fun. You will remain responsible for your child(ren) during the ride.

Booking Link

4.00pm: Launchpad Train

Join us for a group ride down Launchpad - our most popular downhill trail (blue graded). We will ride out from the main cycle centre at 4pm, free for everyone to attend.

No booking required

4.30pm: GBU Showcase

The big finale - see the jumps on GBU ridden by some of our best female riders. We'll have a spectator area set up either side of the road gap. Anyone confident with large jumps is welcome to join in the showcase - GBU is a double-black grade trail.

No booking required