Organisers pre-ride checklist:

• When riding with company, I prefer to stick to routes that have been established by others or ridden by myself, usually both.

• The people I’m riding with have a good level of fitness, are competent riding a variety of surfaces with good off-road handling skills, and are using a bike designed for this environment.

• The weather on the day is suitable for the ride and no surprises are forecasted.

• Carrying plenty of food and water appropriate for the length of the ride.

• Bike-check: all my bikes are kept in top working order; tire pressures/tread, bolts tightened, breaks/pads serviced, drivetrain wear, and indexing regularly checked.

• Trail-side repair kit I carry may vary, but I go into more detail in the lists below.

•  First aid and survival kit also vary depending on the length of the ride and how remote it is, either basic or advanced.

• Everyone should carry a small card with an emergency contact, and any medical information that might help emergency services should the worst happen – this might include bloody type, (if known), allergies, and any current health issues.

• Lastly, I always ride with a mobile phone, (fully charged), a bike computer, (with navigation), and for the more remote rides - a satellite tracker with a subscription SOS feature.