Hi, I'm Cathy Debenham, founder of Bike Guide Devon. My aim is to encourage more people to get out on bikes, and to help them discover the beauty of the countryside, build their confidence and improve their health, fitness and sense of well-being. In doing this I do my best to make all the rides enjoyable, to encourage and inspire you to challenge yourself and support you to do it safely.
I am an enthusiastic mountain biker with 25+ years experience under my wheels. I have mountain-biked on four continents, discovered many beautiful parts of Britain that I might not otherwise have visited thanks to the sport. In the late 1990s and early 2000s I was a regular competitor in Polaris and Fat Tyre Challenge events, combining mountain biking, map reading and endurance.
I am an enthusiastic mountain biker with 25+ years experience under my wheels. I have mountain-biked on four continents, discovered many beautiful parts of Britain that I might not otherwise have visited thanks to the sport. In the late 1990s and early 2000s I was a regular competitor in Polaris and Fat Tyre Challenge events, combining mountain biking, map reading and endurance.
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I joined the women only weekend, there were three of us plus Cathy. The accommodation was excellent with plenty of room for all three of us and a safe place for the bikes! The cycling was great, it was the first time that I had been away with others on a biking weekend so I didn't really know what to expect!
Local knowledge is key to finding the best trails, the hidden singletrack, the most beautiful views and the best coffee or lunch spot. Riding with a guide enables you to relax and enjoy the best an area has to offer. I offer bespoke guided rides in East Devon, between the Exe Estuary and the hills above Sidmouth and will design rides to suit your requirements, whether it be a singletrack bonanza or a shorter ride incorporating a great lunch stop.
As a recent convert to electric mountain bikes (eMTB), I'm delighted that I can now offer guided eMTB rides. If you haven't tried it yet, it's really good fun! And it's a great way to discover East Devon's trails and views. You'll enjoy the ups as much as the downs, and for anyone riding in East Devon that's a great plus as, although our climbs aren't very long, many of them are steep.
As a mountain bike leader I can give you tips and tricks to improve your skill on the bike, but sometimes that's not enough. Confidence is just as important. You have to believe that you can ride it. I often see people who lack skills but are able to charge down any track. The reverse is true too. People with good skills get stuck in places well within their capability because they lack confidence; they don't think they can ride it.
I offer mountain bike breaks in East Devon throughout the year. Whether you come with your partner, family or as a group of friends, I will design rides to suit you. Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, East Devon is known for its magnificent red cliffs on the Jurassic coast, its vivid green hills, ancient heathland and trees.
Reviews (1)
Aline Foster
Jun 24, 2018
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I had my first lesson today with Cathy. I had been putting off going out on my bike because I did not feel confident on the roads, in particular, making sure I was in the right position, signaling and going downhill. Cathy was patient, gave great instruction and went at my pace, we went right back to basics which is exactly what I needed, gradually building up my confidence over the session. I now feel much more confident and in control. i would highly recommend Cathy who is patient and completely adapted the session to suit me
