About Bike Guide Devon
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.
After too many years of office jobs, I’ve unchained myself from the desk and aim to share my love of mountain biking with as many people as possible. I am particularly keen to encourage more women onto bikes.
In 2016 I qualified as a a British Cycling Level 2 Leader and I am trained in outdoor first aid. I also bring life coaching and and NLP skills to cycling, helping people to build their confidence and believe in their ability.
I want to challenge the perception that mountain biking is only for the brave and adventurous and show people that it’s a fantastic way to take exercise and enjoy the countryside. It's not all full-face helmets and jumps. There's something for everyone, whatever your fitness level and risk aversion.
While there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing people enjoying themselves on a bike - improving their skills and building their confidence, it’s also great fun to show experienced riders the best singletrack in the area.
East Devon and the Sid Valley
Bike Guide Devon is based in East Devon, just outside Sidmouth on the stunning Jurassic Coast (now designated a World Heritage Site). While the town is best known for its elegant Regency architecture and majestic red cliffs surrounded by vividly green hills, the area has plenty to offer mountain bikers.
East Devon is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
More information about the area can be found at Visit Sidmouth and OtteryStMary.info.
