OUT MTB was started in 2024 by a group of friends who knew each other through OutdoorLads, a well-known charity for gay men that organises walks, camping trips, and more.
Wanting to share our love for mountain biking (and gravel riding) with the wider LGBTQ+ community, we decided to become our own entity so we can fully focus on our passion.
Our ride leaders
Our Ride Leaders are all volunteers with a passion for Mountain Biking and keen to help others get into the sport and help existing Mountain Bikers explore the wide array of trails that the UK has to offer. They are all outdoor first-aid trained and have a wealth of skills and experience to resolve issues out on the trails.
Andrew (he/him)
Edinburgh
I’m a recovering triathlete who still hasn’t kicked the cycling habit. I’m a fan of mountain and gravel riding, being one of those weird people who actually enjoys the uphill! I’m not the most adventurous dare-devil type when it comes to mad MTB tricks, but I can hold my own on a trail centre. I do love getting out exploring on a gravel bike, both short and long trips and have aspirations of doing more multi-day bike-packing type trips (although probably not camping, I’m just not that sturdy I’m afraid!). I’m always keen to introduce more people to the beauty of Scotland and the adventure of off-road biking, so please come along! I’m an anaesthetist, living in Edinburgh but from Aberdeen originally.
Mark (he/him)
Lake District
Recently moved to the Lake District , so can be found exploring the local trails
Stew (he/him)
Scottish Borders
Frequently found on a mountain bike in the Tweed Valley riding technical enduro trails, long cross-country singletrack or sipping the finest coffee from No.1 Peebles Road in Innerleithen. I’m also giving enduro racing a go this year for the first time ! If you ride with me then be prepared for plenty of epic photos, whoops and laughs along the way!
Henry (he/him)
Newcastle
I’m the Chief troublemaker in this joint 👀
Alex (he/him)
London
I grew up in Sussex with the South Downs as my mountain biking playground, only rediscovering my love for mountain biking in my late 20’s after meeting these great bunch of people! As a Londoner I seem to spend half my time driving to and from Scotland/North Wales/The Lakes for mountain biking or climbing, but I also organise some day MTB/gravel rides down south in places like the Surrey Hills or Swinley Forest.
Notice how we’re all cis gay men? Please help us become more inclusive. Read more →
Our mission
At OUT MTB we want to:
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies passionate about mountain biking, fostering a safe environment for all members to share their love for the sport, regardless of skill level.
- Become the leading LGBTQ+ mountain bike group in the UK, known for its supportive community, diverse activities, and contributions to both the LGBTQ+ and mountain biking communities.
Our biggest challenge to achieve our mission in 2024 is our lack of diversity. We were founded by a group of cis, white and predominantly gay men – but we want to change that. Please don’t be put off to try OUT MTB and get stuck in to help us be led by the wider community we aim to represent. 💚
Our Steering Committee
Thank you to these wonderful volunteers for making sure OUT MTB happily keeps ticking over. We’re always happy to nominate new members for our Steering Committee. If you’re interested, please speak to any of the lovely people below:
Stephen (he/him)
Short bio
Andrew (he/him)
Edinburgh
I’m a recovering triathlete who still hasn’t kicked the cycling habit. I’m a fan of mountain and gravel riding, being one of those weird people who actually enjoys the uphill! I’m not the most adventurous dare-devil type when it comes to mad MTB tricks, but I can hold my own on a trail centre. I do love getting out exploring on a gravel bike, both short and long trips and have aspirations of doing more multi-day bike-packing type trips (although probably not camping, I’m just not that sturdy I’m afraid!). I’m always keen to introduce more people to the beauty of Scotland and the adventure of off-road biking, so please come along! I’m an anaesthetist, living in Edinburgh but from Aberdeen originally.
Mark (he/him)
Lake District
Recently moved to the Lake District , so can be found exploring the local trails
Stew (he/him)
Scottish Borders
Frequently found on a mountain bike in the Tweed Valley riding technical enduro trails, long cross-country singletrack or sipping the finest coffee from No.1 Peebles Road in Innerleithen. I’m also giving enduro racing a go this year for the first time ! If you ride with me then be prepared for plenty of epic photos, whoops and laughs along the way!
Henry (he/him)
Newcastle
I’m the Chief troublemaker in this joint 👀
Dave (he/him)
Scottish Borders
Short bio
Alex (he/him)
London
I grew up in Sussex with the South Downs as my mountain biking playground, only rediscovering my love for mountain biking in my late 20’s after meeting these great bunch of people! As a Londoner I seem to spend half my time driving to and from Scotland/North Wales/The Lakes for mountain biking or climbing, but I also organise some day MTB/gravel rides down south in places like the Surrey Hills or Swinley Forest.