If there’s one thing SingletrackWorld readers don’t lack, it’s opinions on tyre compounds, suspension kinematics… and excuses not to ride when it’s still a little too cold to be outside. Forestry England would like to politely remove that last one.
From 9–22 March 2026, Forestry England are throwing down a simple, beautifully uncomplicated challenge on Strava: rack up 200 active minutes on your bike in just two weeks. No segments. No power targets. No ‘you must ride this exact trail at dawn while chanting’. Just ride your bike, log it on Strava and prove you’re still alive after winter.
That’s it. That’s the challenge.
Why 200 minutes?
Because it’s just awkward enough to make you think, ‘Yeah, I can do that,’ and just demanding enough to make you reorganise your life around sneaking in rides. That’s roughly 14 minutes a day, or a couple of solid weekend blasts, or one big ride followed by several ‘I’ll just spin the legs’ outings that somehow turn into full sends.
Trail centre loops. Gravel missions. Commutes that accidentally take the scenic route. Wild night rides. It all counts. If it turns pedals and gets your heart rate up, Forestry England wants to see it.
Yes, there are prizes. Proper ones.
This isn’t just about internet glory (although that’s obviously important). Complete the challenge and you’ll be in with a chance to win:
- A two-night stay in a Forestry England x Unyoked cabin – the kind of off-grid, back-to-nature escape that pairs suspiciously well with tired legs and post-ride drink.
- A free Forestry England membership renewal, which is basically the gift that keeps on giving if you like riding bikes in excellent places.
So yes, you could ride your bike for a couple of weeks and end up sleeping in a woodland cabin afterwards. Hard to argue with that logic.
Forestry England: your all-year riding headquarters
If you’ve somehow forgotten, Forestry England look after some of the best riding spots in the country,with over 2,500km of cycling trails, from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, to Cannock Chase Forest, to Dalby Forest, as well as dozens of forests all over England. Their forests include purpose-built singletrack, waymarked loops, techy off-piste options, family-friendly routes, café stops and big forests that swallow noise, stress and excuses.
March is prime time for rediscovering them: longer days, fewer people.
And to sweeten the deal even further, Forestry England are offering 20% off their National Membership for a limited time when you use code FERYW26. That means £6.40 per month instead of £8 (annual contracts only), available until Monday 23 March 2026. If you’ve been hovering over the ‘maybe’ button, consider this your shove.
Membership gets you free parking all year, special discounts, and that warm glow of knowing you’re supporting the places you ride.
The competitive bit (because… of course)
Let’s be honest. You won’t be doing this just for fun. You’ll be doing it because:
- Someone else will.
- Strava will know.
- And quitting halfway through would haunt you forever.
This challenge is perfect early-season motivation. It doesn’t demand peak fitness, but it does demand consistency. It rewards riders who keep turning up, sneaking in rides and saying yes when the sofa says no.
And why not take it on with your mates…. just for that added motivation, if you need it!
What to do right now
Two weeks. 200 minutes. Forest trails. Big prizes. Mild bragging rights.
We’ll see you on the leaderboards – or at least on the trail, breathing heavily and smiling like you’ve remembered why you love riding bikes in the first place. Good luck!