How to Practice Good Trail Etiquette when Mountain Biking
Always stay on the trail., Don't be a litterbug., Pass others with care., Make sure the trail is open., Slow down!, Alert the other user (especially if you are passing from behind)., Choose where you want to pass., When passing from behind, leave...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Always stay on the trail.
Chances are the trail goes where it goes for a reason, and deviating from the trail puts you, a fellow mountain biker or trail user and the environment in danger. -
Step 2: Don't be a litterbug.
A wrapper from a Cliff Bar or a Snickers bar weighs less than an ounce and is not going to weigh you down.
Put it in your pack and throw it away in a proper trash receptacle at the end of your ride. , When it's necessary to pass, try to stay on the trail if at all possible. , If a trail is closed if will usually say something about it at the trailhead.
Usually, two logs across the trail means it's closed.
Trails are 99% of the time closed for a reason so don't ride on closed trails. , Carrying more speed while passing mean less time to react to any situation that may occur.
Slow down and stay in control of your bike. , This is especially important if you are passing a horseback rider, since horses are not predators and will spook.
It's wise to ask the rider how they want me to pass since they will get the shortest end of the stick if the horse bucks or runs.
When passing a biker or pedestrian, try to say "On your left" or "On you right". , Avoid passing another user before a turn (especially if it is a blind turn).
Pass at a wide point in the trail. , Think of those signs on the interstate about passing a truck that read "leave more space." Make sure not to cut the other user off because nothing is more annoying than having to brake and lose precious momentum because some jerk cut you off. , If you meet a fellow biker, the rider who is going uphill has the right of way. , Start out slow, riding green or beginner classifies single track trails, then work your way up from there. , Nobody wants their ride ruined from seeing your brains splattered across the trail because you hit a rock or tree and weren't wearing a helmet.
Your brain is the most important part of your body. , Although it might be amusing to see a rider wearing a speedo, you'd look pretty foolish.
Bring plenty of layers and keep in mind that you may change several hundred feet in elevation and that it is colder at higher elevations.
Make sure that your bike is in good running order, that your gears shift well, your brakes work and that your tires are properly inflated. -
Step 3: Pass others with care.
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Step 4: Make sure the trail is open.
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Step 5: Slow down!
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Step 6: Alert the other user (especially if you are passing from behind).
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Step 7: Choose where you want to pass.
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Step 8: When passing from behind
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Step 9: leave plenty of space.
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Step 10: Yield right of way to horses and walkers/hikers/joggers.
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Step 11: Know your limits.
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Step 12: Always wear a helmet.
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Step 13: Wear proper clothing and make sure your bike is in good shape.
Detailed Guide
Chances are the trail goes where it goes for a reason, and deviating from the trail puts you, a fellow mountain biker or trail user and the environment in danger.
A wrapper from a Cliff Bar or a Snickers bar weighs less than an ounce and is not going to weigh you down.
Put it in your pack and throw it away in a proper trash receptacle at the end of your ride. , When it's necessary to pass, try to stay on the trail if at all possible. , If a trail is closed if will usually say something about it at the trailhead.
Usually, two logs across the trail means it's closed.
Trails are 99% of the time closed for a reason so don't ride on closed trails. , Carrying more speed while passing mean less time to react to any situation that may occur.
Slow down and stay in control of your bike. , This is especially important if you are passing a horseback rider, since horses are not predators and will spook.
It's wise to ask the rider how they want me to pass since they will get the shortest end of the stick if the horse bucks or runs.
When passing a biker or pedestrian, try to say "On your left" or "On you right". , Avoid passing another user before a turn (especially if it is a blind turn).
Pass at a wide point in the trail. , Think of those signs on the interstate about passing a truck that read "leave more space." Make sure not to cut the other user off because nothing is more annoying than having to brake and lose precious momentum because some jerk cut you off. , If you meet a fellow biker, the rider who is going uphill has the right of way. , Start out slow, riding green or beginner classifies single track trails, then work your way up from there. , Nobody wants their ride ruined from seeing your brains splattered across the trail because you hit a rock or tree and weren't wearing a helmet.
Your brain is the most important part of your body. , Although it might be amusing to see a rider wearing a speedo, you'd look pretty foolish.
Bring plenty of layers and keep in mind that you may change several hundred feet in elevation and that it is colder at higher elevations.
Make sure that your bike is in good running order, that your gears shift well, your brakes work and that your tires are properly inflated.
About the Author
Victoria Cruz
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
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