Know the Right Way to Bicycle Off-Road ENCOUNTERING HIKERS-Cyclist should yield to all other trail users, a friendly, but audible word will avoid surprising hikers. -Approaching from ahead or behind, make your presence known, then slowly pass after they move on. ENCOUNTERING HORSES-If overtaking from behind, make your presence known and ask to pass. It may take a moment for the equestrian to find a safe place to pull off. Talk calmly to reassure the horse and rider or walk your bike slowly by. -Pull off the trail when meeting head-on. Keep in mind that any horse can "spook". Avoid sudden movements or load noises. ENCOUNTERING CYCLISTS-Downhill riders yield. Be considerate of novices. RIDING TECHNIQUES -Control your speed like a pro. Be ready to stop in an instant. -Skidding shows poor form, sloppy technique and causes trail erosion. -Ride smoothly around corners. Master climbing without spinning your rear tire. -Waterbars (made of logs, rocks or trenches) are placed across trails to prevent erosion; riding around them undermines the trail and accelerates erosion. Learn the skill to ride over them. -Ride in small groups to preserve the outdoor experience of others. TRAIL CONDITIONS -Ride only on open trails or roads. Riding cross-country is destructive and leaves an obvious path. -Learn to ride switchbacks, shortcutting damaged trails. -Avoid riding in muddy conditions. Bicycle tires leave linear trenches in the mud, encouraging rapid erosion. -In national parks, bicycles are required to stay on established roads. -Bikes are entirely prohibited in wilderness. -Don’t risk fines and bike impoundment or invade the wilderness; there are hundreds of excellent trails where bikes are welcome. OFF-ROAD PREPAREDNESS -Stay smart, wear a helmet. Carry first-aid suitable for remote rides. -Carry tools, at the very least a patch kit and a pump. -Carry plenty of water. -Carry food to keep from “bonking.” -Be prepared for Utah’s dramatic weather changes. KEEP IT CLEAN -Carry out more than you carry in. Leave no trace. -Practice minimum impact camping techniques. |