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.