BEFORE YOU GO:

Stay close to home

If you have trails close to home, particularly that you can ride to, it’s great to stay local. Stay up-to-date on trail closures and facility changes. 

Do your research

If you’re itching to ride further from home, do your research to determine whether it is appropriate. Check with local Chapters and trail organizations about trail openings and closures as well as guidance for travel. It’s important to respect the small gateway communities that border our favorite recreation hubs and the limited medical facilities in these places.

Have a plan B

Take cues from the trailhead to assess whether it’s too crowded to honor social distancing. If it is, try another trail or try another day. Riding roads, gravel, or paths can be alternatives to crowded singletrack trails.

Follow the ABCs

We all know the ABC bike check: air, brakes, cranks, and chain. Make sure your bike is ready to ride before you leave the house to minimize time at the trailhead. If you’re driving, get dressed for riding at home. Helmet optional in the car!

Dogs are welcome with a leash

We all love our dogs, especially when they can join us out on the trail. However, to minimize contact on the trail and to keep to social distancing guidelines (they are members of your household), we ask that you please leash your dogs while out on the trail or leave them at home.

AT THE TRAILHEAD:

Beat the rush

Consider riding at off-peak times to have more space on the trails. This may vary depending on where you live, but early morning is often a less busy time on the trails.  

Bypass the crowds

Ride from home if you can, consider less popular trailheads, or check a map for alternate trail access points where there will be less user congestion. If you’re driving, consider parking a short distance from the trailhead and riding from there to avoid crowds. (But of course, respect the neighbors!)

Make driveway tailgates trendy

After your ride, celebrate the awesomeness back home or go support our local businesses to minimize trailhead time and crowding.

ON THE TRAILS:

Share the trail

Most of the trails we ride are multi-use. Mountain bikers yield to foot traffic and descending riders yield to climbing riders. Be nice. Say hi.

Ride cautiously

Take it easy and ride within your skill level. This will minimize the strain on healthcare facilities and avoid exposure risks for yourself and for medical staff.

Pass with care

The safest way to pass with social distance is to stay alert, slow down, and communicate with each other about how to proceed. One user should step six feet off-trail perpendicular to the trail to let the other user pass. Riders can leave their bike on the side of the trail. Walk back to the trail the same way to minimize any environmental impact. When you are identifying a spot to step off-trail, be cautious of sensitive or dangerous vegetation, insects, animals, and loose or steep terrain.

Break with space

When taking breaks, be conscious to avoid group bunching, intersections, or spots on the trail where other users can’t pass you safely.

Cover your face

Wearing a face covering while exercising isn’t fun, but face coverings are added protection if a trail is crowded and maintaining social distance is a challenge, or if you unexpectedly need to be in close proximity to others. You may need to aid an injured rider, assist with a mechanical issue, or encounter another user in a spot that’s too tight to pass with proper social distance. Neck gaiters or “buffs” are one familiar face-covering option.

Respect the landscape

Respect your local trail builders and be a good steward of the physical environment. Keep singletrack single by staying on the trail. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Do not ride muddy trails because it causes rutting, widening, and maintenance headaches. Ride through standing water, not around it. Ride (or walk) technical features, not around them.

Mind the animals

When it comes to wildlife- live and let live. Please brake for animals. If you want to ride with your dog, please leash them while on the trail. Be prepared to take care of your dog. Ensure your companion is obedient enough to not cause problems for you, other trail users, or wild animals.

This post was adapted from IMBA’s Rules of the Trail. You can find out more by going to their website.