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In 1988 the
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
formed to promote responsible mountain biking, encourage
volunteer trail work, form partnerships with other trail
user groups, and help provide trail management solutions
for government officials. IMBA created a standard code of
mountain biker conduct. IMBA’s six Rules of the Trail
are now recognised around the world. Based on these rules
CAAN has adopted the following 6 Rules of the Trail :
Mountain biking is an amazing mix of outdoor adventure,
appreciation, thrill, exploration, skill, and fitness. Irresponsible
mountain biking can increase trail erosion; disturb wildlife,
burden public land managers, and anger private landowners,
prompting them to restrict access. Now, more than ever,
responsible riding is essential to help ensure the long-term
health of mountain biking – and the areas that truly
make the mountain biking experience what it is. By following
the ‘Rules of the Trail’ you can ride responsibly
and help to minimise your impact on the area and the people
you encounter during your ride, regardless of your ability
level.
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cycle where allowed. |
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Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid
trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization
as may be required. Many areas are open for pedestrian access
– this does not mean that cycling is permitted. The
way you ride will influence trail management decisions and
policies. Obey all signage and any other recommendations.
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| Leave
no trace |
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Be
sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types
of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling.
Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the
trail bed is soft, consider other riding options. This also
means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones.
Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much
as you pack in.
For more information on The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor
ethics visit www.lnt.org |
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| Control
your bicycle |
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Inattention
for even a second can cause problems.
- Don’t widen trails – ride the centre of
even the narrowest singletrack.
- Don’t cut switchbacks – switchbacks (sharp
turns in a trail that form a Z), help trail users ascend
(or descend) slopes that are too steep to be ridden straight
up or down. These are one of the most I important features
of a trail because they minimise erosion and make climbing
easier. Some riders are tempted to ‘cut’ (rides
across the corner of) switchbacks. This shortcutting leads
to erosion that destroys the turn and can eventually ruin
the entire slope and trail. When riding a switchback,
stay on the tail, or get off and walk if you can’t
make the turn.
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- Avoid Skidding – Skidding create ruts in the
trail, increases the rate of erosion and greatly decreases
your control. Once you begin skidding you lose your slowing
power and your steering control. If your rear wheels begin
to skid, use more force on your front break. If the skid
continues, decrease your rear breaking pressure, the idea
is to moderate the force so your wheels are continually
breaking instead of skidding.
- Adapt your breaking power to varying terrain –
On any loose surface your front wheel is more prone to
dig in and dive away, so use as much rear force as possible.
A good rule of thumb: brake hard when the ground in hard,
brake soft when the ground is soft.
- Don’t detour – if you approach something
you can’t ride, such as a big log or a water bar
or a rocky section, get off your bike and walk across.
Many riders go around obstacles, creating unnecessary
paths. If there is an established ride around use it –
but if it looks fresh or appears to have been ridden by
only a few people, avoid it. When in doubt stop and ride
the main trail.
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Be considerate to other users |
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Let
your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting
or bell is considerate and works well; but don't startle others.
Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace
or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners
or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication,
be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely |
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Never scare birds and
animals |
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An
unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise
startles all animals. This can be dangerous for you, others,
and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust
to you. When passing horses use special care and follow
directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain).
Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
Stick to the trail, don’t follow or approach animals,
never feed animals and avoid sensitive times for wildlife.
For example animals that are mating, nesting or raising
young will likely change their actions due to your presence.
Your actions can therefore have long-term effects on the
health and reproductive success of wildlife. |
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Plan ahead |
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Know
your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you
are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient
at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry
necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.
A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a
burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety
gear.
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- Essential kit - This should be carried
with you whenever you are out riding. Its great having
all the kit but make sure you know how to use it. Contact
CAAN if you are interested in taking part in a bike maintenance
course.
- Spare tube and patches – You
can either buy or make up a puncture repair kit that at
a minimum should contain a pump, patches (self adhesive
are easy and quick to use), chalk, a set of tyre levers,
a pump and a spare tube (or 2). You can fix most flats
with patches but not all, so a spare tube is essential.
- Tools – Every mountain bike
– even a perfectly maintained one can break down.
Carry a mini tool, which has everything you, need in a
combined set or assemble your own. Whatever you rely on
make sure you have allen wrenches and box wrenches (that
fit your bikes bolts and nuts), a chain tool and tyre
levers.
- Food – if you are riding more
than 90 minutes you’ll need to eat. Begin eating
about 35 minutes into the ride. If you wait until you
are hungry it could be too late and you may start feeling
weak and ‘spacey’. This is not a serious threat
but is a good reason to bring plenty of calories with
you on your ride.
- Adequate clothing – Remember
weather in Northern Ireland is changeable. You may need
a lightweight rain jacket of wind resistant layer plus
a spare insulation layer. Bring clothing that rolls up
small enough to be packed away.
- Helmet – use your head. Wearing
a helmet could save your life and prevent energy intensive
and area impacting rescue efforts.
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