Riding Responsibly
WHAT'S EXPECTED OF YOU
When you ride with other Social Mountain Bikers everyone hopes you'll have a good time. How much you'll enjoy any ride will depend on how well the speed, distance and challenge dovetails with your own skills and fitness. However, judging by the number of regulars who come back week after week rides are meeting expectations and we have great times due to a terrific bunch of people.
Being with riders of differing abilities means there has to be an accepted ride protocol. When you ride a mountain bike falls and accidents happen - even if they're normally minor - but we must avoid causing problems to others. Ride using Common Sense except “ common sense isn't common practice ”!! So here are the key points, simple guidelines which are just good manners really:-
Not overtaking other riders on fast downhills
When you're riding you'll be picking your line to choose the safest part of the track. Imagine you're heading downhill at speed on the right side of a path when you see a better, smoother section of track on the left. You're just about to cross over when someone suddenly shouts “On your left!” As they fly past you have no option but to stay where you are on a line or rut which could be detrimental to you. To avoid this scenario we space out and let the fast ones go first. But if it happens you're behind a slower person you're expected to wait to until the bottom of the hill before you pass (unless they specifically call you to pass them).
Single track Etiquette
Etiquette is an old fashioned word – but everyone benefits when there's give and take and rider flexibility. A person who is not so skilled on single track but puts themselves at the front holds everyone else back. Not only is this frustrating to faster ones stuck behind, but also the slower rider can then feel pressure and start to ride beyond their competence. Ego should be left in the car! If you're less skilled on single track stay towards the back of the line. Equally, good riders should not be precious about being at the front of the ride ALL the time.
Buddy up!
In order that we don't lose people before the off make sure you buddy up into a mini group of 3 or a pair. This is so that when you hear “Is everybody with us?” you can check on your own buddies so we don't ride off without someone.
Going home? Tell us!
If you're tired or near your own route home and are going to peel off before the end, please ensure you tell one of your buddies. Otherwise we assume you're lost and go chasing round the forest trying to find you!
All that “No Fear” stuff is a load of Cr-p!
We have fear for a reason – we don't bounce – at least not once you get to 35+!!! But don't think because this is about avoiding risks we're a load of old Duffers. It' simply that with an older group of peers you don't have to put on a show of Bravado. You don't have to do things you don't want to, or feel you need to prove anything by riding outside your capabilities. And good riders don't need to show off!
RIDE SAFE – RIDE HAPPY
