Trail Etiquette

Mountain bikers are a typically easy going bunch. There’s a certain Zen one feels when out in the bush land carving up some dirt trails. Your far removed from the chaos of everyday life and for those who dwell in the concrete jungles, mtbing can be as good as a holiday. From my personal experience, mtber’s all seem to share a similar attitude to life and to the trails. They appreciate the small things and have respect for their fellow rider, no matter their abilities.

I’ve recently been forwarded this video from New Zealand which is another case of “caught on GoPro”. This guy is flying down some sweet trails in NZ and comes across a slower rider. A typical scenario. He kindly ask’s slow rider if he can pass when theres a chance and it appears slow rider aint spoiling his run for anyone. Of course leading to frustration to fast rider who gives him a serve at the end of the run. Resulting in cranky slow rider dismounting bike and attacking fast rider. Rather entertaining stuff, but something you never want to experience on your ride. What annoys me the most is there were multiple B lines the slow rider could have yielded on, but instead held up the fast rider for the whole run.

For those new to trail riding, here’s a few little tips to ensure everyone gets the most out of their riding.

• Remember there is ALWAYS someone faster than you (Metcalf excluded)
• Ipods can be nice to ride with, but try to keep one ear free to listen out for other riders.
• Faster AND slower riders have a right to ride at their own pace
• Let the faster riders through, it literally takes 3 seconds of your run to pull over
• Alternatively, always give slower riders warning that you are coming through and would like to pass
• Always ask riders pulled over if they are ok or if they need help
• Manners are free, don’t be afraid to use them
• “Thank you” is always nice to hear after you have yielded for someone
• Always offer people your tube or co2 if they need it. Karma can be a bitch
• Don’t take yourself so seriously, it’s only mountain biking
• Say G’day to fellow riders on course
• Dont be this guy

To put the fight in a bit of perspective here’s the full video