Tatonka
01-11-2006, 10:07 AM
The following is a post that was started by our good friend, John_Lorenz over at MotoFamilyNews.com. I spoke with John (Thank you) and asked his permission to copy it here as well. Not enough people understand the "rules of the Trail" or use common sense when riding. Hopefully, through education, reminders & modeling good behavior we can make a difference and avoid some problems. BV
A lot of flack is propagated toward different groups of riders, no matter if ATV or motorcycle riders we both have an issue with Trail Etiquette.
It seems as more and more people are getting in to the sport of dirt bikes the problems seem to be escalating in the area of Trail Etiquette and courtesy to other riders. I don't blame the person as much as I blame the community and industry for not have or having a lack of facilities to help educate new riders into our sport. We all have experienced it at some time or another, people going down the wrong way or stopping at the bottom of a blind drop off or jump, stopping in the middle of a trail or blind corner to not knowing how to allow another rider to properly pass. It is on the same foot as well, more aggressive / advanced riders not showing curtesy or stopping to correct a situation and helping those not in the know. Its important to know and understand how to ride woods with other riders and understand that your not the only one out there. Remember these are Trail Riding conditions "NOT RACE CONDITIONS"
General Trail Etiquette:
1. Always ride in pairs when possible never ride alone
2. Always let faster riders by, by signaling left arm up, moving to the right of the trail and slowing down
3. Never Stop or gather on a corner or blind were any oncoming rider can not see you within 25 yards from any direction
4. Never just stop in the middle of a trail, always slowly while moving right of the trail until safe to stop
5. Always assist a down rider if needed
6. Never ride in "None Designated" Routes
7. Always stop and shut your motor down when coming on to or near equestrian riders, allowing them to pass
8. Pack out what you pack in
Advanced Trail Etiquette:
1. When coming on to opposing riders always signal how many are behind you with your left hand signal counting yourself plus the riders behind you.
2. Never assume on Two Way Trails you have the right of way
3. Always when riding as lead or with trailing riders, stop at every trail crossing allowing for at least two other riders before proceeding
4. If you are riding sweep (last Rider) Always Make sure you are the last in your group
5. In Dusty conditions, Stay as far back as needed for safely see 10 - 20 yards ahead
6. Never Blast through a stream with other riders present you do not ride with or know their experience level
7. When riding single track trails the down hill rider has the right of way, stop and get to the side safest for you to allow them to pass
8. Always offer assistance to less skilled riders in difficult situations
9. When stopping or pulling off the trail always signal with your left hand up and slowly move to the right of the trail
10. Always clear fallen tree's, low hanging branch's or any obsticle that truly is a hazard to other riders
These are just some that I practice, if you have more list them its all good
================
John Lorenz
Member of BRC, AMA, Dist 36 #393n (In Memory Of Motoman393)
2000 YZF 426 - WB E2, Pro Taper CR High Bend, GBmod, Rekluse and more
2006 YZF 450 Limited Edition - Bone Stock[/b]
A lot of flack is propagated toward different groups of riders, no matter if ATV or motorcycle riders we both have an issue with Trail Etiquette.
It seems as more and more people are getting in to the sport of dirt bikes the problems seem to be escalating in the area of Trail Etiquette and courtesy to other riders. I don't blame the person as much as I blame the community and industry for not have or having a lack of facilities to help educate new riders into our sport. We all have experienced it at some time or another, people going down the wrong way or stopping at the bottom of a blind drop off or jump, stopping in the middle of a trail or blind corner to not knowing how to allow another rider to properly pass. It is on the same foot as well, more aggressive / advanced riders not showing curtesy or stopping to correct a situation and helping those not in the know. Its important to know and understand how to ride woods with other riders and understand that your not the only one out there. Remember these are Trail Riding conditions "NOT RACE CONDITIONS"
General Trail Etiquette:
1. Always ride in pairs when possible never ride alone
2. Always let faster riders by, by signaling left arm up, moving to the right of the trail and slowing down
3. Never Stop or gather on a corner or blind were any oncoming rider can not see you within 25 yards from any direction
4. Never just stop in the middle of a trail, always slowly while moving right of the trail until safe to stop
5. Always assist a down rider if needed
6. Never ride in "None Designated" Routes
7. Always stop and shut your motor down when coming on to or near equestrian riders, allowing them to pass
8. Pack out what you pack in
Advanced Trail Etiquette:
1. When coming on to opposing riders always signal how many are behind you with your left hand signal counting yourself plus the riders behind you.
2. Never assume on Two Way Trails you have the right of way
3. Always when riding as lead or with trailing riders, stop at every trail crossing allowing for at least two other riders before proceeding
4. If you are riding sweep (last Rider) Always Make sure you are the last in your group
5. In Dusty conditions, Stay as far back as needed for safely see 10 - 20 yards ahead
6. Never Blast through a stream with other riders present you do not ride with or know their experience level
7. When riding single track trails the down hill rider has the right of way, stop and get to the side safest for you to allow them to pass
8. Always offer assistance to less skilled riders in difficult situations
9. When stopping or pulling off the trail always signal with your left hand up and slowly move to the right of the trail
10. Always clear fallen tree's, low hanging branch's or any obsticle that truly is a hazard to other riders
These are just some that I practice, if you have more list them its all good
================
John Lorenz
Member of BRC, AMA, Dist 36 #393n (In Memory Of Motoman393)
2000 YZF 426 - WB E2, Pro Taper CR High Bend, GBmod, Rekluse and more
2006 YZF 450 Limited Edition - Bone Stock[/b]