THE Friends of jonathan Dickinson state park

We’re all guilty of one or two trail sins. Strive to be a heavenly creature on the trails, and you’ll achieve mountain biking nirvana, plus the love and adoration of everyone around you. Well, maybe not quite, but following the Ten Commandments of Trail Etiquette will make trails a happier, lovelier place for everyone.

1. Thou shall wear a helmet. It is MANDATORY!

2. Thou shalt not let your children ride unattended.

Parents should accompany their children on trail rides. Please do not let your children ride alone. Please make sure your children know your phone number in case they get separated from you. I suggest to write your number inside their helmets.

3. Thou shalt not stop in the middle of the trail.

Stop in the midst of the trail will at best incur the wrath of other mountain bikers, and at worst result in a tire print to the torso and a tangle of bodies and bikes. Thou should move thyself and thy steed to the safety of the side of the trail.

4. Thou shalt not stop across the start or end of the trail.

If thou is really desirous of having an angry mountain biker plough into you, then stopping across the trail is the ideal way of provoking such a response. Though stopping to chat is a part of the mountain biking experience, thou should consider other riders, and get thyself out of the way.

5. Thou shalt not ride so close to the person in front that thou can see the brand of their shorts.

You are more likely to end up with your face intimately acquainted with the rider in fronts rear wheel. Leave a couple of bike lengths between you.

6. Thou shalt let faster riders overtake (if it be safe to allow them to do so).

If the rider behind is at a greater speed to you, it makes sense to allow them to pass you. Proceed hence to a spot where there is ample room to allow them to do so safely, then continue onwards towards mountain biking bliss.

7. Thou shalt call out before passing.

As thou proceed down the trail, approaching a rider travelling slower than thyself, think heavenly thoughts and don’t be a rude rider. Call out your approach, additionally stating the side on which thou plans to pass.

8. Thou shalt not cut your own course.

The trail pixies have worked hard to sculpt and create a course for all to enjoy. Yea, though thou may be set upon achieving a KOM, thou should avoid cutting corners and trashing the trail others have built.

9. Thou should not lock up your brakes causing damages to the trail’s finished shell rock features.

10. Thou wilt not pass by a Biker in distress.

Shouldst thou happen upon a fellow mountain biker alone and in distress, whether through an unfortunate incident involving gravity, or through mechanical misfortune, thou should check unto the state of their health and provide assistance if required or requested.