• Ride Predictably.

• Wear a Helmet at All Times.

• Always Yield.

• Pass with Care.

• Stay on Trails.

• Ride Only on Authorized Trails.

• Control Your Speed.

• Don’t Be a Show-Off.

• Respect Wildlife and Livestock.

• Do Not Litter.

• Be Prepared.

• Plan Ahead.

• Minimize Impacts.

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FINE PRINT

1. NEVER TAKE RISKS.  This is the number one rule, athletes that have a risk taking attitude or are witnessed to take risks will not be tolerated.  A risk is defined as willingly attempting anything which is beyond one’s ability to control in a safe manner.

2. RIDE PREDICTABLY:  When ride with others always ride in a straight, steady, and predictable manner.  Swerving onto sidewalks, berms, or jumps is unacceptable and will result in consequences.

3. WEAR A HELMET AT ALL TIMES.  Under no circumstances should a student be on their bike with out a helmet fastened to their head.  While other racers may be seen cruising around before and after races with out a helmet, Team members will be suspended from racing with the team for violating this rule.

4. ALWAYS YIELD.  Even if at times it seems inconvenient.  Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember that bicycles in the backcountry can be an unwelcome experience for horses and hikers.

5. PASS WITH CARE.  Let others know of your presence well in advance.  Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others.  Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions.  By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider’s needs.  Sometimes it may necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass.

6. STAY ON TRAILS.  Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems.  Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion.  Beware the types of soil you are riding on.  Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots.

7. CONTROL YOUR SPEED. Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider.  Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead.  Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend.

8. RESPECT WILDLIFE AND LIVE STOCK.  Do not frighten animals.  Close gates as you pass through, unless it appears obvious that they have been intentionally left open.

9. DO NOT LITTER.  Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than you share.

10. RIDE ONLY ON AUTHORIZED TRAILS.  Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access.  Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles.

11. PLAN AHEAD.  The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you.  Some of these should be approached with respect.  If distances are involved, do not travel solo.  Expect weather changes.  Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

12. MINIMIZE IMPACTS.  The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists.  Take only pictures.

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