Trail Riding

How long it’ll take: Depending on the interest of the camper and available trails, this lesson could stretch from one hour to many hours.

What the goal is: Campers will be comfortable riding on trails in their neighborhood parks and understand trail etiquette.

What the objectives are: Campers will spend time riding on trails, building trail riding skills, learning LNT and how to be good representatives of the mountain biking community.

What you’ll need: Camper and instructors bikes, & helmets, spare tubes, & a bike repair kit.

What you’ll do:

Treat a trail riding day as a holistic way to discuss all facets of mountain biking preparation, bike checks, skills building. LNT discussions, and trail etiquette.

Pre-planning

This can be an important and valuable part of learning for a trail ride. If possible, plan this with your campers the day before. Be sure to discuss:

• Where are we going? What are the trials like? Do we need to do any research before going?

• What is the weather forecast?

• What do we need to take with us? (water, snacks, bike repair kit, tubes, backpacks, rain gear, etc.)

• Do an ABCDE bike check together. Why is this important?

• If possible, do a skills check (see biking basics) to gauge where campers are in their skills

• Are there any risks you could talk about now and add into your plan for the day?

  • Always stop at trail junctions until the full group is together

  • What to do if you get separated?

At the Trailhead

Before biking away on the trail, take 5-10 minutes to do the following. This could be longer if basic skills need further development before heading out on your trail ride.

• Look around for any signs with rules & regulations. What does it say? Do you need to change your plan at all?

• Do an environmental briefing. Be sure to touch on:

  • What to do if you come across others on the trail (move to the side, step off your bike, smile and say "hello").

  • Quick reminder on what the plan is if people get separated, stopping at all trail junctions.

  • Spacing (stinky elephant)

• If bikes were transported in vehicles, do another quick ABCDE bike check. Have campers lead this one!

• If you weren't able to do a skills check beforehand, check that campers are comfortable peddling on 2 wheels, braking, and shifting if their bikes are equipped with gears. Make sure campers have at least a basic ability in these 3 things before starting your official "Trail Ride".

On your Trail Ride:

While on your trail ride, there are a multitude of things that can be discussed and learn along the way. If possible, use teachable moments as they come up, but you can also manufacture scenarios for the purpose of learning.

• LNT discussions:

  • Discuss more about hierarchy (MTB'ers at the bottom of the hierarchy and uphill riders have right-of-way over downhill riders)

  • What if you come across horses? Move to the downhill side of the trail if safe to do so, no sudden movements or loud noises)

  • Ride on durable surface. What constitutes a durable surface? Should you ride if it's muddy or raining?

  • General LNT topics like disposing of waste properly, respecting others and wildlife, etc.

• Bike Mechanics (***Only work within your scope of expertise and do not attempt to alter a campers bike without confidence in your ability)

  • Patching a tube

  • Changing a tube

  • Adjusting brakes (instructor always checks before camper rides again)

• Skill Development

  • Do lots and lots of environmental briefing along the way as terrain changes

  • Discuss Challenge By Choice- each rider decides if they want to walk a section of trail. Ultimately, it's up the instructor to determine if a campers skill level matches what is needed to ride a section of trail.