General Trail Etiquette?

[hacman]

Hello!

So, being new to the sport, and not having hit any real trails/parks yet, i was just wondering what the general trail etiquette was? I figured that there's the "slower riders move for the faster ones", and general nice things. But what else?

Also, are there specific routes/directions on the trails? are they marked?

when i walked a little bit of Salem Hills, i noticed a handful of access points to some trails, but couldn't tell which direction they led.

Thanks, and look forward to seein you on the trails!

[thebionicman]

Trail etiquette.

I would say that if a faster rider comes up on you they should say "On your left" and only when it was clear to pass. One other thing to remember is that when you come to a trail intersection and you know there is someone coming up on you just wait till you go into the next section.

For the most part just use common sense. You don't always need to get out of the way. I might catch someone on the trail and follow them for a long time.

I am sure someone else will chime in about this as well.

And as for Salem, I am sure James will let you know more about this.

[bigwheel]

Hello!

So, being new to the sport, and not having hit any real trails/parks yet, i was just wondering what the general trail etiquette was? I figured that there's the "slower riders move for the faster ones", and general nice things. But what else?

Also, are there specific routes/directions on the trails? are they marked?

when i walked a little bit of Salem Hills, i noticed a handful of access points to some trails, but couldn't tell which direction they led.

Thanks, and look forward to seein you on the trails!

The faster rider should *politely* ask to get by at the next convenient place, and the slower rider should move to the side to let the faster rider pass. There is no need for the slower rider to stop. Just give the faster rider enough room to go around.

Some of the trails, such as the River Bottoms, are 2-way. Some, like Leb and Terrace Oaks, are 1-way. Generally, if it is a 1-way trail, it will be marked for 1-way. Salem will eventually be marked for 1-way. Some places like the Farm are 1-way, but easy to get lost and end up in the wrong direction.

If you are on a 2-way trail, be careful of blind spots where you cannot see oncoming riders. With some trails, such as the River Bottoms, it is difficult to see the other riders. Also, if you are riding with a group on a 2-way trail and come up on other riders, it is polite to let them know how many bikes are following you.

[TML]

hacman,

Welcome to a great sport.

All of what the previous guys said. Along with the general rule of just always being friendly, courteous and helpful to fellow trail users.

Hanging out after a ride and shootin' the breeze at the trailhead with anyone and everyone is highly encouraged. Mountain bikers are generally a friendly lot who revel in sharing stories of their rides with others.

Enjoy, and we'll see ya on the trails!