What is the MORC Mountain Bike Patrol?

We are part of IMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol program and are a highly dedicated group partnering with land mangers, land owners and emergency personnel, to assist, educate and inform all trail users in order to enhance their recreational experience. MMBP fulfills a wide range of duties and works many events in the region to provide assistance and medical support. We do everything from patrolling our local MORC trails to working outstate events such as mountain bike races, adventure races, trail runs, and other sporting events. We will also team up with the Backcountry Trail Patrol and provide medical support for events such at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, Twin Cities Marathon, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and other events.

To be on the MORC Mountain Bike Patrol, you need to be trained with a minimum of Basic First Aid (although most patrollers take more advanced training) and go through IMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol training program. This assures us that patrollers are well trained and prepared for many situations that might occur. A huge part of being a bike patroller is being an advocate for our mountain bike trails by educating riders on why we build trails the way we do and why it's a good idea that riders follow good trail etiquette.

IMBA now has a new program called the Trail Ambassador program. This is for people who don't want to go through all the training (especially First Aid) but still want to help out on the trails. It is also a good program for someone who isn't quite sure if they want to be a bike patroller, so they can try it out and help work events with the MMPB. In many cases a Trail Ambassador will work directly with a Bike Patroller to assist them. A Trail Ambassador can ride local trails where the MMPB has an agreement with the land manager, informing riders about proper trail etiquette and providing assistance to riders who might need minor repairs or directions on the trail system.

Being a patroller is fun and has its benefits!

Sure, there is work involved sometimes, but most of the time it's a great social activity that you can do while riding your bicycle. You also get to ride in many rides and races without needing to sign up and compete. If you race, you can still race and patrol during the other classes that you don't compete in, you can think of it as being able to pre-ride the course and help out fellow racers. Being a Bike Patroller or Trail Ambassador is a very satisfying volunteer activity when you are able to assist people while riding your bicycle and inform them about the wonderful sport of Mountain Biking. We are a very laid back group who know that this is a volunteer duty. So no minimum requirements are needed for you to get training and sign up for the MORC Mountain Bike Patrol.

How do I sign up?

Please contact Dan Glassic (the MMBP patrol director) if you are interested in becoming a MORC Mountain Bike Patroller.

(page by Shad Holland)