Trails etiquette

Trails etiquette

I saw this post on a blog while I was in Canada hunting for some info on trails in Toronto...it is not a conclusive list, but is mostly on the button and it seems it's time it went on here...

10 DIRT JUMP / TRAILS COMMANDMENTS !!!

Some basic guidelines for public dirt jumps / private trails. Maybe you'll find these helpful. Maybe you won't. Very few people know any of this. Remind your fellow rider so next time he can't say he didn't know. Feel free to cut/paste/adjust/repost... SPREAD THE WORD !!!


1. If you enjoy riding your local dirt jumps/trails, then CONTRIBUTE. Give something back. Don't just show up, tear it up, and split. Repairing your own damage is MANDATORY. If you mess it up, FIX it. If you take a chunk out of a landing, FIX it. (If you don't know how, ask).


2. DON'T LITTER !!! This is only one of many ways dirt jumps get torn down. Don't bury it. Use a trash can. Trash looks horrible. Better still, if you bring it in - take it away with you, job done


3. DIGGING means to dig new dirt and maintain the trails. It does not mean "re-shaping" things you don't like or "don't flow" for you. Lip shapes and transitions are the privilege of the builders. If the builders like steep lips/landings, that's how it is.


4. If you show up to a spot while people are digging, then you dig BEFORE riding. This applies to everyone. If you show up and the Diggers aren't there, then you can water the jumps before riding, that's it. DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING.


5. MAINTENANCE is watering, sweeping, picking up trash, raking, packing, etc. (Sweeping dust off dry jumps is not as good as actually watering it, which will settle the dust and re-pack it when ridden).


6. Riding is done AFTER you have demonstrated appropriate willingness to contribute to the trails.


7. DON'T ride when it's muddy. It tears the jumps up, and pointless anyway. Be patient. DON'T create more work for everybody.


8. ABSOLUTELY NO motorized vehicles of any kind. No 50's mini bikes, quads, dirt-bikes, RC cars, etc.


9. Dirt Jumps are NOT a playground, and little kids should NOT be running up and down lips/landings like they're at a McDonald's Play Palace.


10. BE RESPECTFUL-Can't be said enough. Be respectful to the builders, neighbors, other riders, and the Earth. If you're respectful, you won't get disrespected. Period. Don't be a loud, littering, selfish guy with an attitude. Thanks.