RESPONSIBLE DIRT BIKING

1. Travel and recreate with minimum impact
2. Respect the environment and the rights of others
3. Educate yourself _ plan and prepare before you go
4. Allow for future use of the outdoors: leave it better than you found it
5. Discover the rewards of responsible recreation

"We did not inherit the Earth from our parents, We are borrowing it from our children".

1. Travel and recreate with minimum impact:

Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas.

Travel only in areas open to dirt biking.

• On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum tailspin.
• On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail.
• Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
• Cross streams only at designated fording points or where the trail crosses the stream.
• Comply with all signs and barriers
• Buddy up with two or three riders. Riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.

2. Respect the environment and the rights of others:

Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.

• Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
• Yield the right of way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.
• Do not idly ride around in camping, picnicking, trailhead and residential areas.
• Keep speeds low around crowds and in camping areas.
• Keep the noise and dust down.

3. Educate yourself - plan and prepare before you go:

Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.

• Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to dirt bikes.
• Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
• Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.
• Check the weather forecast before you go.
• Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.
• Wear a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear.
• Buddy up with two or three riders. Riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.

• Make sure your vehicle is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies, spares and a spill kit for trailside repairs.

4. Allow for future use of the outdoors: leave it better than you found it:

Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes.

• Other sensitive habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include crypto-biotic soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
• Avoid disturbing historical, archeological, and pale ontological sites.
• Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.

• Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated as Wilderness.

5. Discover the rewards of responsible recreation:

Do your part properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

• Carry a trash bag on your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites and camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.
• Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.
• Protect the sound escape by preventing unnecessary noise created by a poorly tuned vehicle or revving your engine without need.
• Following a ride, wash your dirt bike and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.

• Don’t mix riding with alcohol or drugs.

TRAIL RIDING

Trail Riding is riding outdoors on natural trails and roads as opposed to riding in an enclosed area such as a riding arena. The term may encompass those who travel on horses, on mountain bikes, or on motorcycles and other motorized all-terrain vehicle. Trail rides may be informal activities of an individual or small group of people, or may be larger events organized by a club. Some trail rides may even be directed by professional guides or outfitters, particularly at guest ranches.

There are competitive events available, which test the motorcycle and rider's ability to navigate obstacles commonly found on the trail, such as opening and closing gates, crossing streams, etc. The level of difficulty of a competitive ride will vary by trail or terrain, and riders are well advised to know the general difficulty of a trail before starting the ride. In recreational trail riding, speed and form are not the goals, but rather having fun and enjoying time spent with one's horse in nature.

Trail riding is often a group activity

Trail riding may encompass other activities, such as camping, hunting or fishing, orienteering, or even games.

There is some criticism of trail riding when excess or improper use of trails may lead to erosion, introduction of noxious weed seeds, conflict with hikers, or harassment of wildlife. However, many responsible equestians, mountain bikers, and off-road motorcyclists, especially those who get involved in these sports by joining an organized club, perform hours of trail maintenance every year. Many organizations also sponsor educational events to teach newcomers about safety, responsible land stewardship and how to improve riding techniques.