The feeling of freedom and thrill you get during mountain biking is unparalleled. Not only this is a self-fulfilling experience, but also develops a sense of camaraderie among the bikers when they share the same trail with other bikers. However, it is important to keep your conduct in such a manner that the experience is equally fulfilling for other bikers too.

Here is an etiquette guide for a biker who has just started exploring mountain trails:

Always Remember to Keep Left

Just like you drive on a road, you eliminate the risk of injuring yourself and others by keeping to the left side of the trail. This is necessary for bikers who are coming from the opposite direction to pass you without the fear of getting hit.

Be Patient and Vigilant

It is good to give someone a passing, especially when you are on a long trail stretch of a single track. Once the fellow rider passes you, you can ride as fast as you want. It is accommodating for a person to know that their fellow bikers are also aware of the fact that this is not a competition but a joyful adventure that everyone shares together. Also, watch out for bikers coming from opposite sides, especially at blind turns or routes where the visibility is poor.

Mid-Trail Stoppages

It’s a nightmare for bikers to encounter a fellow biker on a trail fixing his/her bike or just clicking a picture. Move aside if you have to do any such activity to avoid any mishaps.

Check the One Way Sign

Though most trails are unidirectional, making it safer for you to fly around without worrying about anyone speeding towards you, it is necessary that you must keep a check on one way signs on the trail. When you are heading uphill, it is better that you take the separate push-up tracks to avoid hitting a fellow biker how must be coming from the opposite downhill.

Be Patient with Slow Riders

This solely will decide that how you will handle the entire biking experience. Since you are biking with your fellow riders, it is imperative that you take care of those who are not so fast. How you deal with this will depend upon what kind of person you are. You can simply ask for a passing without getting too close to the rider. Allow them time to pull up to the side and say thank you to them when you get the passing.      

Give Passing to Fellow Riders

This thing works vice versa, and therefore you will encounter faster riders. Giving them a passing will only create a sense of camaraderie. Wait until you get to a safe and the wide bit of trail to let the over-taker past you.

Help Fellow Bikers

Whether it’s the guy who just crashed or someone with a punctured tire, you must stop and check if they are okay or need some help.

Find a Company

Chatting and riding is a nice way to enjoy your biking experience. However, you should aim to be courteous, ensuring your fellow rider enough room to ride together without bumping into you. On narrow trails there should be a mutual understanding between you and your fellow rider to take the lead or follow until you reach a wider trail.