Monday, May 30, 2011

The Commandments of Mountain Biking

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From our friends over at bike198.com, a list of the Top 25 Mountain Biking 'Commandments.'  Do you have your own rules of the trail? Post them in the comments below!
  1. Pay It Forward – Tubes, quick-links, a helping hand. You’ll need it one day too.
  2. You brought it out…you bring it home – No one likes a litterbug. Keep the trail clean.
  3. Know your role – Fast climber? Get up front. Slow descender? Get in the back.
  4. Bike worth does not equal biking ability – Everyone loves the latest and greatest…but it doesn’t increase skill.
  5. Be Self Sufficient – Always bring what you need…and sometimes more.
  6. Know Basic Bike Maintenance – Be able to fix your own flat…
  7. Treat Other Riders Like You Would Want To Be Treated – No one likes a jackass.
  8. It’s Only A Race If The Other Participants Know They Are Participating – You didn’t beat your friend on the climb if you are the only one that knew it was a race.
  9. If A Rider Catches You…It Doesn’t Mean They Want You To Ride Faster – Move to the side and let the rider by. Also see #3.
  10. Music While Riding Is Great…Unless You Are Oblivious – If you are going to wear earphones while riding, check around you constantly for other riders.
  11. Know Your Abilities – Don’t get too far over your head.
  12. Just Because You Can’t Ride It…Doesn’t Mean Others Can’t – Mountain biking should be a progression. Not all trails can be wide and groomed.
  13. You Have Zero Room To Bitch If You Didn’t Work On The Trail – Try not to be a backseat driver to trail work.
  14. There Is No Cure For UGI – Upgradeitius is a serious disease for which there is no cure.
  15. Beware Of Rider Recommendations – The best bike for a friend may not be the best bike for you. Everyone thinks they are on the best mountain bike on the market.
  16. Don’t Be “That Guy” – You know the one…the guy that brags about his time on local loops and doesn’t ride anywhere else. Enjoy your ride…it isn’t a contest.
  17. In Shape Does Not Equal Technical Ability – You are in shape…awesome…but that does not make you a better rider. It just makes you able to ride longer.
  18. Riding Keeps You Young – Yes…that guy that is twice your age will still drop you.
  19. No One Looks Good In Lycra…Especially Mountain Bikers – Bring a change of clothes…lycra is not “going out” wear.
  20. Mexican Food Is The Perfect After Ride Meal – Don’t know why…it just is.
  21. Diversity Is A Good Thing – Different bikes, different styles, different personalities. It would be dreadfully boring if we were all the same.
  22. Any Holiday Is An Excuse To Ride – Why are we riding today? Because today ends in a y.
  23. Support Those That Support You – Support your local IMBA and local advocacy chapters. They do more than just work on trails.
  24. Online Superstars Type More Than Ride – Time worrying about online arguments is time you could spend on the bike.
  25. Riding Is The Best Therapy – Self explanatory…

2 comments:

Steve C said...

Don't forget--You were a beginner once, too. Take time with new riders to teach them a valuable lesson or two. Don't blow them away with your speed or stamina, you may discourage them. Focus on technique or trail-side repairs.

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