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Mountain Biking Leadership

See the list of current leaders, here.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: A LEADER MUST BE ABLE TO:

• properly size and adjust a bike.
• properly size and adjust a helmet.
• remove and re-attach the wheels.
• ‘single speed’ a chain – if a rear derailleur breaks, a leader must be able to break, shorten, and re-attach the chain to create a single-speed.
• patch a tire with what is available – for example, cover a hole in the tire so that the tube doesn’t poke out and flat.
• adjust a rear derailleur.
• be able to read a topographic map and read a compass.

BIKE SKILLS: A LEADER SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• be in control of his or her bike at all times.
• ride within their abilities and limits.

LEADERSHIP AND SAFETY SKILLS: A LEADER SHOULD ALWAYS:

• have trip members wear a properly fitted bike helmet at all times while biking a trip. No exceptions.
• have an appropriate sense of the trails and conditions before a trip. This includes, but is not limited to: checking the weather, downloaded and printing maps for everyone on the trip, and talking to other riders that have been to the place.
• establish some system of staying together (leader/caboose, for example). and allow for regrouping if people become separated.
• yield to hikers and equestrians unconditionally.
• yield to uphill riders.
• inform the group of risky terrain ahead when possible.
• recognize when either the bike or conditions are unsafe to ride.

ON THE TRAILS BIKING ETIQUETTE: A LEADER SHOULD ALWAYS:

• leave no trace.
• ride on authorized trails only.
• be mindful of the pace of your ride and the abilities of other riders.
• be concious of the fact that mountain biking is extremely vulnerable to other people on the trail having bad encounters with mountain bikers.
• avoid riding in wet conditions (or other) that could possibly damage the trail.
• make sure gear from trips is returned, cleaned, and ready for the next trip.
• notify the biking chair if gear is damaged.

EQUIPMENT AND GEAR: A LEADER SHOULD ALWAYS BRING:

• a first aid kit.
• a tire pump.
• bring a bike repair kit for every 2-3 people on a trip. Bike repair kits are pre-assembled in the bike room.
• one spare tube per person on the trip.
• any other equipment in order to facilitate a safe and productive trip. This includes, but is not limited to: car racks, spare tires, gloves, and shin-gaurds.
• extra food and water.

A LEADER SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE OTHER RIDERS BRING:

• a properly fitted helmet.
• a properly fitted bike.
• plenty of food and water.
• appropriate clothing for the trip. This includes, but is not limited to: gloves, appropriate footwear, and warm clothing for winter rides.

*In order to qualify for mountain biking leadership, a person must have fulfilled the first aid requirements.