FAQs/General category

RIDING RULES AND ETIQUETTE

Never Take Risks. This is the number one rule; athletes that have a risk-taking attitude or are witnessed to take risks will not be tolerated. A risk is defined as willingly attempting anything that is beyond one’s ability to control in a safe manner.

Ride Predictably. When riding with others always ride in a straight, steady, and predictable manner. Swerving onto sidewalks, burms, or jumps is unacceptable and will result in consequences. There is no jumping on team rides; keep both tires on the ground.

Wear a Helmet at All Times. Under no circumstances should a student be on their bike without a helmet fastened to their head. League members will have points deducted for riding without a helmet.

Always Yield. Even if at times it seems inconvenient. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for our sport and minimize the restrictions that follow negative encounters. Remember that bicycles can be an unwelcome experience for horses and hikers.

Pass with Care. Always be kind and polite. Go very SLOW — go slow enough to say hello, and for other trail users to say hello back. Always stop and ask for passing instructions from horse riders. Horse can be easily spooked by bicycles and must be respected.

Stay on Trails. Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Beware the types of soil you are riding on. Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots.

Control Your Speed. Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend. Respect posted speed limits.

Respect Wildlife and Live Stock. Do not frighten animals. Close gates as you pass through, unless it appears obvious that they have been intentionally left open.

Do Not Litter. Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, pick up other people’s trash.

Be Prepared. You should be prepared to fix basic bicycle mechanicals such as flat tires, chain breaks, and conduct simple bike adjustments. Carry and know how to use basic tools, a spare tube and a pump. Expect weather changes and dress appropriately.

Plan Ahead. Make sure you have the necessary items to make sure you are safe: food, water, tools, and warm clothing. Know where you are going and, if distances are involved, do not travel solo. Minimize Impacts. The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists. Bring back pictures and memories only. Ride Only on Legal Trails. As representatives of the League and our sport, League athletes are expected to ride only on authorized trails. League riders caught riding on illegal trails at ANY time, whether on team rides or own their own, will face consequences. See Code of Conduct for details.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Positive Sporting Attitude
League athletes are expected to display an excellent sporting attitude during all League events and should treat all other riders, coaches, and officials with respect. Fair play and respectful, supportive behavior is expected of all League athletes.

Practice Safe Riding
League athletes must practice safe riding techniques and be in control of their bicycles at all times. Riding out of control and with excessive speed will not be tolerated. Athletes that have a risk-taking attitude or are witnessed to take risks will not be tolerated. A risk is defined as willingly attempting anything that is beyond one’s ability to control in a safe manner.

Ride Only on Legal Trails
As representatives of the League and our sport, League athletes are expected to ride only on authorized trails. League riders caught riding on illegal trails at ANY time, whether on team rides or own their own, will face consequences as follows:
1st Offense = Disqualification from 1 race
2nd Offense = Disqualification from the League’s race season
3rd Offense = Permanent disqualification from the League

Passing
When passing on the race course, do so respectfully and only when it is safe. Actions that purposely compromise the safety of other athletes will not be tolerated. Call out when passing slower racers. Tracking left indicates you will be passing on their left, tracking right indicates you will be passing on their right.

No Cutting the Course/Riding off Trail
Except in the case of injury, League athletes are not allowed to cut the course, ride off course, or engage in any other behavior that would indicate an intention of unfair play. Cutting the course will result in disqualification, and possibly a loss of all League points.

Wear a Helmet at All Times
Under no circumstances should a student be on their bicycle without a helmet fastened to their head, even when riding a very short distance. Athletes must also keep their helmet on when walking or running on the course with a mechanical. Athletes will lose all points for the race at which they were seen riding without a helmet a this includes while riding trainers to warm up.

Headphones
League athletes are not allowed to race with headphones or other portable musical devices.

Mechanical Issues
During the race, flat tires and other mechanical problems should be repaired by the athlete who must carry her/his own tools, tube, pump, etc. If outside assistance is given, a five-minute penalty will be assessed. You Represent the League and Mountain Biking! Recognize that, as a League athlete, you represent the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League and our sport. This is true at all times, not just at races particularly when you are wearing your team or League jersey. Please help give the League and mountain biking a good reputation.

*DISRESPECT OF THESE RULES MAY LEAD TO A
SUSPENSION FROM RACES AND/OR THE LEAGUE.*

What is the training like?
The training starts out gradual in the late fall and increases in duration and intensity until around March or April when the duration steadies, but the intensity continues to increase.

Are riders taught about bike safety and preparedness?