Trail Etiquette

Trail Etiquette

by Jan Axtell with help from Dana Jordan

Trapp Family Lodge, the town of Stowe, and the surrounding communities have an impressive network of mountain bike trails. If you are new to mountain biking as a sport or are visiting the area for the first time it is important to know a little bit about the etiquette associated with riding in the area. Having this understanding in your pocket makes for more enjoyable rides, it facilitates safe use of the trail system, while promoting and propagating continued trail access.

First off, at Trapp Family Lodge, to ride on our trails, one must be in possession of a trail pass, sign a liability waiver, and sign in at the Bike Shop in the Outdoor center. This all can be accomplished in one visit at the Bike Shop. It is the all important first step to getting on our private trail system. For our guests trail passes are free, and your initial visit and registration allows us to meet you our guests, give appropriate trail recommendations, and help out with any mechanical issues you might be having with your bike and/or accurately fit you with a rental. Moreover, we are an excellent source of area trail beta.

Second, know and follow the “Rules of the Trail” as outlined by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). They are designed to reduce conflict between the different trail users, promote rider safety, and insure trail access with public and private landowners.

They are:
1. Ride open trails only.
2. Leave no trace
3. Control your bicycle
4. Yield to others
5. Never scare or harass animals
6. Plan ahead and be prepared.

For more information and detailed descriptions of IMBA’s “Rules of the Trail” visit their website at http://www.imba.com/about/trail_rules.html

Third, little things contribute big time to the health and general well being of the local trail system and, subsequently, rider. Heavy braking and skidding of the tires digs ruts in the trail proper which leads to erosion and the eventual degradation of the trail system. Instead of heavily braking, feather the brake levers. Moreover, try to moderate your speed using the terrain. It promotes flow over the trail as opposed to the herky-jerky feeling that constantly riding the brake causes.

Mountain biking on the area trail system is great fun. The fact is, it’s awesome. Remember, while feeling the full stoke of great riding, to temper and/or moderate your enthusiasm while on the trail. Many times our trails are being used by other folks enjoying the solitude of nature. Moreover, private landowners may not appreciate the yelling, scream, and “colorful” language that might be accompanying your fun. What it boils down to is, respect. Respect the trail, the people you are sharing space with, and the people who allow it to happen on their property. It might not be easy to control full-blown single track stoke, but the effort to do so is appreciated by all; mountain bikers, landowners, and other users alike.

Good trail etiquette is the ultimate advocacy for mountain biking. In the Stowe area we share the trail system, forests, and mountains with a variety of user groups. Respect gets respect and insures the further development of one of the countries truly unique ride centers.