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Trail riding is riding outdoors on natural trails and roads as opposed to riding in an enclosed area such as a riding arena. Trail riding is motorcycling on roads which never received a tarmac surface or where the tarmac was not repaired and the surface has reverted to grass or natural stone.
Trail rides may be informal activities of an individual or small group of people, or may be larger events organized by a club. Trail riding is fun, challenging, exciting, improves your skills and takes you into the most scenic areas the country side. Whilst trail riding you encounter fords, loose surfaces and sometimes big stones and rock steps.
In the west, there are competitive events available, which test the rider's ability to navigate obstacles commonly found on the trail, slush, crossing streams, etc. The level of difficulty of a competitive ride will vary by trail or terrain, and riders are well advised to know the general difficulty of a trail before starting the ride. In recreational trail riding, speed and form are not the goals, but rather having fun and enjoying time spent with one's motorcycle in nature. Trail riding is often a group activity. Trail riding may encompass other activities, such as camping, hunting or fishing, or even games.
There is some criticism of trail riding when excess or improper use of trails may lead to erosion, introduction of noxious weed seeds, conflict with hikers, or harassment of wildlife. However, many responsible mountain bikers, and off-road motorcyclists, especially those who get involved in these sports by joining an organized club, perform hours of trail maintenance every year.
Many organizations also sponsor educational events to teach newcomers about safety, responsible land stewardship and how to improve riding techniques.
Before You Ride- Off-Road Basics - Safeguarding Yourself With Protective Clothing and Gear
By definition, off-road riding means “rugged,” so you should always wear clothing that combines protection and comfort. Never operate an OR (Off-road) unless you protect yourself from head to toe by wearing these items and have them professionally adjusted when you purchase them to ensure the safest fit.
OR helmet
o Helps prevent serious head injury.
o Should fit snugly and fasten securely.
o May be a full-face helmet or an open-face helmet plus eye protection.
o Add a stripe of reflective tape to make you more visible at night.
o Must be a ISI–approved crash helmet.
Goggles or other eye protection
o Be aware that branches, road debris, and insects can hit your eyes and distract or even blind you.
o Do not use sunglasses, which do not provide adequate protection. Use goggles or a face shield.
o Choose high-impact eye protection that is made of hard-coated polycarbonate.
o Carry gray-tinted eye protection for bright days, yellow-tinted for overcast days, and clear for night rides.
o Make sure your eye protection is scratch-free, securely fastened, and well-ventilated to avoid fogging.
Gloves
o Keep your hands warm in cold weather.
o Prevent soreness and fatigue.
o Offer protection during a spill or a collision with a branch, rock, or other debris.
o Should be padded over the knuckles for the best protection.
Boots
o Heels prevent your feet from slipping off footrests.
o Off-road boots are best, offering protection for lower legs, ankles, and feet.
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket
o Protect your skin from scratches as well as the extremes of the weather.
o Provide the best protection with off-road riding gear that incluses:
Pants with kneepads
Chest and shoulder protectors
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Using Courteous Trail Etiquette
Ride only where permitted.
Be considerate of others on the trail, and keep to the right.
Always yield to uphill traffic.
Slow down when someone is passing you.
Yield the right-of-way to bikes, horses, and hikers.
Leave gates as you find them.
Report downed trees and trail maintenance needs to land managers.
Carry out what you carry in
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Operate Safely and Responsibly
Observing the Code of Safety
Be sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle by reading your owner’s manual.
Wear protective clothing suitable for the environment.
Use a helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and road debris.
Make sure the light system works properly.
Don’t remove the factory-installed air box or muffler.
Know the terrain where you plan to ride.
Be aware of the weather forecast, especially ice and snow conditions.
Respect people and animals you encounter.
Never venture out alone.
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Be Prepared
Anytime you venture into off-road terrain, some risk is involved. You could become stranded because of mechanical problems; caught in unexpected, severe weather; or injured or lost.
Environment characteristics, such as rough terrain, climate extremes, and remoteness, also increase the chance of accidents.
Before You Leave—Tell someone where and with whom you are riding and when you will be back.
What To Bring Along
Map and Compass
Topographic maps provide the most useful information for navigating terrain because they show the area in three dimensions. Purchase a good orienteering compass, and learn how to use it with a topographic map.
First-Aid Kit
Carry a first-aid kit, and take a first-aid course so that you’ll know how to respond in an emergency.
Survival Kit
In addition to the items listed above, you should carry:
Candy bars (or other high-energy food)
Emergency food and water
Flashlight
Hand axe
Signal flares
Tarpaulin
Waterproof matches
Other Useful Items
Radio for weather reports
Mobile phone and a GPS
Trail rides may be informal activities of an individual or small group of people, or may be larger events organized by a club. Trail riding is fun, challenging, exciting, improves your skills and takes you into the most scenic areas the country side. Whilst trail riding you encounter fords, loose surfaces and sometimes big stones and rock steps.
In the west, there are competitive events available, which test the rider's ability to navigate obstacles commonly found on the trail, slush, crossing streams, etc. The level of difficulty of a competitive ride will vary by trail or terrain, and riders are well advised to know the general difficulty of a trail before starting the ride. In recreational trail riding, speed and form are not the goals, but rather having fun and enjoying time spent with one's motorcycle in nature. Trail riding is often a group activity. Trail riding may encompass other activities, such as camping, hunting or fishing, or even games.
There is some criticism of trail riding when excess or improper use of trails may lead to erosion, introduction of noxious weed seeds, conflict with hikers, or harassment of wildlife. However, many responsible mountain bikers, and off-road motorcyclists, especially those who get involved in these sports by joining an organized club, perform hours of trail maintenance every year.
Many organizations also sponsor educational events to teach newcomers about safety, responsible land stewardship and how to improve riding techniques.
Before You Ride- Off-Road Basics - Safeguarding Yourself With Protective Clothing and Gear
By definition, off-road riding means “rugged,” so you should always wear clothing that combines protection and comfort. Never operate an OR (Off-road) unless you protect yourself from head to toe by wearing these items and have them professionally adjusted when you purchase them to ensure the safest fit.
OR helmet
o Helps prevent serious head injury.
o Should fit snugly and fasten securely.
o May be a full-face helmet or an open-face helmet plus eye protection.
o Add a stripe of reflective tape to make you more visible at night.
o Must be a ISI–approved crash helmet.
Goggles or other eye protection
o Be aware that branches, road debris, and insects can hit your eyes and distract or even blind you.
o Do not use sunglasses, which do not provide adequate protection. Use goggles or a face shield.
o Choose high-impact eye protection that is made of hard-coated polycarbonate.
o Carry gray-tinted eye protection for bright days, yellow-tinted for overcast days, and clear for night rides.
o Make sure your eye protection is scratch-free, securely fastened, and well-ventilated to avoid fogging.
Gloves
o Keep your hands warm in cold weather.
o Prevent soreness and fatigue.
o Offer protection during a spill or a collision with a branch, rock, or other debris.
o Should be padded over the knuckles for the best protection.
Boots
o Heels prevent your feet from slipping off footrests.
o Off-road boots are best, offering protection for lower legs, ankles, and feet.
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket
o Protect your skin from scratches as well as the extremes of the weather.
o Provide the best protection with off-road riding gear that incluses:
Pants with kneepads
Chest and shoulder protectors
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Using Courteous Trail Etiquette
Ride only where permitted.
Be considerate of others on the trail, and keep to the right.
Always yield to uphill traffic.
Slow down when someone is passing you.
Yield the right-of-way to bikes, horses, and hikers.
Leave gates as you find them.
Report downed trees and trail maintenance needs to land managers.
Carry out what you carry in
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Operate Safely and Responsibly
Observing the Code of Safety
Be sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle by reading your owner’s manual.
Wear protective clothing suitable for the environment.
Use a helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and road debris.
Make sure the light system works properly.
Don’t remove the factory-installed air box or muffler.
Know the terrain where you plan to ride.
Be aware of the weather forecast, especially ice and snow conditions.
Respect people and animals you encounter.
Never venture out alone.
Off-Road Basics—For All Riders - Be Prepared
Anytime you venture into off-road terrain, some risk is involved. You could become stranded because of mechanical problems; caught in unexpected, severe weather; or injured or lost.
Environment characteristics, such as rough terrain, climate extremes, and remoteness, also increase the chance of accidents.
Before You Leave—Tell someone where and with whom you are riding and when you will be back.
What To Bring Along
Map and Compass
Topographic maps provide the most useful information for navigating terrain because they show the area in three dimensions. Purchase a good orienteering compass, and learn how to use it with a topographic map.
First-Aid Kit
Carry a first-aid kit, and take a first-aid course so that you’ll know how to respond in an emergency.
Survival Kit
In addition to the items listed above, you should carry:
Candy bars (or other high-energy food)
Emergency food and water
Flashlight
Hand axe
Signal flares
Tarpaulin
Waterproof matches
Other Useful Items
Radio for weather reports
Mobile phone and a GPS
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