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The mountain biking community does a great job educating riders on proper trail etiquette. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) even developed a set of rules for responsible riding. However, no one appears to have addressed the proper etiquette riders should display before and after a ride while they are at the trailhead. I’ve witnessed annoying behaviors by otherwise courteous riders while gearing up for a ride on several occasions. So if you don’t want to tick off your fellow riders at the trailhead then you should avoid these five bad behaviors.
Sharing your music with other riders whether they like it or not
Mountain biking is an escape from the realities of life. When I’m at the trailhead preparing for my ride, I am trying to let go of my worries and get relaxed. The last thing I want is to hear someone else’s death metal or rap music pounding out of their car stereo and into my head. It aggravates me and I get tensed up, which is no way to start a ride. If that is part of your warm-up routine, please keep it to yourself. Use earbuds so that you are the only one who can hear it (but take them off when you ride if there are a lot of people using the trail).
Taking up too much space
Not all trailheads are created equal. Some have ample space for people to spread out their bikes and gear, while others consist of small parking spaces and narrow roadways for vehicles to enter and exit. You should be mindful of how much space you use at a trailhead. Don’t leave your vehicle’s doors open if they block someone from pulling into a space next to you. Fold up your bike rack if it is protruding into the roadway. Don’t sit around on your bike chatting with other riders if you are blocking other vehicles from getting by. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize on the trail.
Inviting thieves to plunder your vehicle while you are out on the trail
Even if you have complete trust in all the riders parked around you, you need to secure your vehicle and keep your valuables out of sight. The sight of several vehicles parked in one area looks very inviting to thieves. Don’t leave electronic devices like GPS units or smartphones in plain sight. Always lock your vehicle before you start your ride. Avoid having a spare key hidden on your vehicle (wallet-size spares are a great alternative for those with manual locks) because if you can find it then a thief can find it. These simple steps will help prevent a great ride being ruined by a break-in.
Being overly sociable toward other riders
Riders are generally a friendly bunch. It’s not uncommon for another rider to come up to me and make small talk before or after a ride. But there is a fine line between friendly conversation and annoying chatter.
If you’re riding a trail for the first time, read the sign at the trailhead before you ask other riders questions about it. The signs will give you necessary information about what direction to ride the trail in, the level of difficulty of the trail, and the length of the trail. It’s better to ask riders questions like “what are the typical trail conditions this time of year?” and “what air pressure do you normally run in your tires here?” That information won’t be on the sign, and other riders are more apt to share it, especially if they know you are new to the area.
If you want to engage in friendly conversation with other riders at a trailhead, try to do it at the end of their ride, not the beginning. I’m more inclined to chat when I’m done riding (and have quit gasping for air) than when I’m about to start and have my attention focused on the trail.
Always bumming tools or parts from other riders
If you need to borrow a tool, it’s okay to ask another rider for one, but be respectful. Borrow tools for minor repairs and adjustments, not major surgery on your bike, and treat the tools with respect and care. If someone gives you a tube or air cartridge, offer them money for it (though they might not accept it), and pay it forward when you get the chance. Ideally, you should carry your own kit, consisting of tire patches or plugs, pump or air cartridges, a spare tube, a multi-tool, and zip ties.
Riders need to have good behaviors before, during, and after their rides
It goes without saying that riders should always have good trail etiquette when riding. But riders should also be mindful of their conduct before and after a ride. Don’t let your bad behavior ruin another rider’s experience before it even begins.
Do you have a trailhead etiquette tip? Please feel free to share it in the comments section below.
I always leave my truck unlocked, with nothing valuable inside. Especially at remote trailheads, thieves will break windows just to get in and find nothing there. I’d rather just let them in to check without the broken glass. And no one is going to find the key that’s wired up under my frame, but it will save me if I get back to the truck without my keys.
I’m with you on points 3 and 5, but I have to respectfully disagree on point 4. There is no “being overly sociable” in mountain biking, and I’m happy to answer anyone’s questions or chat about whatever, whenever — even if the answers are posted on a sign. As a newcomer to the town and trails where I live, some 95+% of my current friendships were formed while chatting about random stuff when I was out on a solo ride. Those trailside pauses are also where I learned to speak Italian.
I guess that’s the introvert in me talking. There’s brief, friendly chatting and then there’s won’t-take-a-breath-while-telling-their-life-story socializing. The former is fine, the latter I do not like.
Your first item is one of my gripes. Keep your music to yourself. Same goes for people on the trail (usually hikers) who just have to blare their music out of their phone speaker.
Most definitely. Nature is always the best soundtrack.
Also, and this is just me, watch your language. Whenever I see kids at the trailhead, I hear other riders and even some of the guys I ride with speak rated R stuff. I guess I’m just sensitive to that kind of talk since I do have four kids.
That’s a good one too. Thanks for the comment.
I am also very introverted. I am more than happy if I can go out on the trail for several hours and never say a single word. I rode 4 hours yesterday, never spoke to a soul. It was wonderful. I do a solo century on my road bike every Tuesday.
If you ask me for help with something, sure, I will help. But I am out there all alone for a reason.
Well said. Thanks for the comment.
I don’t know why my comment ended up here.
Deal! I promise you I won’t talk to you if I see you at the Trailhead. All other people are welcome to socialize with me as you wish, or just share a brew.
A brief conversation is fine, just don’t detain me for hours.
Hallelujah to the “keep your music to yourself.” God, this drives me batty. It is so amazingly rude to think/assume that others want to hear your tunes. I sound like everyone’s mom, but really, What If Everybody Did It? Gaaa. The peace and importantly all of the birds and animals would flee. Plus the sound quality sucks. Use yer headphones!
Glad you agree. Thanks for your comment.
I ride by myself 99% of the time on private trails and hardly see another soul, so I’m usually the chatty one at the trailhead. Well, that and its a southern thing, we’re just naturally friendly folks
Not sure most of this bothers me except maybe the taking up too much space. I will be away from the music soon enough. Not really a mountain bike thing but it is just bad form socially in any situation to be blasting music.
I did like the comment about being aware of language, especially as adults. I take my kids riding and to the skate park. I hate the language they hear at times. We should be setting examples. It’s not cool.
I don’t necessarily think of leaving your vehicle/valuables unsecured as being a tool. After all, this doesn’t bother anyone else and only the owner will suffer the consequences. Foolish? Sure. Toolish? Not really.
As for being overly social, that’s never bothered me. But then I’m a naturally social person. I know many others aren’t, so while it doesn’t bother me, I don’t bring it to others.
As far as I’m concerned, one not mentioned tops all the others on the list, and that’s self absorbed, thoughtless asshats who foul the otherwise pristine woodland air with the stench of their burning weed.
This isn’t really for the trailhead, but hangin with all your super rad dude bros at the start of a jump line or session area just to observe, pressure and trash talk new riders is about the tooliest move I’ve observed as of late.
I hadn’t witnessed that one personally, but it’s definitely not cool behavior.
Don’t block the trail entrance or exit with your vehicle! I see this one all the time and I just don’t get it. Also, if you can’t simply acknowledge another rider (speak, lift a finger, nod your head) stick to pedaling with your roadie friends or just stay home.
Thanks for the comment. Both are bad behaviors. The way too serious riders bug me too.
To some of you hikers on the trail. Keep your head up and eyes open. please.
And to some riders, Call Out, to some hikers that are on the trail, don’t give people a heart attacks!
Thanks for the comment. I agree.
All of these are spot on. Good article!
Thanks.