Trail Etiquette

Riding is fun, good exercise and enjoyable for the whole family. However, it is very important to come in from a ride upright and not in the hospital. To do this you should always follow the rules of the trail, called trail etiquette. Several times while riding on the Mount Vernon Trail, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or in Rock Creek Park I have witnessed cyclists not following these simple but lifesaving rules.

1) Always pass on the other person's left
2) Never walk or ride against traffic
3) Use hand signals to tell people where you are going
4) Look behind you before you pass
5) If you see someone standing on the side of the trail, ask them if they need help

If you follow these simple rules you can be sure that you a keeping yourself and the people around you safe, the ultimate goal of cycling is to have fun and get exercise while staying safe.

Choosing Your Trails

I bike on all kinds of trails almost every day. Bumpy mountain trails, paved trails, and gravel. I use my mom's ATB (All Terrain Bike) You need to choose the trails that you ride by the kind of bike that you have, or you could end up injuring yourself or damaging your bike.

You should ride mountain trails only if you have a suspension, either front shocks or front and rear shocks. Paved trails are for every kind of bike, but is just about the only place other than a road that you can ride a road bike, a bike without shocks and thin, high pressure tires. Finally, you can ride gravel if you have a hybrid, or a mountain bike (ATB) with or without shocks as long as they have thicker tires.

Your Emergency Kit

When you ride you should always have an emergency kit with several key tools and extras of items you may need to replace on your bike. Included is a list of the items you will need and links to Amazon where you can find the best of them.

You will need-

Kit- hangs on the back of your seat or fits into a corner on your frame. Where you put all of your emergency stuff.

Topeak Aero Wedge Pack with Buckle (Medium)

Tire Irons/Tire Levers- for changing your tires or tubes. Some people can use just their hands, but most of the time it is easier to remove the tire with these.

Minoura Tool Alloy Set Tire Levers

Patch Kit- repairs holes in your tubes and saves you from having to carry extra tubes, although it is a good idea to have some.

Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit

Tubes- size will depend on your bike. Check with your local shop if you don't know what size or type you need.

CO2 Pumps- quick and easy pump. Inflates your tires in no time and lasts the duration of your ride. You will want to empty your tires when you get home and fill them with regular air.

Innovations Ultraflate Plus CO2


Hand Pump- if you run out of CO2 or have to change many tubes, pumps are an easy and efficient way to fill your tires and get going again. This pump will mount to your water bottle cage and is an easy install.

Hurricane Micro Mini Pump

Riding Tips (Riding Safe and NOT Crashing)

1) Never ride angry.

2) Always wear a helmet.

3) Ride within your comfort zone. (not too fast)

4) Keep identification on you in the even that you do crash.

5) Tell people when and where you are going to ride so that they know the general area in which you will be.

6) Bring a cell phone in case you need help.

7) Pack an appropriate kit with tools for changing tubes and pumping tires.

8) Be aware of your surroundings.

9) Ride in groups.

10) Use hand signals and vocals when you are around other cyclists and cars.