101
PART 2
Riding Off-Road
Section A. Important Safety Information
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Riding Off-Road
Off road riding usually involves many, many
variables such as constantly changing traction,
obstacles, changes in line of sight, up hill, down hill,
soft surfaces, dry surfaces and wet surfaces.
Off road riding requires managing a complex and
constantly changing rider–to-bicycle feedback loop
of traction, weight distribution, application of power,
application of brakes and steering driven by the
conditions one encounters.
Learning to ride off road is a process. It does not
automatically occur because you have a mountain
bike or off-road capable bike.
Learning to ride off road does not come from
watching “extreme” mountain bike videos or TV. In
fact the riders in those films are professional
entertainers and/or daredevils, not teachers.
The complexity and ever-changing nature of off road
riding requires focus, concentration, strength,
fitness and learning to read the trail. The art of
managing all this while surrounded by nature
makes this a challenging and wonderful sport. We
recommend that children not ride on rough terrain
unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Here are just some off-road riding concerns:
1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road
riding require close attention and specific skills.
Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your
skills. If your bike has suspension, the increased
speed you may develop also increases your risk
of losing control and falling. Get to know how to
handle your bike safely before trying increased
speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of
riding you plan to do.
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when
riding with others, make sure that someone
knows where you’re going and when you expect
to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification, so
that people know who you are in case of an
accident; and take along a couple of dollars in
cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an
emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals.
Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger
them, and give them enough room so that their
unexpected moves don’t endanger you.
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