The week before
- Confirm the schedule and meeting point through the organizer's verified channels
- Check the participation requirements that apply to you
- Try on all your protective gear and replace anything worn or poorly fitted
Rider Guide
Prepare well, ride within yourself
A practical guide to getting ready for an off-road ride: what to do beforehand, what to wear and pack, and how to ride with respect for others and for the ground you ride on.
Before the ride
Preparation starts days ahead
The day before
- Pack your gear and personal items using the checklists below
- Drink water through the day and eat a balanced meal
- Plan your travel so you can arrive without rushing, and get a good night of sleep
On the day
- Eat breakfast and keep drinking water
- Arrive early and give yourself time to settle in
- Listen fully to the briefing and ask anything you are unsure about
Checklist
Protective gear
Tick items off as you pack. These are commonly recommended items for off-road riding; the organizer's own gear requirements always take priority.
Checklist
Personal items
Small things make a long day in the dirt far more comfortable.
On the ground
Riding etiquette
Keep a safe gap
Leave enough distance to the rider ahead to react to a sudden stop or a fall, and to stay out of their dust and roost.
Pass with care
Overtake only where it is safe and expected, and make sure the other rider knows you are there. When in doubt, wait.
Stop in visible places
If you need to stop, pull off the main line where riders behind can see you clearly, not just after a blind crest or corner.
Look out for others
If a rider goes down, slow down, signal to those behind and let the people running the session know straight away.
Respect signals and boundaries
Follow the route, markers and signals given in the briefing. Closed areas stay closed, even if they look rideable.
Stay courteous
Everyone rides at a different level. Patience and encouragement make the day better for the whole group.
Leave it better
Care for the environment
Off-road riding depends on access to good ground. Treating that ground with care keeps it rideable and keeps relationships with landowners, neighbours and other land users positive.
Small habits make a real difference, and they are easy to build from your very first ride.
- Stay on the designated route and avoid cutting new lines
- Take all your rubbish home, including food wrappers
- Avoid unnecessary wheelspin that tears up the surface
- Keep noise reasonable around people, animals and residences
- Report any fluid leaks so they can be dealt with properly
The most important habit
Follow instructions, ride your level
Follow the organizer's directions
The people running a session know the ground, the plan and the conditions of the day. Their briefing and instructions come first, ahead of anything in this guide.
Match the ride to your ability
Choose easier lines, slow down or sit out a section whenever it feels beyond your control. Fatigue builds quietly, so take breaks before you feel you need them.