Etiquette

Here are a few tips to remember:

• Ride open and legal trails. These are signed, designated routes with proper and legal access. If in doubt, it’s probably not a legit trail.  No “off trail” or cross country travel  is allowed on the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest. An existing faint trail does mean it’s legal.
• Use your brain while parking your car. Busy weekend see overflowing parking areas, so park close together, and carpool when possible. Do not create new spots in pristine meadows. 
• No trespassing. Most private property is signed, but even if it isn’t, it is your responsibility to know it is private.
• Close all gates that you find closed. Look at gates before opening them so you can put them back exactly the same. We share these public lands — respect the ranching community by keeping all gates to how you found them. CBMBA is working to replace gates with rollovers on popular trails…roll on!
• No one likes seeds and stems, especially in the backcountry! Keep Crested Butte the wildflower capital of Colorado by rinsing your bike after rides to minimize the  spread of noxious weeds.
• Don’t chase or feed wildlife or livestock, ever.
• Yield to horses. Announce yourself and ask the best way to proceed. Talking calms the horse so it knows you are a human and not a scary bike monster. If you’re riding a trail that you know has horses, slow down around blind corners so you don’t come up on one fast.  
• Yield to hikers. They have the right of way. Often, it will be more convenient for them to step off, so remember your Ps and Ts.
• Yield to dirtbikes. It’s easier and less damaging for mountain bikes to get out of the way. Do this to help keep singletrack single and stay in the good graces of our moto brethren.
• Stay away from the mud-fest. Riding muddy trails ruins the trail. If you’re leaving a tire imprint, that’s a sign. If you need to, just walk through a muddy area, but don’t create a new trail by walking or riding around the mud. 
• Avoid shuttling. Protect the image of our sport and decrease your impact. If you must shuttle, pack in as many as you can and “drive like your kids live there”.
• Find a bathroom. People have even been caught with their pants down right on trails right next to Town, and we aren’t talking about taking a leak. Go before you hit the trail. If there’s an emergency situation, walk 100 big steps from the trail, campsites, and water sources, dig a hole using a rock and bury your waste and TP 6-8″ under! A wag bag in your pack works, too.
• Yield to uphill riders. When you yield just stop, lean your bike off the trail and put a foot down. Don’t ride off the trail and make another trail.
• Be friendly out there – always. A smile and good manners go a long way. Local CB bikers have a reputation for being friendly. You should follow suit… our sport and access depends on it!