Survive and Thrive
ADVICE TO RIDERS FROM THE MOAB BIKE PATROL


Remember to always . . . .

WEAR A HELMET
Most trails are very rocky. Even the best riders can get tired and make mistakes. Helmets can prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries. Medical professionals say that the average cost of treating a major head injury is over a half-million dollars.

CARRY EXTRA AMOUNTS OF WATER AND HIGH ENERGY FOOD
During the warmer months, after a few hours, most riders start craving water. Take at least two large bike bottles AND a reserve supply in a water bladder or other container. Eating at intervals provides an opportunity to rest and the energy needed to complete the ride.


The Moab area offers
challenging rides
amidst world-class
scenery. Characteristics
of the area that make it a special place for riding can also make it extremely
dangerous. It is important
to follow these basic
safety procedures.

CARRY TRAIL MAPS AND USE THEM TO TRACK YOUR POSITION.
Great trail maps and guidebooks are available at bike shops, the Moab information center, bookstores and other locations in town. Check the alignment of the route and key junctions. Moab is surrounded by a maze of deep canyons and towering cliffs. Never try to cut cross-country to shorten a ride.

STAY FOUND, SAVE MONEY
Grand County has the highest incidence of search and rescue in Utah. The high cost of these operations are normally the responsibility of the rescued party. If you decide that you have lost the trail, do not continue on in hopes of finding your own way. Retrace your route back towards the trailhead until you pick up the trail, find someone who knows the area, or return to the trailhead. If you cannot retrace your route, stay put, conserve energy and water, make yourself visible and await rescue.

CHECK YOUR BIKE FREQUENTLY
Riding on Moab trails loosens headsets and puts maximum stress upon frames and components. Frequent inspections reduce the possibility of injury.

DEVELOP BASIC RIDING SKILLS ON THE EASIER TRAILS
Trails like Slickrock and Porcupine Rim are not suitable places to learn or teach basic riding skills.

BE PREPARED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Don’t venture into remote areas with nothing but a
t-shirt and shorts. Carry a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, maps, matches or lighter, pump, patch kit, first-aid kit, a good bike tool kit and extra food, water and clothing. Ride with someone else and stay together in case of problems. Discuss your situation calmly and make a plan to improve it.

RESPECT THE DESERT
Tread lightly when traveling (don’t leave bike tracks off trails) and leave no trace of your camping. Help keep Canyon Country clean by taking your trash home and picking up after the less aware. Protect and conserve scarce water sources for wildlife by not polluting or bathing in them. Allow space for wildlife by maintaining your distance, and leave historic sites, rock art, ruins and artifacts untouched for the future.

HAVE FUN AND LEARN ABOUT THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE AREA
Great trails are not the only reason Moab has become an international destination. Take time to enjoy the scenery, study ancient Native American rock art, or marvel at the harmony of a cryptobiotic soil garden. For mor information on this fragile living soil, click here.

Help us support our supporters!
Web site hosting services kindly donated by Red Arrow Group.

Site design: D3Design

HOME     SURVIVE      ETHICS     TRAILS      NEWS     JOIN      LINKS      MEMBERS