Mountain Bike Program

Because this program is so popular and we are limited by both coach resources and Alberta Parks permits, we have a tiered registration process. This allows previous registrants to continue in the program and to develop growth in this sport.

Registration Tiers

• Tier 1 – Children of volunteer coaches [OPENS MARCH 2}

• Tier 2 – Previous program participants & Members [OPENS MARCH 4]

• Tier 3 – Public [MARCH 7]

• A functioning and well-maintained mountain bike with hand brakes

• properly fitting helmet is mandatory

• bike gloves

• eye protection

• water and snacks

Do a pre-ride safety check

First Aid

• Each coach will carry a first aid kit with basic supplies and bear spray

• Each coach will create an emergency response plan to react to first aid situations.

Lead & Sweep Riders

The lead rider should be a parent volunteer coach or volunteer junior coach.

• • Must stop at all trail junctions to regroup.

  • Don’t proceed until the tail gunner rider has gotten to the junction.

  • This is very important to ensure that no riders get lost.

  • When leading a group call out i.e. “Day O”around corners and blind spots to ensure that other trail users and animals are aware of your approach.

  • Know who is in your group and how many kids – do regular head counts.

  • Kids must not take short cuts and must stay with the group. No Exceptions.

  • Always have an adult riding sweep

Pre and Post Ride

• Don’t ride on roads without a coach.

• Stay well away from parked and moving cars.

• Ride the stunts in a clockwise direction only.

• Stay within site of the meeting place.

Injury & Illness

• If you hurt yourself or don’t feel well tell your coach or an adult.

• Drink water when you get a chance.

Trail Etiquette

• Be aware of other cyclists and stay out of each other’s way

• Don’t block trails – don’t stop in blind spots, at bottom of hills, at the peak of a climb

• Never leave bikes laying on the trail

• Best place to stop is just past the top of a climb allowing enough room for other riders to group behind you

• Always yield to horses and pedestrians- slow right down or pull over and stop

• Be polite and respectful to other trail users

• Leave plenty of space between you and the rider in front of you – at least 4 or 5 seconds gap

• Only pass when there is room and it is safe to do so.

• When approaching hikers and bikers from behind notify the riders – “passing on the left” (or right)

• When meeting riders ‘head on’ both riders should slow down and move to the right to allow space to pass. If not enough space then be prepared to stop and pull off of the trail and yield to the other rider

• Yield to riders going uphill. It is easy to remount your bike when descending as opposed to when you are climbing

Leave No Trace

• Stay on trails- don’t cut corners

• Don’t skid

• Don’t ride when it’s too muddy

• Don’t litter

• Don’t frighten or endanger wildlife

• Watch for Wildlife

Be Good to Your Bike

• Keep your bike clean

• lubricate chain every few rides

• Never lay your bike down on the drive train side

• Leave other rider’s bikes alone

Enjoy the Ride

• This is not a race.

• There are all levels of riders – Don’t be discouraged if you can’t keep up with everybody

• Challenge yourself – be confident and try things even if they are hard and scary

• You will be amazed at what you are capable of

• Team work – Be supportive and encouraging of other riders “good job” “you can do it”

• Ask questions

• Have fun and try hard

1. Assess the Situation: determine the nature of the emergency and what type of response is required (first aid, search for a lost person, etc.).

2. Develop a Response Plan: based on the nature of the emergency, develop an appropriate response plan (first aid treatment, initiate search, etc.)

3. Assume leadership of the group and delegate responsibility: group members should assist in patient care if needed, If needed designate one or two adults to go for help.

4. The group with the victim(s) should:

   • Make the victim(s) as comfortable as possible, maintain his/her body temperature and protect the victim from the elements.

   • A trained first aider should be with the victim at all times.

   • Children should never be left unattended

   • Give the other group members something to do to get their minds off the situation

5. If Emergency Medical Services is required designate one adult to call 911.

   • Provide the following details to emergency responders:

     • Details of emergency

     • Your location

     • Assistance required

6. Designate one person to go to trail head to meet EMS.

7. If necessary use the Emergency Contact List to call the contact person of the injured person.