Intro to Mountain BikingIntro to Mountain Biking

Robert MurphyRobert Murphy

Missy Goebel Missy Goebel

Danalyn Rayner Danalyn Rayner

IntroductionsIntroductions

• Us:– Rob: avid biker– Danalyn: former professional mt biker racer– Missy: avid biker

• You?– What have you done?– What do you think it is?

Ranger Award: CyclingRanger Award: Cycling

• Completing the Cycling Requirements, puts you one step closer to the Outdoor Bronze Award and Ranger Award.

• What are they?

Cycling RequirementsCycling Requirements

1. Describe the difference between cycling (touring) and mountain biking.

2. – Know the laws governing biking in your state. – Learn and know bicycle safety rules and gear for your

preferred type of biking. – Give a presentation and safe biking session to your crew,

another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group using the knowledge you have gained.

– Demonstrate proper first aid for head injuries.

• (If you choose mountain biking as your discipline, do 3(a) and (b).)

Cycling Requirements, con’t.Cycling Requirements, con’t.

3.   – Learn the mountain biking rules for the trail as

stated by the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) and explain what is meant by soft cycling.

– Describe environmental considerations that are important for mountain biking and describe ways to lessen their impact on the environment.

4.  – Establish a maintenance checklist that needs to be

reviewed before each tour or trip. – Make and keep a personal biking journal and record

information on at least three tours or trips.

Cycling Requirements, con’t.Cycling Requirements, con’t.

 5.– Buy or build a bike tool and repair kit. – Show you know how to use each tool in the kit. – Repair a flat tire, adjust your brakes, properly adjust

your seat and handlebars, repair a broken chain, and show you know how to temporarily repair a buckled wheel.

  6.– With the approval of the property owner or land

manager, plan and lead a one-day bike trail or road maintenance project.

– Write an article about your project for your school or community newspaper.

Cycling Requirements, con’t.Cycling Requirements, con’t.

7.– Take at least eight separate cycling tours 20 miles in length or

eight separate mountain biking treks 10 miles in length. – Keep a personal journal of your eight trips, noting routes

covered, weather conditions, sketches, maps, and sights seen. Also note significant things along the trails such as trail markers, downhills, climbs, rocks, drops, log hops, and portages.

8. In addition to the tours and treks in 7, plan and do a two-day cycling tour 50 miles in length or mountain bike trek 40 miles in length. Your trip plan should include routes, food, proper clothing, and safety considerations. Record in your journal.

Cycling Requirements, con’t.Cycling Requirements, con’t.

9. Do (a) or (b):– Make a tabletop display or presentation on

cycling or mountain biking for your crew, another crew, a Cub or Scout group, or another group.

– Make a where-to-go biking guide for your area which has at least 10 trips or places to bike. Invite your crew, other crews, Cub and Scout groups, and other groups to use this guide.

Road vs. MTBRoad vs. MTB

Bike LawsBike Laws

• Easily found on internet:• Articles 12 and 13

– Section 32-5A-260 to 266– Section 32-5A-280 to 286

• Main points:– Traffic laws apply to persons

riding bicycles.– Under the age of 16 years

must wear a helmet

IMBA Rules of the TrailIMBA Rules of the Trail

• 1. Ride On Open Trails Only• 2. Leave No Trace• 3. Control Your Bicycle• 4. Yield to Others• 5. Never Scare Animals• 6. Plan Ahead

Maintenance checklistMaintenance checklist

• Brakes work, not wore out

• Tires and tire pressure good

• Shifting/brake cables aren’t broken

Maintenance checklist, con’t.Maintenance checklist, con’t.

• Seat bolt/quick release tight• Shifting is smooth• Wheels are not warped or

missing spokes• Helmet has no cracks

Tool kits: Must Haves:Tool kits: Must Haves:

• Tube• Pump• Tire levers• Multi-tool• Chain tool• Patch kit

Tool kits: Extras:Tool kits: Extras:

• “chain links”,• extra brake cable &

shifter cables• derailleur hanger

Where to Ride?Where to Ride?Wade Mt.

Monte Sano

HaysBlevins Gap

Wheeler

Rainbow Mt

Redstone

Easy RidesEasy Rides

• Monte Sano– Family Trail– Gravel Road

• Hays Preserve

• Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

Advanced RidingAdvanced Riding

• Monte Sano

• Wade Mt.

• Blevins Gap

• Redstone Arsenal

Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers