Ride smart

Mountain biking in the Tweed Valley is truly world class, with purpose-built trail centres, a vast network of natural trails and – as throughout Scotland – some of the most progressive access rights anywhere in the world. But all this fun comes with a few key responsibilities. Here’s a quick checklist:

 

PREPARE

  • Plan your ride/day. Think about where you’re going, what you might come across and always have a Plan B

  • Have you packed everything that you need (food, water, spares, first aid kit, extra clothes)?

  • Is your bike in good working order? Can you (or fellow riders) carry out basic repairs?

SHARE

  • Be ready to give way to walkers, horse riders and other trail users

  • Let others know you’re coming as early as possible

  • Share a friendly greeting with those you meet along the way

  • Think about land management: we share the outdoors with those who live and work there.

  • Respect safety signs and trail diversions (they exist to keep us all safe)

CARE

  • Consider trail/weather conditions – will you cause damage to a trail if ridden in wet weather?

  • Enjoy the trails and leave them as you find them

  • How are your first aid and navigation skills? If poor, it’s time to brush up!

  • Ride within your limits – others may need to pick up the pieces

  • Take care of others in your group

  • When in towns, park responsibly, do not ride on pavements and always be courteous to others

  • Take every opportunity to be a good ambassador for mountain biking!

 

Find out more

For much more on riding responsibly, see the full Do the Ride Thing guide from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (based right here in the Tweed Valley!)