We’ve recently added three new trails which are marked ‘downhill only’. These trails are purpose-built for descending and have lots of flow features like rollers and berms that allow riders to maintain speed throughout the course. In fact, the size of these features encourage riders to carry as much speed as possible in order to get the most out of the ride. Excellent visibility allows riders to see well down the trail, further encouraging speed. We looked at the times that riders are sharing on Strava for ‘Big Wooly’ and the average speeds of the 10 fastest riders down the trail are ~30 km/h. These riders shared top speeds on those trails of more than 55 km/h. Summary – these trails are fast!
With flow trails like this we have some specific etiquette that kicks in to keep everyone having fun and safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pre-ride, Re-ride, Free-Ride
Inspect jumps, gaps, and landings before you decide to try and send something new. Ride within your limits. Injuries can happen and you are responsible for your own safety. Know exactly what you will be hitting before you have wheels leaving the ground.
Stopping
If you need to stop while on a downhill trail, move yourself and your bike to the side immediately. Sometimes we need a break. Sometimes our chain breaks. Sometimes we crash. It happens. For your safety and for the safety of those behind you move to the side as fast as possible.
Passing
(and Being Passed)
The top 10 fastest riders and the top 10 slowest riders are equally welcome on RVC’s flow trails. Occasionally they meet. Here’s what to do – if you are the faster rider and you see yourself gaining ground fast on someone it’s time to peel off speed. Do not run someone down assuming they’ll give way to you. That’s a jerk move. Be cool. If you are the slow rider – do not panic and put yourself into the rhubarb patch. Keep riding until you find a reasonable and safe place to pull aside for the faster rider. The faster rider should let you know before she/he/they passes you.
Wheels Only
The overwhelming majority of trails that RVC has built and maintained are open for multi-use including hiking and trail running. However, out of concern for the safety of everyone involved, we don’t believe these trails can accommodate walkers or runners (uphill or downhill). The speed differences are just too great.
This etiquette applies to Radical Ledge, Big Wooly, and Mammoth at Woolastook as well as V-Fib, Slash-N-Berm, Pinball, Monkey Business, #Blazing Destruction, DNF, and Hoot N’ Holler at MVP and Bull, Dozer, and Learning To Fly at Penniac. We won’t speak for other destinations that you may travel to which have their own rules… but if you’re unsure… you should ask a local about etiquette.
Have fun and stay safe!
