Recommendations For Club Rides

1. Extra's for your ATV:
   • Brake lights are required for city / Hwy 108 riding, if the bike was manufactured after January 1, 1998.
   • A rearview mirror is highly recommended to keep an eye on the rider behind you.
   • Extra gas, in can securely attached to the bike, is a good idea for longer rides.
   • A tow rope or strap, in addition to a winch, is very useful in muddy spots.
   • Ownership & insurance documents.
   • First aid kit.
   • Tire repair kit.
   • Trail map.
   • Lunch and snacks, plus water.
   • Bug spray in spring, dust masks in summer & safety vests during hunting season.
2. Before we ride:
   • Show up at the departure point, usually the ELATV clubhouse, about half an hour early for bike checks & ride instructions. Sometimes last minute cancellations occur due to bad weather or poor turnout.
   • Check the oil, gas & tire pressure on your ATV.
   • Make sure your ATV lights are working (lights on for all club rides).
   • The route, difficulty & approximate duration of the ride will be described. Doing this in advance is a problem, because the route may change due to weather, trail conditions or group ride preferences.
   • If in doubt about anything related to the ride, please ask.
   • The lead & sweep riders will be identified.
   • Turn on your ATV lights!
3. Ride group formation:
   • A group consists of lead, middle & sweep riders, all riding in single file. On longer rides the sweep may change. At departure, the sweep counts the riders.
   • The lead sets the route & maintains a comfortable speed for the whole group.
   • Don't go ahead of the lead rider, without permission.
   • Let the the sweep rider know if you have to temporarily fall back.
   • If you have to drop out of the ride, make sure the sweep and the riders in front and back of you know about it. If you're not sure of the trail, an escort may be required.
   • Always keep your lights on - this makes it much easier for the rider in front of you to check your position.
   • Keep a eye on the ATV behind you - if you can't see it, slow down or stop. This is extremely important for keeping the group together.
   • When the trail branches, make sure the rider behind you can see which branch to take. This is another important precaution for keeping the group together.
   • Leave enough braking space between you and the bike ahead - this will vary with speed & trail conditions. Some ATV's with hi/lo gear ranges must come to a complete stop to shift ranges.
4. Problem spots on the trail (mud pits, deep snow, steep grades, highway crossings, etc):
   • Signal a bad spot by raising raising & waving either hand. Some problems, like trail washouts, may not be obvious.
   • The lead & more experienced riders evaluate the difficulty to determine if the group can safely get through.
   • After getting through a tough spot, move ahead a little on the trail & make sure the next rider gets through - give a helping hand if necessary.
   • On very steep terrain (up, down or sideways), let the rider ahead of you clear the section and then proceed yourself.
   • At busy highway crossings, such as 108, the lead rider may stop and signal the other riders to cross when it is safe to do so.
5. Pit & lunch stops.
   • The frequency of stops will vary with each group & the time for the stop does not begin until the last riders come in.
   • The lead & sweep check the riders to make sure no one got lost & ask if the pace of the ride is ok.
   • To get the new riders familiar with the trails, locate the group's current position on a map.
   • If you want to do some extra riding during a stop, tell the lead or sweep.
   • Be careful with cigarettes in dry conditions & clean up any litter.
   • As the group leaves, the sweep verifies that all riders are present.
6. At the end of the ride.
   • The sweep & lead check that all riders in the group have made it back. If you're dropping out before the end of the ride (to get gas, go home, ride some more , etc) please tell the lead or sweep.
   • Bike washing is available at the ELATV clubhouse.
   • Give the lead, sweep or ride co-ordinator some idea of how you liked the ride.

                                              ********************************
                                                                        ******
   BE RESPONSIBLE  

   Being with nature is a big part of enjoying ATV trail riding.
   Therefore, to earn the respect of others we must restrict our ATV riding to identify trails.  Trails are most often not in close proximity to where you live, become part of the "trailering" phenomena, travel to areas where you can ride legally and responsibly.
   Being a responsible rider means recognizing the importance of helping to protect the environment.  Your riding behaviour will make a difference environmentally.  If you ride irresponsibly there will be consequence to the ecological relationships that exist in nature. It is important to 'stay on the trail.'
   
   Identified trails are just that, access that has been previously developed, most probably by the forest or mining industry or a utility company.  It is an area that is best for trail riding for you and your ATV.  Restricting your ATV to a trail leaves little or no imprint on the landscape.  Check before you start your ride, see if the trails are within protected provincial or federal areas such as parks.
   If you practice responsible riding on identified trails you will help insure the future of ATV trail riding.

                                                            ************
                                                                   ****

   MIND YOUR MANNERS
                                              Your mother was right, be respectful of others.  At the same time if you are on a trail, expect and respect others.
   One of the most important aspects of recreational trail riding is yielding the right of way to other trail users.  Courtesy on the trails can change the perception of ATV riding.  At all times, show consideration for other trail users.
   One of the most important actions you can undertake on the trail occurs when approaching other trail users such as hikers, mountain bikers and equine riders.
   When approaching or overtaking other trail users, try and signal the other trail riders.  Be extra careful when horses are involved, they can be 'spooked.'  Come to a full stop and try and communicate with the rider, the rider knows the horse's behaviour and will act accordingly.  Listen to the handler, not all animals act the same.  If you turn off your engine make sure it is at considerable distance from the horse and rider.  Some horses display ribbons on their tails to indicate they may be 'skittish'.  This is one of those judgement situations, doing something is better than doing nothing.  This can also occur with people walking with pets.     
   If all ATV riders would stop, remove their helmet, and have a conversation with another trail rider, using the same trail, there would be a better climate for all those involved with using trails that are shared or multiple uses.  You would find out you are both there for the same reasons, to enjoy the sights and feelings with being outside. 
   Leave a good impression !