Next in a series for Mountain Biking 101 for Fatboys
“Hello, Thanks, Howdy, Bike coming, On your right, Ring Ring, Ding, Ding“
There are many ways to get on with other track users. The simplest way is to be friendly, polite and patient. The Fatboy etiquette when you come across walkers, runners or other cyclists is to slow down, give some warning and always say hello or thanks. If needed stop and let them past – generally walkers will step aside.
Many walkers are lost in their own worlds, some look depressed, some don’t like eye contact. Many are friendly and polite to us. Remember we have no idea what is happening in their head or thier world – so stay positive and friendly – in recent years walkers seem more accepting of cyclists and we aim to keep it that way. After all, there are some cyclist only trails at Eagle Park, O’Halloran Hill and Fox Creek if you want to burn up the trails.
Runners in the hills are often the friendliest trail users, as they have just run somewhere between 10 and 50 km and are high on their own endorphins. Always good for a chat.
Other mountain bikers and gravel riders will generally work out who is in the best position to pull over – which means slow down, say hello or thanks whether you are the one pulling over or the one riding through. If fellow cyclists are not slowing down, being rude to walkers, or destroying the track or taking short cuts through the bush, politely remind them that they need to be more considerate and perhaps they should think about going to Eagle Park.
Fatboy group etiquette – often the group is a mixed bunch of cruisers, newbies, oldies, and occasionally some fit, slim, elite athletes – this is great as we regroup frequently and wait for everyone to get their breath back. The same applies downhill – there is often a wide variety of downhill speeds and we always wait at the bottom to regroup. There is never pressure to go faster than you think is safe for you. And it is OK to get off if there is something you don’t feel safe or happy with – we aim to get everyone to the pub in one piece.
FATBOYSCC 