MOUNTAIN BIKING INFORMATION

Organized rides will start in June. For the ride schedule, check the club calendar.

MTB BIKE RIDES FORMAT:

There will usually be MTB bike rides scheduled weekly for different ability levels, with details available under the calendar tab.

MTB bike ride categories are established to encourage greater participation so that riders can ride at a pace, distance, terrain and with rest periods that are comfortable and enjoyable, but also provide good exercise.

eMTBs are welcome on all MTB bike events. However, eMTB riders must qualify to ride them within Park City limits and on BLM land. The U.S. Forest Service classifies all e-bike classes as motor vehicles and allows them only on roads and trails already designated for motorized use.

The 5 levels of MTB bike rides follow the following general classifications: BEGINNER, BEGINNER PLUS (+), MODERATE, MODERATE PLUS (+) and ADVANCED.

BEGINNER:

• You have little to no experience riding a mountain bike/ e-mountain bike off-road
• You might not own a mountain bike/eMTB but you try to ride about once a month
• You may not understand changing gears, braking and pedaling efficiently
• You may not be comfortable climbing and descending gravel tracks, forest roads, double track or occasional single track
• You like getting miles under your belt and are comfortable spending 1 to 2 hours at a time in the saddle

BEGINNER PLUS(+):

• You have experience (minimum one year) of riding a mountain bike/ e-mountain bike off-road
• You own a mountain bike/ eMTB and ride it at least once per month
• You can change gears, brake and pedal efficiently
• You are comfortable (climbing and descending) gravel tracks, forest roads, double track and occasional single track
• You like getting miles under your belt and are comfortable spending 3 – 4 hours in the saddle at a time

And the ‘+’ part of ‘Beginner+’ means that you’re aspiring to ride sections of single track and more challenging terrain during your adventure with us

MODERATE:

• You have been mountain biking regularly for at least two years
• You can brake, use gears and corner with confidence
• You have good bike handling skills, and are confident riding rough double track and non-technical single track.
• You are competent at riding (climbing and descending) trails with moderate climbs and descents on both double and single track, but tend to get off and walk technical single track sections
• You mountain bike (or e-mountain bike) approximately once a week throughout your biking season

MODERATE PLUS (+):

• You are generally comfortable riding most types of terrain in different conditions: single track, double track, muddy, dry, loose, bedrock
• You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
• You’ll try moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, small drops and steeper sections, but may get off and walk certain technical features
• You mountain bike/ E-MTB two or three times a week throughout your biking season

And the ‘+’ part of ‘Moderate(+)’ means that you will be aiming to tackle more of those moderate technical features.

ADVANCED:

• You are very confident handling most types of riding and obstacles, including drops (up to 1 foot), rocks, logs, switchbacks, larger rock gardens and sustained technical single track
• You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
• You have excellent bike handling skills and can lift front and rear wheels, do small jumps, corner, climb and descend steep trails
• You have considerable experience of riding on a wide variety of technical terrains including: rocky, rooty, muddy, loose, fast single track, exposed trails, bedrock for extended periods
• You ride at least three times a week and rarely get off and walk sections.
• You can climb and descend comfortably on technical single track for as long as required.

PCMSC MTB RIDING REQUIREMENTS:

No one will be permitted to ride with the Club unless they wear a bicycle helmet.

All participants in a Club ride (member and/or guests) must sign a “Park City Mountain Sports Club Activity Release Form”, which will be presented to riders by the ride leader at the meeting location, prior to the ride.

MTB and eMTB DOs and DON’TS:

• While riding use the Traditional Yield Triangle – The basic rules are: Cyclists and mountain bikers yield to hikers, runners, and equestrians. Hikers and runners yield to equestrians. Downhill users yield to uphill users. Uphill users have the right of way.
• Be a good human: A nice ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ can go a long way to create a positive impression. The lead rider should tell a hiker or runner how many riders are coming. The last rider should say they are last of the group. The last rider in your group should yell rider(s) back when riders come up from behind. Plan on you and your group stepping aside in a safe place to let faster riders by. Be polite and diplomatic, and take responsibility for your part.
• Slow down and speak up: Your speed can be startling for hikers and runners. Reduce your speed in areas without clear lines of sight, use a bike bell, be vocal to let others know you’re there. 

MTB Essential Safety Gear:

Helmets: A properly fitted helmet is non-negotiable. Trail riders typically use well-ventilated half-shell helmets, while downhill or lift-serviced riders should wear full-face helmets. Look for models featuring MIPS to reduce rotational forces during impacts.
Protective Pads: Knee and elbow pads provide crucial protection against abrasions and impacts on rocky trails.
Gloves: Protects your hands from debris, branches, and harsh contact with the ground during falls.
Eye Protection: Wear riding glasses to shield your eyes from flying dirt, mud, and stray branches.

ABC check your bike before every ride:
     A – Air: Check tire pressure, and ensure tires are properly inflated without splits or
cracks in the rubber.
     B – Brakes: Check both front and rear brakes for responsiveness and stopping power.
     C – Chain & Cockpit: Inspect the chain for lubrication, and ensure your handlebars and stem are securely tightened by giving them a strong push.