If you spend a lot of time on the trails, you're gonna get lost occasionally. There are two basic types of being "lost" - the Sort-of-lost and the damn lost. Sort-of-lost is a state of being slightly confused within a section of trail that you are familiar with. Damn lost is being totally disoriented in an essentially unknown (to you) section of the trail. If you follow a few basic anti-lost protocols during your ride, you can effectively find your way back to civilization.
- Always tell a responsible person (like your parents or a friend) where you are goin and when you'll be back. The only thing worst than being damn lost is being damn lost and forgotten about.
- Make sure you know what you are getting into before you go on a trail that you've never been on before.
- Familiarize yourself with the general area that you'll be riding in. Whether it's by landmarks or a map, it doesn't matter.
- Know which way is North (bring a compass if you have to)!
- Once in a while, stop and look back uptrail for landmarks just in case you have to retrace your route.
- Never bushwhack blind! Leave the trail only as a last resort and with a specific goal in sight (highway sounds, power lines, distant buildings etc.) Remember, you can never be truly damn lost standing on a trail! If you leave a trail, always mark you way so that you can easily get back to the trail if you have to.
- Manage your time. If you're checkin' out an unfamiliar area, just keep in mind; "time-in equals time out 'sometimes'"! For example, if you've ridden a couple hours downhill into some mystery terrain, you'll need to allow a sizeable amount of time plus the original time-in to compensatge for a long uphill return.
- Be prepared to set up a shelter when riding in remote areas. An injury or breakdown can put you in a life-threatening situation. Carrying matches, food, water and extra clothing can save your life.
- Never move from relative strength to relative weakness in an emergency situation. If it's getting dark and your group is damn lost, tired and cold STOP NOW! Stay on the trail, set up a shelter, build a fire and conserve your strength. There are times when it's advisable to push on in a bad situation (if you're 2 miles from your trusty pick-up and it's a blizzard). However, if you are truly damn lost, pushing on in deteriorating conditions can kill you!
- Don't panic! Unless you are a total moron, you'll survive. Just think of the whole situation as a learning experience.
For more mountainbiking information and articles visit: www.extreme.nas.net/articles
|
