RIDING WITH DUNES AND TRAILS ATV CLUB

Since you may not have ridden your ATV with a group before, here are a few basic guidelines that we ask that you keep in mind.

1. The time given in the ride directions is the time the club will leave from camp. Please plan to arrive early enough before that time to unload and prepare.

2. Please do not pass other riders on the trails. It throws rocks and dust on them. If you wish to ride in a different position within the group, please do so by changing as the group starts up again after a stop.

3. Always carry the items you may need to repair your ATV.

4. Service your ATV at home before every ride. Please do not start out on a ride with a known or suspected problem. A breakdown can keep the whole group from enjoying the day's ride.

5. You are responsible for the rider behind you. Wait at every intersection until you are POSITIVE that the rider behind knows which way to go. When you see the rider in front of you waiting at a turn, wave to let them know you understand.

6.  Again, you are responsible for the rider behind you. Check frequently that they are still coming. Stop if you don't see them. If they don't appear after a couple of minutes, turn around and retrace your route until you find them. They may have gotten lost, had an accident, a breakdown, or be waiting for a rider behind them.

7.  Stop if you come to an intersection and aren't sure which way the group has gone. It is better to have the rider in front of you come back for you than to guess at the way and go off on the wrong trail.

8.  Stop if you feel you are not on the right trail. Wait for the rider in front of you to come back and the rider behind you to catch up. If you are on the wrong trail, the farther you go before you stop, the harder it will be to find you.

9. Please be mindful of the dust you create for the rider behind you. Don't zigzag as you ride and try to avoid silt pockets in the road. Slow down as you pull up to the stopped group to avoid throwing dust on them.

10.  When parking along the trail, all ATVs should be parked single file on one side of the trail or road, leaving room for other vehicles to pass. Please keep your ATV on the trail when you park rather than running over onto the vegetation along the side of the trail.

11.  Don't cut the corners on the trails, or use trails that are obviously illegal.

12.  Obey all closed or restricted signs.

13.  The club requires helmets & strongly recommends the use of goggles, boots and other protective gear.

14.  Please keep up with the group. If you wish to ride the area in a more leisurely manner, plan to come again without the group. If the group is riding faster than you are comfortable going, let the trip leader know and ask to ride next behind the leader. The leader can then better monitor the pace he sets for the group.

15.  Please remember that the group may not ride as fast as you would like, or ride the harder trails. The ride must be geared for the safety of the least experienced riders in the group.

16.  Never do something you are not comfortable doing. Stop if the group goes over an obstacle that you feel is above your skill level. Other riders will be glad to help you, or to take your ATV through the obstacle for you.

17.  Stop and turn off your engine when you approach horses with riders and wait for them to pass.

18. Leave plenty of space between you and the rider in front of you. Riding too close is dangerous for both riders if

the lead rider must make a sudden stop. For better visibility, leave enough room between you and the rider in front of you so that the dust clears off the road.

19. Although this is not obvious, the slowest ride is at the front of the pack, and the fastest at the rear!  The leader sets a steady pace that is easy to follow.  As the riders slow down or stop (for example dust or interesting views) they get behind , then speed up to catch up.  This  "accordion" effect makes the end of the line the fastest ride.

20. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian along on the ride.

21.  Please make sure that your children and guests understand all these items.

WHAT TO BRING ON A RIDE

On a short ride, these are the items you should carry:

1. Full tank of gas                                 6. Tire plugs & repair kit

2. Plenty of water                                 7. Jacket

3. Lunch                                                 8. Sunscreen

4. Tow rope                                           9. GPS (if you have one)

5. Tools that fit your ATV                  10. Map of the area

On a longer ride, you should carry all the above items, plus:

1. Extra gas                                            6. Extra spark plug               

2. Extra water                                         7. Two way radio

3. Rain Gear                                           8. Maps of surrounding areas           

4. First aid kit                                        9. Tarp for making shade or shelter                  

5. Survival kit (water purification tablets, matches, flashlight,     extra shoes (if wearing boots), emergency blanket,

any critical medications, heavy jacket, signaling device (whistle, mirror)                                                 

BE PREPARED AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!