Trails in Taos and the southern Rockies are as crowded during this pandemic era as they’ve been in, well, probably ever.
That means it’s super important that all MTBers practice good trail etiquette, be on our best behavior and take a moment to just stop and say hello to trail runners, hikers, horseback riders and others that we share our trails with.
MTBers sometimes get a bad rap with other trail users. Often it’s undeserved, but the reality is that we’re likely to be moving much faster than other types of users and that’s just going to freak some people out and annoy others.
Making it worse is the rare rider who is completely thoughtless and actually does put other trail users at risk by failing to practice proper etiquette. This gives us all a bad name and takes away precious leverage when we’re working to create more trails and riding opportunities for all of us.
So remember, when it comes to trails, MTBers should practice yielding to all other users, especially horses. Also remember to yield to other bikers riding uphill.
Better yet, when you come across someone else who isn’t on wheels on trails, take the opportunity to dismount and strike up a conversation (keeping it responsibly socially distant and donning the mask that you keep in your pocket, of course).
Acting as a friendly ambassador for our community in this way is how we reclaim our reputation, lead by example and begin to make the case that all bikers can be stellar trail stewards deserving of more places to ride across this vast, vast Eden of ours.