Riding Responsibly this Summer

Summer is nearly here. It’s time to get out there and hit the trail. We love nothing more than going out for a great ride. We are lucky to have so many trails, dunes, and riding areas to explore. We’re excited for the season ahead.

As a quick reminder, let’s all ride responsibly as we head out for an amazing season.   We want to help keep our riding areas open, and as beautiful as ever.  Here are some great reminders to help us minimize the impact we have on the areas we love to ride in.

Low Impact Riding

• Stay on established trails and don’t go cross-country. Cross-country travel can increase soil erosion, ignite wildfires, and damage wildlife habitats.
• When possible, drive over obstacles instead of going around them. This helps to avoid widening the trail.
• Respect closed areas and private property.
• Avoid areas that are sensitive to travel, such as wetlands, meadows, lakeshores, and streams. As much as possible, don’t run over plants.
• Cross streams ad designated crossings points.
• Don’t cut switchbacks.  Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion.
• Share the trails and make friends with other trail users.
• Stop or slow down and lower the noise and dust levels when approaching equestrians, hikers, and others.
• Carry a trash bag on your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites, camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.
• Obey all speed limits. Reduce speed near campgrounds, campsites, and people.

If we all do our part to take care of trails and riding areas we will be able to enjoy them for years to come.  Let’s keep the great outdoors beautiful, healthy, and accessible.  For more information on how to help Tread Lightly has some fabulous material.  Visit their site for info on all types of recreational use.