Safety

Always carry lots of water. In the summer, two bottles may be enough only for half a day. Take an extra gallon for a full day's ride. There are very few places to find drinking water along most of the routes in this book. Mountain streams may run only during spring snowmelt; even that water should not be considered potable without sufficient boiling or other treatment.

Don't go alone. A riding partner can serve as everything from moral support to pack horse. You never know when you might need that extra set of hands--or when they might need yours.

Ride in style. Equipment failures are a fact of life in mountain biking--but they still suck. Your best defense is to make sure your bike is in proper working order before you hit the trail. Of course we know that you always perform regular maintenance on your beloved steed, so why not just pass this reminder along to your riding buddies?

Take your gear. Take your tools, spare parts, rain gear, maps, food, sunscreen, and bug repellent. If you have a cell phone, bring that too (it won't work in all areas, but it certainly won't help you if it's sitting at home)!

Know the way. Getting lost is a great way to extend a ride, and a sure-fire way to make it a living hell. Read the trail description completely before you head out, and consider taking a copy with you. Also, most rides require some knowledge of how far you've ridden, so make sure you have either a calibrated cyclometer, or a functional GPS (with spare batteries!).

Dress in layers. The weather is often hot and the sun intense, but a quick thunderstorm, particularly at high altitude, can still cool you too quickly and bring on hypothermia.

Duck and cover. Lightning poses a real danger; if you must remain outside during a thunderstorm, seek a low place off ridges and away from lone trees, and away from your bicycle.

Watch for animals. Much of the Socorro countryside is still wild. Sooner or later, you will encounter some animals. Cows are common, but are harmless unless provoked. Snakes are also common (including rattlesnakes, which are quite poisonous), but one can also run into less common creatures such as bears and coyotes.

Beware of ATVs. Quads, dirt bikes, and other all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a constant presence in Socorro. Many of the people who operate these machines are environmentally and socially aware individuals who play well with others. Unfortunately, the rest of them show a complete lack of discipline, knowledge of the trail, respect for the land, or consideration for other people and their safety. If you hear an ATV in the area, be on your guard.

Know your first aid. Minor injuries are relatively common in mountain biking, so it behooves one to know what to do. The Utah Mountain Biking website has a good page on basic first aid.

Always wear your helmet. A rock upside the head can really spoil a great ride--or the rest of your life. Don't be macho: wear your helmet. We promise not to laugh at your hat hair--well, not much, anyway.