Welcome to the wonderful world of MTB! Once you get over most of your nervousness, you'll see what a BLAST it is! There is some trail etiquette that you should be aware of.

When approaching someone from behind, whether they are on bike, foot, or horse, announce yourself by saying "On your right" or something like that so they know which side you're on. If it's a horse, do so early and wait to see how they will let you pass.

When approaching other bikers head-on, the person going uphill has the right-of-way. So when you encounter that blazing trail hog who thinks he should be able to blow past you because he's going downhill, you actually do have the right-of-way.

Head-on, hikers ALWAYS have the right-of-way. However, when I've slowed down they always step off the trail and allow me to pass.

Head-on, horses also have the right of way. I don't know much about horses but my partner does and she has always either slows to walking speed or completely stops to let them pass so the horse doesn't get spooked by our weird appearance.

ALWAYS say thank you or somehow acknowledge when someone with the right-of-way lets you go. There are lots of conflicts between various trail user groups and since we're the bottom of the food chain, we have to be extra polite.

Stay on the trail!!! When a rock or erosion bar is too high for you. PLEASE do NOT ride around it. That widens the trail and makes people very angry with mtn bikers. Walk over it if you have to but don't go around.

One last rule of etiquette I can think of right now is if you're with a group and you approach someone on the trail. Tell them how many people there are or that you have a group behind you. That is so they don't have to start and stop several times while the group passes. If you're last, tell them there are no more in your group.

The slang or abbreviated announcements people use are a little different depending on your location, so listen to what others are saying and go with that.

I hope that helps! You'll see most of this in action and will learn by example as you go. So don't worry about memorizing every little "rule." Mainly it's just common sense.

The main rule is to HAVE FUN!! Let us know how your first ride goes!