Rider Briefing or Pre-Tour Safety Talk

Coffs Harbour Detour has a rider briefing or pre-tour safety talk given by Boris prior to trip departure communicating all relevant and activity specific information to the riders, including:

• The trail conditions and what to expect.
• Bike prep and tyre pressures.
• Ride safe procedures and tips
• Lead and Sweep riders easily identified due to the bright yellow or orange safety jackets
• Other trail users
• The Corner Man System
• First Aid Procedures
• Emergency Response Procedures
• Minimal Impact and tread lightly practices

Trail Fever

• Take it easy, ride safe and within your limits, this is not a race!
• Ride at your own pace and let faster riders go past.
• Always obey road rules and speed limits.
• Keep left at all times and don't ride back on trail.
• We are not the only trail users out there and may come across other traffic, 4WD's, horse riders, mountain bikers, bush walkers etc. Watch out for and be considerate of other trail users.
• Respect houses and limit noise.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take it easy on alcoholic beverages after the rides!
• If you are getting tired back off before you crash. On all hills there is an alternative route. And there is always the option of having a rest by following the support vehicle to the next service point.

Overtaking

• This can be dangerous and should only be done when there is plenty of room and a clear track.
• Remember bikes throw stones so do not cut in too quickly after passing a rider.

Dust

• Good preparation of bike and goggles helps for comfort.
• Spread out and ride in a safe manner, this will keep your air filters and goggles cleaner also.
• Do not worry about being back too far as we use the cornerman system and you won't get left behind.

Tread Lightly

Coffs Harbour Detour promotes responsible and safe trail use. Our tours move in and out of National Parks and State Forests. We are trying to keep forests open for everyone. You can help by following these procedures:

• Keep on the designated track or trail
• Do not accelerate over rollovers or ride in the rut if a rut is forming on a rollover
• Ride easy in wet conditions.
• Be considerate of other trail users
• If you see live stock don't scare or chase them
• Take all rubbish (including goggle tear-offs) with us
• Prevent leaks of fuel, oils, cleaning, degreasing, cooling, and brake fluids etc. into the ground by using an environmental absorbent mat when servicing bikes on trail.
• Ensure your bike is in good mechanical condition

Look out for each other

• If you spot a hazard stop and warn the group.
• If you see a rider stopped check if they are okay or in need of help.
• If you come to any nasty obstacle wait for help, don't hurt yourself or trash your bike being a hero!
• If there are a few riders stuck on a hill do not attempt to go up, wait until it is clear.
• If you do stop on a hill it is your back brake that will stop you from going backwards!
• Turn around and have another go instead of wasting energy and time trying to get started on a tough hill
• Help out if you see a rider is having trouble.

The Support Vehicle

The support vehicle will meet us at each service point to provide drinks, fuel and food. The support vehicle carries overnight bags as well as the trail route and tour schedule, maps, a mobile phone and UHF radio for communication with the group and carries first aid, spares, and extensive tool kit.

Ambulance Cover

Trail Riding can be dangerous and we recommend you have ambulance cover. Prior cover is cheap compared to emergency evacuation.

Security

We use security cable and padlock for the bikes at overnight stops.

If you have any questions don't hesitate
to call Boris anytime on 0407 300 690.

Remember - ride safe and within your limits!