If you go down to the woods today...

Just in case you are wondering this isn't going to be an article about how wonderful it is to be involved in an activity which means you can enjoy the environment and all its creatures, while at the same time shredding and the jibbing the woods and hills of this earth. Its not to say that isn't fun watching what the squirrels get up to when you're sitting chilling with your riding buds. This article really about the different groups of people, who we share our riding spots with. The walkers and the cyclists and the people who look after them, the park rangers and the wardens.

Pretty much all of us have bumped into all of these different groups from time to time. More often than not its just odd curiosity from people wanting to see what this 'crazy person is going to do with this 4x4 board'ey thingy strapped to their feet' at least that's what they're thinking anyway. At least our sport has grown enough for people to have stopped asking if you made it in your garage. Unfortunately from time to time you meet a dog walker. Who thinks you are going to recklessly run them and their dog down and feel an argument is the best way to sort things out. Even though you pulled up well clear of them and offered a polite hello they probably have a more of an right to walk up the path than you to ride down it. If you do happen to meet someone who is particularly argumentative its best to apologise and try leave without getting drawn into an argument. After all no matter how much try and convince them you are not just charging around the place with complete disregard for the safety of others and yourself. It's also worth remembering that they aren't going to know what a power slide is and will not believe you can stop without brakes. A bit like the opposite, one of those people who has bought himself a nice big expensive mountain bike with big shiny discs and thinks they will stop him instantly while he's flying down some steep gnarly single track.

While most walkers are pretty chilled it's best to pick riding spots, which aren't very popular with people who like pop out for an afternoon stroll. Luckily most people don't like walking up hills, so most hilly woods are pretty much ours. If you are going to be riding where there's lots of walker's about. Then best to keep an good eye out and use spotters were you can. If do spot a walker wondering up path you are riding down then it's best to pull with plenty space to spare. So they don't get caught by bits of gravel you might flick up or scared by you sliding to a stop. Its also a good idea warn any riders which might be following you. Another good trick WX and Team NoSno use (if you have got one) is to send someone down on brake board to warn any walkers which might be on the path. It also helps to show those 'normal' woodland users you might meet that we are riding safely and can stop when we want too.

Taking a sensible polite approach when riding in the woods is also going to help you out when you eventually run into the ranger or warden. I'm not saying they are against mountainboarding, it's just when you first meet them. Their first response always seems to be to ban us. But if we can get taking to them and get them interested then they're more than likely they are going let you carry on riding, and you never know they might even let you do a bit of digging. When you start the process it can seem like a big hassle to deal with at the time. After all no one likes it when 'the man' turns up tells you to stop doing something. But if you stick with it and show them we aren't a group of unruly young punks... sorry to any punks out there I think it is perfectly good sub culture... then with a bit of luck things should work out. It has also been made easier with the forestry commission adopting a national code of conduct for mountainboarding.

If or when you end up meeting the ranger for local woods. Hopefully this happens when you haven't got a shovel in hand and board in the other because it could mean things don't get off to a very good start. Again the best cause of action is to stay nice and polite and don't get angry if he tells you to stop. If he does then its best ask who he is and get his contact details or find out who best to contact to talk about the possibility of riding in woods. Then you are into the rounds of emails and meetings. If you are lucky he might just stop you for chat, tell you are crazy and point in the direction of some spots in the woods you haven't yet found. Either way its always best to keep them on side, after all they are the guardians of most of the freeride terrain in this country.

The next group of people we meet the most are the mountainbikers. Mainly because we both share the love of the dirt and spending time building the odd jump or track. Even though most of their jumps are pretty much unrideable for us but some of their tracks and trails are pretty shreddable. Most the time when when we meet these fellow woodland extremist they think we're crazy because of the whole lack of brakes thing but at least they get what we do.

Sometimes though their interest and friendliness is replaced with silences and cold shares and general feeling they don't want to share. Especially if you drop in on some of their rideable handy work. In the world of the dirt biker localisum and trails politics plays a big part. Meaning you won't get invited to ride a spot unless someone knows you. Or if you find some jumps while riding and locals are in session you can't just ride them if want anyone to talk to you or get an invite back.

Now localism is both good and bad but that debate I think is best left to another article. Localisum aside if you think about it, these guys and probably spent a fair few weekends during the winter digging and shifting soil around so they have got something to ride in the summer. Then looking after them by fixing them when it needs and repairing the damage done by the chavs and crossers. So you can see why they are a bit protective of them.

If you want to ride their jumps and tracks then its best to be all nice and friendly and respect what they have been building. Its far better to see what's going on, introduce yourself and have a chat with some of the locals. As a mountainboarder your going have try a little harder. If everyones cool then their isn't going to be any problems when you drop in. Or to put it another way you wouldn't just turn up in someone else house and go and put the kettle on without asking if it was ok first? Also if you going to ride there a lot then it wouldn't hurt to help out with the shaping and building. You never know, you be able to start putting in stuff for mountainboards.

What I'm trying to say is that remember what mother told you, a bit of politeness goes along away, since we are all out to enjoy the countryside and have a bit of time out from every day life. We may as well all try and get on.

Written By Smilie