Gallatin National Forest

Bike

Biking

The Gallatin National Forest contains miles of mountain biking trails suitable for a wide range of experience levels. For information on which trails permit mountain biking, contact the appropriate district office.

Biking Guidelines

Ettiquette
Safety
Checklist
Riding Tips

Biking Ettiquette

Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails, you should not ride under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain soils shortly after a rain. Practice low impact cycling by keeping skidding to a minimum, packing out litter, and staying off vegetation.

Control your bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause disaster.

Anticipate that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots, and slow down accordingly.

Always yield the trail, and make the first move. Bicycles are stealthy and fast, and can scare people and livestock. Make known your approach well in advance; a friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well.

When approaching oncoming traffic on narrow trails, slow down and move off the trail to the downhill side. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, use special care and follow the directions of horseback riders, or ask if uncertain. Let both livestock and riders know you are a friendly human. Remember, all mountain bicyclists will be judged by your actions. So make your contacts with others pleasant, no matter how brief.

Ride in small groups and in single file when passing.

Respect private property and route closures. Leave gates as you find them. If we abuse a privilege, we'll lose it.

Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding - and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times. Wear a helmet, keep you machine in good condition, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offense to others.

Help teach new riders proper trail etiquette. Lead by example.

Take care of the places you ride.

Biking Safety

Please remember that mountain biking can be a very dangerous sport. Since there are many obstacles that can cause wrecks and injury to your body, we highly recommend that all bikers wear the following personal protection equipment: an ANSI approved hard shell helmet, eye protection to help avoid eye injury from branches or bugs, and leather gloves to protect the hands.

Bring plenty of liquid to drink. You can contact a disease called Giardiasis from drinking natural, clear, cold running water, causing severe discomfort. The most certain treatment to destroy giardia is to boil water for a least 1 minute. At high altitudes, you should maintain the boil for 3 to 5 minutes for an added margin of safety. The best way to avoid Giardia, however, is to remember that stream and lake water is not safe to drink, and to bring plenty of water from home to satisfy your thirst.

Loose clothing or components can get caught in spokes so take a minute to prepare proper clothing and check components.

Remember the buddy system. Always ride with a partner. and if you do ride alone, please inform someone of your location and expected arrival back to town.

Always carry a tool-kit, flat tire repair kit and tire inflating device. What was a short ride in can be a long walk out. To keep bicycle breakdowns from ending an exciting ride, use our checklist to make sure your bike is in top condition before you start down the trail.

The correct clothing can reduce the chance of hypothermia or heat exhaustion. Wear layers that can easily be shed or added as needed.

Bike shorts with a padded crotch or a comfortable seat can help eliminate saddle soreness.

Biking Checklist

Tires Check casing for bulges or cuts in casing.

Wheels Check for broken or loose spokes, loose axle nuts or cones in hubs.

Brakes Check cables for broken or frayed strands. Damaged cables should be replaced. Check for proper brake adjustment and excessive brake pad wear.

Handlebars and stem Check binder bolts on stem and handlebars for tightness.

Pedals and cranks Check pedals for proper bearing adjustment and securely attached to crank arm. Check cranks for proper bearing adjustment by pulling crank arms from side to side. There should be minimum play.

Gears Check for broken or frayed gear cables. Check shift controls and derailleurs to be sure they are securely fastened to the bike. Check detailleurs for smooth, proper shifting.

Headset bearings Check for proper headset bearing adjustments.

Saddle Check seat post bolts for tightness by twisting seat side to side.

Chain Check chain for broken links and proper lubrication

Miscellaneous Check water bottle cages, panniers, lights, rear racks, toe clips, etc. to make sure they are securely fastened to bicycle.

Tool kit Always carry a pump, patch kit, spare tube, tire iron, small adjustable wrench, 4-5-6 allen wrench, and chain breaking tool.

Bike Riding Tips

Pushing high gears makes a leg weary trip. Try shifting into a lower gear and pedal faster and more vigorously all day.

When in doubt about the approaching terrain, walk your bike.

For normal riding, adjust your seat so that, when sitting, your legs will be 90 to 95% fully extended at the bottom of a stroke.

Seats should be lowered for downhill trails that are tight, technical or rough. Lowering the seat can help you maintain control.

Fatter tires (2.2" or more) and lowering air pressure (25-35 PSI) help tame rocky and technical terrain.

Avoid a "death grip" on handlebars. Keep a relaxed yet firmly balanced upper body and arms.

During fall rides; wear orange mesh vest or bright colors and attach a bear bell to your bike bag to warn hunters of your presence.

A large capacity fanny pack is the most comfortable way to carry extra clothing, lunch snacks or maps while riding.