Mountain Biking Policy of the Rensselaer Outing Club
Revised 4/08 by Scott Youmans
Approved by ECOM 4/23/08


*The club does not provide bikes, helmets, etc., all riders must be able to
supply their own equipment.
*Helmets must be worn on ALL rides regardless of difficulty.
*There must be at least three riders on every trip.
All leaders must meet the club first aid requirements as listed
under the First Aid Policy in the Bylaws.

Classification of Trips:


Class D:
Beginner and intermediate riders, some on road experience is recommended.
Terrain consists of mostly double track with short easy sections of single
track. Pace is moderate and rides are short (less than 10 miles).


Examples: Pinebush, Colonie Town Park


Class C:
Faster intermediate rides.  Terrain is varying and more technical; trail is
mostly single track.  Pace is faster and rides may be long (greater than 10
miles).


Examples: Reservoir Trail at Grafton, ZigZag at Pittstown, Gibb's Farm,
Skidmore


Class B:
Advanced riders with extensive experience only.  The terrain is highly
varying and very technical.  Night rides and extreme North Shore features fall
under this category.


Examples: Vassar Farms, Skytop, Gore Mountain


Class A:
Expert riders on overnight or 50+ mile trips.  Terrain is highly technical and involves
strenuous climbing.  Trip leaders are required to have sufficent 
Winter Mountaineering leadership for overnight rides.

Examples:  White Rim Trail, Kokopelli Trail, Sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route


Classification of Leaders:


Class D:
         Leads class D trips.
         Familiar with proper trail etiquette.
         Able to attach bikes to cars without damage.
         Knows basic bike maintenance such as fixing flat tires and minor
adjustments.
Knowledge of basic mountain biking techniques (climbing, descending,
obstacles).
Carry minimum toolkit of: pump, patches or spare tube, tire levers, hex
wrench set, map, compass, first aid kit.
Carry extra food, water, and clothing as appropriate.


Class C:
         Leads class D and C trips.
         Meets class D requirements.
Good knowledge of bike maintenance; demonstrate ability to make on-the-fly
repairs.
         Technical proficiency required.


Class B:
         Leads class B, C, and D trips.
         Meets C, and D requirements
         Strong ability to repair any bike problem that might arise on a ride.
         Extreme technical proficiency and extensive experience.

Class A:
	Leads class A, B, C, and D trips.
	Knowledge and experience with overnight or endurance mountain biking trips.
	Leadership and technical skills capable of providing self-rescue in the backcountry if necessary.