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It seems every dual sport I attend there is always one riders that forgets its a dual sport, or is just "That Guy." Whether it's yelling move, riding in someones grass, or on one wheel going down a main road we have all seen it. The actions of us riders at these events can make it harder or easier for club's to put on events. Here are a few etiquette mishaps I have seen, and ways we can fix it to make it easier for clubs to continue to hold dual sport events on other peoples property or just make the ride a little more fun.1. Driving In Yards
I see this one a lot on dual sports. These land owners are nice enough to allow us to ride on their property, and in most if not all cases they don't get paid its all risk on their part. When exiting the property down a gravel drive is when you see guys riding in the yard. Yes in most cases they don't care about their yard, but if they do or if you make their neighbor mad the club might not have the opprunity to use that property next year.
2. Flying Down Gravel Drives
Keeping it slow on gravel drives is always best. It keeps the dust down, and gravel in place. In most cases the land owner has money, time and equipment in their drive. The last thing we want them to have to do is drag their drive after an event. Also shooting gravel with your lawn mower takes out windows. "Keep it slow when not on a trail."
3. The Guy Yelling Move
There is always one guy who is fast which we all respect, but yelling move or honking your horn like your in New York traffic only makes the guy in front of you want to block you more. Most riders know your back there so a simple horn honk, or rev of the motor is enough. Also keep in mind were not going to move over until there is a good spot to pull over "Its Not A Race." Same goes for the slow rider when possible allow faster riders to pass odds are you will catch them at some point.
4. Riding Crazy On Public Roads
This one is a big one to the general public most people don't like dirt bikes on the roads, so lets not give them any more reason to call the cops or complain to their neighbors. When your on public roads keep it slow stay on both tires "unless a kid wants to see you pop it up" and wave to people you pass. Also keep in mind on Sunday there is a lot of older drivers going to church early in the morning, so stay on your side granny will run your a** over.
5. Help Fellow Riders
Once again Dual Sport's are not a race, so if you see a fellow rider stuck, having trouble, or have a hard crash at least get a thumbs up from them. Most riders at these events are good about helping out, but there is always room for improvement when it come to helping each other out.
These are just a few etiquette issues I see when on Dual Sport rides, for the most part 99.8% of riders are very polite, willing to help out, and know its not a race until someone passes you. Just keep in mind the land owners are donating their land for clubs to use, and treating it with respect will keep these events going year after year. If you have any more items to add to this list contact me at mark@usdualsports.com and I will get them added.
