Riding Off-Road - Charge City Owner's Manual

Riding Off-Road

The Charge XC model is an ASTM Condition 2
intended use bike.
INTENDED For paved roads, gravel or dirt
roads that are in good condition, and bike
paths. See "Intended Use of the Bike."
Off road riding usually involves many, many
variables such as constantly changing traction,
obstacles, changes in line of sight, up hill, down
hill, soft surfaces, dry surfaces and wet surfaces.
Off road riding requires managing a complex and
constantly changing rider–to-bicycle feedback
loop of traction, weight distribution, application
of power, application of brakes and steering
driven by the conditions one encounters.
Learning to ride off road is a process. It does not
automatically occur because you have a
mountain bike or off-road capable bike.
Learning to ride off road does not come from
watching "extreme" mountain bike videos or TV.
In fact the riders in those films are professional
entertainers and/or daredevils, not teachers.
The complexity and ever-changing nature of off
road riding requires focus, concentration,
strength, fitness and learning to read the trail.
The art of managing all this while surrounded by
nature makes this a challenging and wonderful
sport. We recommend that children not ride on
rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an
adult.
Here are just some off-road riding concerns:
1. The variable conditions and hazards of
off-road riding require close attention and
specific skills. Start slowly on easier terrain
and build up your skills. If your bike has
suspension, the increased speed you may
develop also increases your risk of losing
control and falling. Get to know how to
handle your bike safely before trying
increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of
riding you plan to do.
3. Don't ride alone in remote areas. Even when
riding with others, make sure that someone
knows where you're going and when you
expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification,
so that people know who you are in case of
an accident; and take along a couple of
dollars in cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or
an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals.
Ride in a way that does not frighten or
endanger them, and give them enough room
so that their unexpected moves don't
endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while
you're riding off-road, help may not be close.
Off-road riding is very different from riding a bike
on the road. For starters, it is almost certain you will
fall off. Get training! Join a club and find experienced
people to teach you. Practice and learn to stay in
control. Carefully, progressively, learn to expand
your limits, but always ride within them.
35
Riding Safety
Riding Off-Road