By Andrew Winohradsky | Dirtsmart MTB
How hard can it be to lead a mountain bike ride? All you have to do is make sure no one gets lost, no one gets hurt, and everybody has fun… right?
Unfortunately, riders get lost, get hurt, and have terrible experiences on group rides all the time. The good news? Most of these situations are preventable.
Sure, everyone should take responsibility for themselves to some degree. But if you’re the person leading the ride, your riding buddies are trusting you. At minimum, that means putting a little thought into the ride plan and doing your best to make sure everyone stays safe and has a good time.
Some of these tips may seem obvious. Others may be eye-openers, especially if you’re new to leading rides. Even experienced ride leaders will probably find a few things they haven’t thought much about lately. The goal is simple: maximize the good times and minimize the chances of things going sideways out on the trail.
While some of these tips may not be critical on short local rides close to civilization, they become increasingly important the farther into the backcountry you go.
Before You Even Get to the Trail
1. Screen the Back of the Pack
This one sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how often riders end up on rides they’re simply not ready for.
Usually, it happens with good intentions. A friend wants to introduce someone new to mountain biking, spread the joy of the sport, or just bring another riding buddy along. The problem is that beginners often don’t fully understand what they’re signing up for.
Let’s be honest: terrifying, exhausting, or humiliating someone on a ride is not a good way to get them hooked on mountain biking. If anything, it’s a great way to make sure they never want to ride again.
Want someone to fall in love with riding? Put them on a ride that matches their skill level and fitness. Help them build confidence, have fun, and feel successful.
If someone is clearly going to be in over their head, gently steer them toward a more beginner-friendly ride instead. You’re not doing anyone any favors by giving them false confidence. Encouragement is great, but pushing people too far too soon can lead to injuries and miserable experiences.
And if they do show up anyway? Keep a close eye on them and check in often.
2. Screen the Front of the Pack
This one is less obvious, but it can destroy group dynamics quickly.
Picture this: your super-fit racer friend joins a beginner ride “just to get a little workout in.” She’s fast, competitive, and maybe not the most patient person in the world. Meanwhile, the rest of the group is brand new to riding and still figuring out shifting, gear, clothing, and trail etiquette.
What happens? The ride pace crawls compared to what she’s used to, frustration builds, and the vibe tanks.
Mixed ability groups can absolutely work, but only if everyone understands the pace, expectations, and purpose of the ride beforehand. Sometimes, politely explaining that a ride may not be the right fit for someone is the best thing for the group.
Once You’re at the Trail
3. Check Clothing and Weather Preparedness
Does everyone have layers? Rain jackets? Gloves? Sunscreen? Enough space to carry extra gear?
You probably don’t need survival gear for a sunny one-hour local loop. But for longer rides or unpredictable weather, extra layers can become critical fast.
Even if the weather looks perfect, things happen:
- Someone gets injured
- The group gets delayed
- Temperatures drop after sunset
- A storm rolls in
If you spend enough time mountain biking, eventually you’ll get caught in bad weather. Be prepared.
4. Check Equipment and Bikes
At least one person in the group should carry proper trail tools and know how to handle basic repairs.
On local rides, a mechanical issue may only mean a short walk back to the car. In the backcountry, it could become a major problem.
Also, make sure riders are on bikes appropriate for the ride. A heavy downhill bike on a 40-mile climbing adventure? Probably not ideal. A bike already in rough mechanical condition before the ride starts? Also not ideal.
Parking lot fixes are far better than discovering a catastrophic issue halfway through the ride.
Encourage everyone to show up with bikes that are trail-ready.
Take Care of the Crew
5. Carry a First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But when you do need it, you really need it.
At minimum, carry basic supplies for common mountain bike injuries:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bruises
- Minor sprains
- Basic wound care
Even better? Learn some basic first aid skills.
If you ride in remote areas, satellite communication devices or sat phones are also incredibly valuable. Cell service disappears fast in the mountains, and having a way to contact help can be lifesaving.
6. Bring Maps and Know the Route
Snapping a photo of the trail map at the trailhead is better than nothing. But phones die, get dropped, or lose service.
For remote rides, carry a real physical map designed for outdoor use.
Better yet, carry two maps.
Why? Because groups sometimes separate unexpectedly. If that happens, everyone needs to clearly understand:
- Where they are
- Where they’re going
- Where they’ll regroup
Many outdoor emergencies happen because people assume someone else knows the plan. Don’t assume. Communicate clearly.
7. Orient the Group
Before the ride starts, explain the route:
- Where the climbs are
- Where the descents are
- Which ridge or valley you’ll follow
- Where the bailout points are
Point out landmarks and terrain features so riders stay mentally oriented throughout the ride.
If you’re in truly remote terrain, carrying a compass—and knowing how to use it—isn’t a bad idea either.
Also, warn riders about dangerous or surprising trail features ahead of time:
- Blind corners
- Sudden drops
- Technical descents
- Sharp switchbacks
- Steep climbs
Sure, harmless crashes can become funny stories later. But serious injuries in remote terrain are a different story entirely.
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