Many community members have asked the Delaware Trail Spinners to provide guided rides. Many of the requests come from first-time or beginner riders and some come from more experienced riders new to the area. Since we promote responsible mountain biking, we feel a need to respond. (Actually, we jump at any chance to ride our bikes.)

A couple of things to keep in mind about our rides:

• Remember, it is illegal to ride after dark in local parks. However, sanctioned night rides for our club members and others who help maintain the trails are scheduled regularly.

• We DO NOT ride in rain or wet conditions .Generally speaking we do not ride within 24 hours of a soaking rain. We wait longer if drying or drainage conditions are poor. We may make exceptions, but only if drying and drainage conditions allow for firm trails. Don't ride trails when they are wet and soft! Heat? Yes. Frigid cold? Yyyyyyyeeessss. Nuclear holocaust? As long as possible. Mud? NO! It's bad for the trails and it's really bad for your bike. We may encounter mud from time to time. It can't be avoided in some places, and you'll learn how to deal with it to minimize impact.

• We are not paid guides.

• We are not responsible for your safety. If you join this ride, we must assume that you are aware of the risks inherent in mountain biking and that you accept full responsibility for yourself and those under your care.

• We welcome all riders but cannot be responsible for minors.

We've got something for everyone. For those of us that need regularity in order to plan things, below are the latest schedules. All club members and friends are invited to ride. Please see below for some frequently asked questions about the rides.

Why so early?
Many of our rides start in the morning. The mornings are beautiful and the trails less crowded. Plus, you'll have the whole rest of the day and tons of energy to do other stuff. By the way, "push off" is a term used for the beginning of the ride. Please arrive early to push off on time. Here's a valuable hint: Get everything ready the night before. You'll be more relaxed the morning of the ride (we really don't want you all up-tight and cranky now).
What kind of rides are these?
Whatever your heart desires. You need to let us know your experience and endurance level up front. Don't be shy about this. We've all been beginners at one time. Plus, if you aren't honest with yourself it could bite you later and cause you to quit. Most likely these will be rides at a leisurely pace over interesting but not highly technical terrain.
How will it work?
The locations have been chosen because they are fun, beautiful, and can provide diversity in terrain necessary for an unpredictable group. We will select a pace and terrain to fit the group and even split up if necessary. But again, these are not intended to be fast or difficult rides.
Does this mean that as a first-time rider you will get swept into a long, fast, radical ride filled with peril?
Absolutely not. Geez. Weren't you paying attention? If we are uncertain about the groups abilities and endurance we will default to the safest, most comfortable pace and terrain. We plan (sometimes) to have two leaders available for each ride just in case more energetic riders want to stretch out in front or explore more challenging terrain. But again, you have to let us know what you want before we push off.
What if I want something more challenging or at different locations?
There are club members who are expert riders. If you're really looking for a challenge, post a ride request to the Yahoo! Group and see what happens.
How long will the rides be?
You tell us. How long do you feel like riding? We'll stop to check heart rates as often as needed. We can aim for some landmarks of interest at any location to provide a nice long breather. We'll reassess our desires at those points too. It can also depend on the weather or available daylight. In all cases we'll strive to be back to the cars in about 2 hours.
What if I want to bail out early?
Speak up and someone will take you back to your car. We are not responsible for your safety but as your friend we don't intend to let you get lost or left in the woods either.
Anything else?
Yes, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We are not paid guides. We are doing this out of the kindness of our hearts. If you feel that we are responsible for your personal safety please don't come. Mountain biking is a sport with inherent risks. You can expect rocks, roots, and other surprises. We will ask that all riders establish a "buddy" and stick with them. It could be a guide, it could be your friend, it could be a new friend made just before the push off.
What does it mean to come prepared?
That means having water, energy snack, helmet, gloves, eye protection, patch kit and/or spare tube, and a trail-worthy bike in good repair. Riders must be at least 16 years of age or accompanied by a parent. All riders must wear a helmet.

Oh yeah, one other thing. You'll love this sport. We hope that you will feel so good about the great outdoors and this incredible way to explore it that you'll help the Delaware Trail Spinners in our conservation and preservation efforts. Look around our web site for opportunities. Get involved. Become a club member. Nuff said about that. See you at the trail head.