Biker Etiquette - General behavior:

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• Be considerate.

• Be courteous.

• Show respect to your fellow biker. Don't criticize another bike. It may be the best that man could afford at the time.

• Never touch another bike unless invited to. Don't even think of sitting on it uninvited. A bike is like a man's wife - you don't touch it! I never get on someones bike unless he/she insists. Asking for a spin is almost completely taboo unless you know the owner very well.

• Don't park your bike so close to the next that if it tips over, it takes the next bike with it (domino effect). We ride on gravel and it can happen that you stop on a soft surface where your bike keels over after a while.

• Don't take off on gravel with the back wheel spinning - there is somebody behind you that gets hit by the stones. "Roosting" people on a MX or Enduro track is fun while on the plastic bikes, but these DS bikes are expensive and even more expensive to repair. That bike is the owner's pride and joy. "Roosting" it is not cool.

• Leave only (tyre tracks) footprints, take only pics. Tread Lightly! Make sure if you enter a sensitive area that you behave in such a manner that the next bike entering will also be welcome.

• Don't litter. Whatever you carry in, you carry it out. That includes smokers. Carry a plastic money bag or something in your pocket and that's where your cigarette buts go. We are all "out there" to enjoy the beauty of nature. Leave the place as you found it (or better) for the next person to enjoy also.

• Try to acknowledge the other biker on the open road. This just shows that you share the bond of being out there in the elements enjoying the moment. Be courteous to other road users. This includes acknowledging drivers/riders who give way for you, as well as giving way for other riders/drivers who have the right of way.

• Make sure a bike on the side of the road is OK. Thumbs up or down to a biker stopped on the roadside or stop for a chat. He may need help, if not well it was worth the effort and I am sure it was appreciated.

• When riding in rural areas (like Lesotho / Transkei / Swaziland) slow down when you're riding into a village. Don't roar in with lots of noise and dust. The locals might feel you are endangering their animals & children (whether that is the actual case or not makes no difference). Keep the dust to a minimum if they have washing around. It sounds stupid but amazingly few riders think of this. You cant roar into a village sending chickens and other animals scattering, spoiling the washing and be surprised when the reception is less than friendly. How would you feel if bikes came racing through your back yard?

Once again - all these things can be summed up with: Be Considerate.






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