Registration and Acceptance of Risk
We recommend the use of appropriately sized, modern, long-travel, full suspension bikes with good quality hydraulic disc brakes.
Before riding always inspect your equipment or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic and check for any damage after each run of the hill and especially after a crash however minor. Do not ride on damaged equipment.
- Helmets are mandatory, ensure that your helmet meets standard EN1078 as a minimum, is less than three years old, is in good shape and properly adjusted; we highly recommend the use of full face protection helmets with higher levels of protection such as ASTFM F1952-DH. Gloves, eye protection and body armour are also highly recommended.
- Inspect bike frame and forks for cracks, damaged or dented areas.
- Ensure you have sufficient brake pads to stop your bike while descending; two working brakes are mandatory, and we highly recommend disc brakes for improved control.
- Front and rear axles (quick release or bolt through type) should be tight.
- Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play.
- Check that your tyres are in good condition, with plenty of tread and no cuts or abrasions in the sidewall and that rims show no cracks or signs of weakness, and all spokes are tight and intact.
- Handlebar and handlebar grips must be tight and unable to spin. Handlebars must have bar end plugs (or grips that fully enclose the end of the bars) installed. Due to the nature of our trails drop bars are not suitable or safe.
- Seat and seat post need to be fastened securely and dropper seat posts checked that they are functioning correctly: especially relevant for gondola uplift.
- Check pedals are secure and do not have excessive play. Pedals with Toe Strap fastenings are not permitted to be used.
- Suspension should be in good working order with no leaks or loose parts.
- Fixed child carriers such as shotgun seats, rear rack seats or tag-a-long devices are not permitted for gondola uplift trails. Tow ropes may be used to assist riders up the hill but must not be used on descending trails.
Please Note: If a member of the Nevis Range bike patrol team deems your bike to be unsafe, they will prevent you from accessing the trails.
RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Follow the code to ensure that all riders have a fun and safe experience at Nevis Range.
We reserve the right to remove day passes or ban riders for breaches of the Mountain Bikers Responsibility Code.
- Always carry a mobile phone with the Nevis Range bike patrol number installed (01397 705825), make sure it is charged.
- Avoid riding alone, it’s safer and more fun to ride with your friends. If you do ride alone, please ensure you let us know when you sign in.
- Stay in control at all times. It is your responsibility to avoid crashing into other riders and objects around you!
- Be respectful and aware of other riders varying skill levels, relax and have fun.
- Do not stop on the trail. Pull off the trail in a safe place if you need to stop for any reason.
- When entering a trail or starting downhill, you must look uphill and give way to other riders coming down the trail.
- Respect the trail gradings, read the grading descriptions and the trail difficulty index. Begin on the easier trails and do not ride trails that are beyond your current level of ability.
- Even if you have ridden a trail before, be careful! We make ongoing changes and improvements to the trails and features, so they may have changed since your last visit.
Be aware that the bike trails are set in a mountain and forestry environment which poses risks including:
- Forestry environment risks: trees, stumps, branches, brash and vegetation.
- Mountain Environment risks: exposure to fast changing weather conditions, steep slopes, rocky areas and outcrops and exposed trail edges.
- Trail conditions change with the seasons and the weather; mountain biking is an all-weather sport but respect the added challenge and risk that rain, ice, mud, dust and wind can pose to you. If it is windy, do not attempt jumps; keep both wheels on the ground and stay on the easier trails.
- If a rider is hurt, notify the Nevis Range Bike Patrol staff immediately to request assistance (01397 705825)
- Keep off closed trails and forest areas and obey all signs and warnings.
- Stay on marked trails only. Do not cut switchbacks, or modify trails.
- Do not push or ride up downhill trails.
- Respect your environment; take your litter home with you!
- Keep off the trails if your ability is impaired through the use of drugs or alcohol.
- Be friendly, courteous and respectful to your fellow riders, poor conduct will not be tolerated.
- Riders 16 years of age and under must have a legal guardian onsite at all times.
- Please be aware of and courteous to walkers, horse riders and other user groups. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Please help us maintain the Trails, If you see a problem report it to us. Know your limits!
