Rules
General Rules for Riders and ATVs
must stay on designated trails
must not trespass on private property or otherwise disrupt private landowners
must not remove or unnecessarily disrupt vegetation
must yield the right-of-way to other trail users when approaching
slow to a crawl when approaching main roads and campsites
pack out all your waste material
must follow all warnings and stop signs
must wear helmet whenever in motion
must operate ORVs in a safe manner
Group Ride Guide
You are welcome to join Thompson Valley ORV club rides.
Scheduled club rides are a great way to experience new trails in a guided format rather than running the risk of getting lost on your own. It is also an excellent way to meet other club members, make new friends and learn from others. All club rides are conducted by a Ride Team and lead by an experienced Ride Leader. Ride Leaders know the trails and will ensure everyone completes a ride safely. The Ride Leader is assisted by both a Middleman and a Sweeper.
During the Group Ride
Headlights must remain on at all times (makes it easier for the rider in front of you to confirm your position and assists with visibility). Ride single file. Stay to the right on all trails.
The Ride Leader will set the speed for the entire group. If you have difficulty keeping up, inform someone on the Ride Team at your first opportunity. Do not pass the Ride Leader or others unless directed. Do not stray behind the Sweep Rider. If you have to temporarily fall back the Sweep will stay with you. Ride Leader’s schedule all breaks and lunch stops. Please wait for scheduled breaks if possible. If you must drop out of the ride, a Ride Team member will ensure you return safely to the start location.
The rider behind you in the procession is your responsibility (know who they are and what ATV they are riding). If you lose sight of the rider behind you, slow to a stop and wait until they are in your sight. Any single stoppage will result in a full stop of the entire procession. In the absence of communication between all riders, this serves as a means to keep everyone together and to alert the Ride Team to issues. When a trail branches, allow sufficient time and space for the rider behind you to see which branch you take. After crossing a difficult section (e.g. ditch, mud hole, water crossing, steep hill), ensure the rider following you makes it through. It may be necessary for you to stop and assist or for you to attract others to help.
