Trail Etiquette

Vedder Mountain trails are a mixed recreation area for many user groups that all work hard to maintain the trails. We ask that all of our members respect some simple rules and etiquette in order to sustain our trails and maintain the harmony and enjoyment for all users.

VMMC depends on memberships and donations of any size for the purchase of club tools, expenses and raw materials as needed to maintain the trails and bridges at Vedder Mtn. We can always use volunteers as well. Come out to help with projects or stop to help us for a bit if you see us working while you are riding. Everything you can help with is very much appreciated.

Read
Trail Signs

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When visiting Vedder Mountain for the first time, please read the trail signs to confirm the level of difficulty. The trails at Vedder Mountain are considered to be between intermediate and expert level single track riding with soft soil, exposed roots and rocks. Don’t ride beyond your limits!

Stick To Motorized Trails

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Absolutely no dirtbike riding on Mountain Bike Trails. Before proceeding on any trail that you are not familiar with, check the signage to confirm its designated use. Also it is not a good idea to ride alone. Watch for oncoming traffic at all times.

Don't Be A Litterbug

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Clean up after yourselves please. We all need to take our garbage out when we go. No one will do it for you.

Prevent
Forest Fires

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Fires are not permitted on any trail or in the staging area. Camping is also not allowed in the staging area. Spark arrestors are required on all dirtbikes.

Lend
A Hand

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It is a good idea to pack a handsaw to help keep the trails clear and safe for all. Cut trees and low hanging branches (face slappers) well back from the edge of the trail. Stop and move fallen trees out of the way if you can. This helps prevent trail braiding around the fallen trees making lots of extra repair work.

Wet Weather Riding

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On extremely wet or snowy days please avoid riding at Vedder. This will prevent serious trail damage and extra maintenance work to repair the soft terrain. Please be considerate to those who maintain the trails when selecting the terrain and location during wet weather.

Don't Shred The Trails

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If you are stuck, try to prevent spinning your tire as this damages the trail. Either push, get help or turn around if you get caught in a rut. We recommend a nice soft/gummy rear tire with a low PSI to provide maximum traction. Please be respectful of the volunteer work that has been done to maintain these awesome trails.

Respect All Users

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Vedder Mountain trails are used by many people and user groups within the Vedder Mountain Trail Association (VMTA). Mountain bikers, Hikers, Runners, and Horseback riders may also be on the trails. Please respect all individuals on the trail and use good judgement when you encounter other users. If you happen to come across a horseback rider please pull off the trail, shut your bike off, take off your helmet and allow the horse to proceed. There is room for all of us at Vedder.

License and Insurance

Note, you should have proper third party $1,000,000 liability, registration, and an ICBC plate on your bike. Keep your Driver’s licence on you at all times, especially on forest service roads. The fine is up to $375 if you are caught without these items. All riders should have proper third party liability insurance, registration and an ICBC plate on your bike. Check with your local authorities to confirm laws and licensing requirements for Off Road Vehicles (ORV). Third party insurance is also available via BCORMA .

Wet Weather Best Practices

Most trail damage/erosion happens from wet weather riding and/or poor trail design. Please follow the best practices below:

Wait 1 day after each inch of rain (ex. 1" on Wed + 1" on Thurs, wait 2 days and ride Sunday.)
Instead of riding in wet or snowy conditions, consider contacting the club to do trail maintenance. You can hike in to improve a section of trail that needs some attention. It’s a good workout!
Avoid riding trails beyond your ability, especially in wetter conditions.
Avoid spinning out, ride smooth.
Use tires with good tread.
It is not cool to chew up rain or snow saturated trails, volunteers have enough trail projects to work on.
Don’t trail braid the trails to avoid puddles as most of them are shallow and have a solid base. Pack a small or folding shovel and drain if possible. Allenby hardware in Yarrow sells high quality, portable, non-folding shovels.
Avoid loamy and especially uphill loamy trails when wet.
Don’t dig a big rut below a root, lift the bike over.
Keep butt planted on seat to get better traction in those tricky spots (no weight on rear tire = no traction).