Participating in Mountain Biking
EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP MUST READ THIS BEFORE THEY RIDE
Our mission is to provide a fun and safe opportunity for the mountain-biking curious to take guided, introductory, recreational rides in the Don Valley. Through riding, we aim to foster stewardship for this jewel of a park in the heart of our city.
First Principles
We expect that you are reasonably fit and comfortable with a bike that has gears and hand brakes. If not, we recommend gaining more experience before trying mountain biking.
Mountain biking has its risks, so be cautious. Your guides are experienced riders, not certified instructors. We’ll offer tips and lead the group, but please only do what you are comfortable with.
We divide into groups based on riding experience – Beginners and Advanced Beginners. Make sure you are in the group that will make you feel comfortable.
This program is recommended for children who are at least 10, and who are accompanied by an adult. Younger riders with prior experience may be allowed if requested in advance.
You are here to try something different, meet new people, and have fun. But above all, be safe.
Your guides are volunteers: Be kind and appreciative!
The Bike
Always keep two fingers on each of the brake levers. Be prepared to stop.
There will be hills, so familiarize yourself with your gears and be prepared to use them. Remember to downshift to a lower gear before hills.
Keep at least two bike lengths between you and the rider ahead.
Your bike has front suspension. This helps you ride over small rocks and roots. Momentum helps too, but only ride as fast as you are comfortable.
Your legs are natural shock absorbers – when going over bumps, try standing on your pedals.
Watch the trail up ahead and not just the area right in front of your wheel.
The Trail
Walkers—including children and dogs—always have the right of way.
The lead rider will call out a warning: “Rider Up!” “Walker up!” “People ahead!” Repeat it for the riders behind you.
Always be prepared to use your bell to warn people you are approaching.
If you need to stop, move completely off the trail to allow others to pass.
If you see another rider coming toward you, keep to your right; they should do the same to pass safely.
The Rider
Properly fitted helmets are mandatory. If you don’t have one, we will lend you one.
Wear closed-toe shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and sunscreen. Protective eyewear is encouraged.
Stay hydrated. We will lend you a filled water bottle if you need one. They are cleaned each week. Do not bring throwaway plastic bottles.
Consider bringing snacks such as a power or cereal bars.
No phones or photos during the ride. Take your pictures at the start or finish.
Feel free to secure valuables, phones, or bulky items in our shipping container—the less you carry, the safer you and your belongings will be. The container will be locked, but we cannot be responsible for theft or breakage.
You are riding in a group, so try to keep up with the others.
Do not leave the group without informing a volunteer guide.
If you have any concerns—about your bike, an injury, another rider, or anything—please talk to a volunteer.
Time & Place
Location: Thomas Hauser Memorial Trail Head (beyond the Loblaws on Redway Road). Look for the shipping containers at the far end of the parking lot.
Arrival Time: Be there between 9:40 and 9:50 AM. Anyone who arrives after 10:00 AM cannot join the ride!
Ride Duration: Depends on the group and conditions, but we aim to be back between 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM.
Weather
We will cancel a ride if conditions are too wet or if there is heavy rain on the morning of the ride. A light shower, however, will not stop us. If we are cancelling, we will email you at the latest by 9:00 AM on Saturday morning – or possibly the night before.
Cancellations
Please familiarize yourself with DMWTD’s new VERIFIED System. We abide by these rules!
If you can’t attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another rider.
If you are not coming, even at the last minute, please inform us.
Failure to comply to any of these rules will affect your ability to ride in the future.
It’s a lot to remember, so please read these tips again. It will only improve your riding and safety. Happy trails!
All Don’t Mess With The Don programs are free. If you are inspired to make a charitable donation to keep us thriving, please visit: