bikestlucia@candw.lc
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH OFF ROAD BIKING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
HOW MANY MILES DO I HAVE TO RIDE?
HOW DO I CARRY MY STUFF WHILE RIDING THE TRAILS?
CAN I DRIVE DOWN TO YOUR FACILITY ONCE IN ST. LUCIA?
WILL I GET SORE FROM THE SEAT?
HOW MUCH OFF ROAD BIKING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
The simple answer is none, provided you are comfortable riding a bike. It might be good to hop on a bike and ride a few times before coming down to get your bike muscles tuned up. The basic trails are designed with the novice in mind. This is not to say they are boring. As the basic trails are wide, we've left naturally occurring obstacles in place provided they were not inherently hazardous with no trail value to the rider. But with plenty of room on the trails, you can avoid them easily if you choose to do so. This way, riders of different levels can enjoy the same trail together. However, we do have single track loops to challenge the more experienced rider. Closed toe shoes are required for all riders and that if they want to bring their own riding shoes we have SPD compatible clipless pedals available.
HOW MANY MILES DO I HAVE TO RIDE?
After an orientation loop led by our trail guide you will ride on your own as much or as little as you wish on whatever trails you choose from our beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks. The orientation loop is done on beginner tracks and covers about 1 ½ miles at a very leisurely pace with a few stops along the way during which our trail guide will tell you about many of the wonderful natural and historic sights within the old plantation. During or after riding you can take a refreshing dip in the sea or the surprisingly cool waters of the pristine stream that flows down from the rain forested mountains.
HOW DO I CARRY MY STUFF WHILE RIDING THE TRAILS?
You can bring your own fanny pack or we have them to rent for a nominal fee. We do not recommend riding with any straps criss-crossing your shoulders and chest as they possibly could get caught on a bush or tree. As you are riding in a coastal tropical jungle, things do get wet from sweat, rain and humidity. So think about keeping cameras and other moisture sensitive items dry. For your larger items such as towels or change of clothes, we do have mesh bags that can be secured at the bike facility while you're out on the trails. We do not accept responsibility for lost or stolen items, however.
CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE?
You can bring your own bike if you like. However, unless you are on an extended bike trip, it's much easier to rent our Cannondale F800 bikes. We do not rent our bikes for use off the Anse Mamin site because we don't recommend riding on the roads for your own safety. If you like, and you are accustomed to riding trails with them, bring your own shoes with SPD cleats and we can put the clipless pedals on for you at no extra charge. Send us an email or fax to let us know when you'll be here, and we can make sure we have them set aside for you. It should also be noted that access to our bike facility is by boat only and you may not wish to have your bike exposed to the sea air on the short ride over.
CAN I DRIVE DOWN TO YOUR FACILITY ONCE IN ST. LUCIA?
No problem, all you have to do make your way to the dive center on the beach at the Anse Chastanet Resort near Soufriére. There is a short boat ride from there to our adventure center, where our biking is located, at Anse Mamin which is an adjacent beach on the resort property. The boat transportation and biking orientation is done on a schedule so please contact us ahead to know what time to arrive. Of course, if you are staying with us at Anse Chastanet, you will already be there!
WILL I GET SORE FROM THE SEAT?
Well this depends on your bike conditioning and the thickness of your bike short's padding, if you wear bike shorts. Actually, proper Jungle (mountain or off-road) Biking™ technique uses your hands and feet as four points of balance with minimal time in the saddle. Most people do not notice any real discomfort by the end of the day. However, we do have a few wider saddles for the ladies who request them. We also have a Jungle Biking™ Skills Introduction class available for a small fee. We give you the low-down on the techniques you wouldn't learn on your own to make your experience more enjoyable. Our instructors will demonstrate the skills to you while explaining how they are used on the trail. You practice them in our dedicated skills course area before putting them to use on the trails. Great for the novice as well as those who have some trail experience.
WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES?
Guidelines for Riding:
I, _____________________________, agree to:
• Always ride within my limits.
• Ride in such a way as not to endanger riders or others.
• Stop as often as necessary to cool down due to humidity and heat. [If you feel weak and hot, stop riding immediately, lie down and cool off. Seek Trail Patrol help.]
• Maintain control of my bike and myself at all times especially on down hill portions of the trails.
• Keep myself hydrated with water or other suitable fluids before I feel thirsty to avoid heat exhaustion. [Do not drink alcohol until you are finished riding for the day as the alcohol will dehydrate you making you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.]
• Wear a helmet at all times when I am riding.
• Pass other bikers on trails only when it is safe to do so. Let them know I am passing with a verbal shoutÉ"On your rightÉ"On your left." [Give the person time to react to your intentions. Be aware that bikers may stop suddenly without notice.]
• Not to ride a bike that is not working 100%. This includes flat tires. [Walk it back to the bike facility or ask a Trail Patrol person to help you or radio for assistance. If you have a doubt, do not ride the bike.]
• Report all trail accidents to bike staff as soon as possible.
• Stay on official bike paths as marked and indicated on the maps and trail signs when riding.
• Not to skid on the trails. [This can lead to erosion and closing off of trails.]
• Not to stop on bridges or in the middle of pathways. [Please take photos from either side of the bridges or off to the side of trails only where it is safe to do so. Riders have the right of way.]
• Avoid carrying items with straps (cameras, purses, etc.) around my neck or across my shoulders. [They could become snagged by vegetation.]
• Be familiar with the meaning of all signs before going out on the trails.
• Proceed cautiously and be alert for oncoming bikers on two way trails. [Unless marked otherwise, trails are one way.]
• When encountering oncoming traffic move to the right.
• Not to dive or jump into the swimming hole. [There are no lifeguards on duty. Rocks are hidden below the surface. Swim at your own risk.]
• Make sure any bike I rent is in 100% riding order before leaving the bike facility. [While we inspect the bikes and maintain them regularly, you are responsible. If unsure about something, please ask staff.]
• I am financially responsible for any and all damage done to bikes or bike equipment I have rented and for any and all injuries to myself or, as a result of my actions, to others.
• All rights and privileges to use the trails, equipment and facilities may be revoked at any time by Bike St. Lucia at their sole discretion without reimbursement.
I have read the above, and as a condition of rental, agree to abide by it terms and conditions:
______________________________________
Signature
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if under 18, parent or legal guardian's signature
If you have any specific questions you'd like answered, send us an email: bikestlucia@candw.lc
