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 BRING MY OWN BIKE?
- CAN I DRIVE DOWN TO YOUR
FACILITY ONCE IN ST. LUCIA?
- WILL I GET SORE FROM THE
SEAT?
- WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES?
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.
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.
- 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
-
- ______________________________________
- 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
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