SAFETY

The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Be aware of the hazards inherent to your activity. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, and limitations of your body and equipment - plus a little common sense - can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Planning

Let someone know your plans and estimated return time.
Register at trailheads.
Check weather forecasts, but be prepared for sudden, unexpected changes.
Take something warm to wear (polartec fleece is great), even on a warm summer day.

Take with you:

high energy snacks

first aid kit, flashlight, knife

matches

whistle

compass

detailed map

rope

tent or simple shelter such as tarp

Prepare to carry your own water in and/or use a filtering system.
Use sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (a must in the High Country).
Park your vehicle only in designated areas. NEVER leave valuables unattended, even in a locked vehicle.
Wear blaze orange during hunting seasons, which usually range from September through January, and again in April and early May. If you want to bike during hunting season, stick to the Forest Service roads and the Creeper Trail.

WATER

Drink plenty of water before a ride, drink when you're not thirsty, drink when you are thirsty and drink in between those times. Hydrate or die!

Water is a must for replacing lost body fluids and should be carried in. Springs are unreliable in the dry seasons and all open water sources are easily contaminated by humans or animals. No matter how pristine the water appears NEVER drink it without first treating it chemically or with a filtering system. Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus has filtering systems available.

For short day trips take at least two quarts of water with you. I've found that a Camelbak full of water and one water bottle full of Gatorade usually gets me through a long ride.

For overnight trips plan on taking a reliable filtering system. These are also great for those long "epic" mountain bike rides.

If you must drink from springs or streams, be sure to boil the water for at least 5 minutes before using. Boiling is more effective than chemicals in killing various causes of diarrhea.

Also, be careful to wipe off any mud from around your water bottle lid. John Tomac got giardia from drinking from a mud-encrusted contaminated water bottle and it ruined his whole season. This little parasite can mess you up bad.

Hypothermia

Everyone must be alert to the conditions that cause hypothermia and its symptoms.
Hypothermia can occur in air temperatures as high as 41 degrees.

Symptoms:

Early - shivering. Continued shivering means continued seriousness.

Serious - slurred speech, impaired judgment, weakness, coordination loss.

Final symptoms - unconsciousness.

Treatment:

Get victim out of wind and rain.

Remove wet clothing, get victim into warm clothes.

Put victim into a sleeping bag, with another person if condition is serious.

Give victim warm drinks, but not alcohol.

Make a fire.

Get victim to hospital as soon as able. NEVER continue your trip after one in your party has had hypothermia - go home, return another time.

Remember, wool and synthetics retain their insulating qualities when wet, cotton does not.

Lost?

Stay calm

If you can't orient yourself, set up camp before dark and keep warm.

If there is no obvious trail, find a stream and follow it downhill. Eventually, it will come out to a road or shelter.

Draw attention to yourself by periodically giving a distress signal in groups of three such as three shouts, three fires, three whistles.

Bears

Do not approach or feed bears.

Do not leave food on tables or sitting outside in coolers.

Do not store food in your tent or camper. Place food in a bag and hang at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from a tree, or store in the trunk of your car.

Clean stove and cooking utensils immediately after use and put them away.

Keep campsite clean of used food wrappers and other garbage.

HOME

RIDES

TRAIL TABLE

CREEPER TRAIL

EAT

SLEEP

WEATHER

BLAZES

	high energy snacks
	first aid kit, flashlight, knife
	matches
	whistle
	compass
	detailed map
	rope
	tent or simple shelter such as tarp

	Water is a must for replacing lost body fluids and should be carried in. Springs are unreliable in the dry seasons and all open water sources are easily contaminated by humans or animals. No matter how pristine the water appears NEVER drink it without first treating it chemically or with a filtering system. Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus has filtering systems available.
	For short day trips take at least two quarts of water with you. I've found that a Camelbak full of water and one water bottle full of Gatorade usually gets me through a long ride.
	For overnight trips plan on taking a reliable filtering system. These are also great for those long "epic" mountain bike rides.
	If you must drink from springs or streams, be sure to boil the water for at least 5 minutes before using. Boiling is more effective than chemicals in killing various causes of diarrhea.
	Also, be careful to wipe off any mud from around your water bottle lid. John Tomac got giardia from drinking from a mud-encrusted contaminated water bottle and it ruined his whole season. This little parasite can mess you up bad.

	Early - shivering. Continued shivering means continued seriousness.
	Serious - slurred speech, impaired judgment, weakness, coordination loss.
	Final symptoms - unconsciousness.

	Get victim out of wind and rain.
	Remove wet clothing, get victim into warm clothes.
	Put victim into a sleeping bag, with another person if condition is serious.
	Give victim warm drinks, but not alcohol.
	Make a fire.
	Get victim to hospital as soon as able. NEVER continue your trip after one in your party has had hypothermia - go home, return another time.
	Remember, wool and synthetics retain their insulating qualities when wet, cotton does not.

	Stay calm
	If you can't orient yourself, set up camp before dark and keep warm.
	If there is no obvious trail, find a stream and follow it downhill. Eventually, it will come out to a road or shelter.
	Draw attention to yourself by periodically giving a distress signal in groups of three such as three shouts, three fires, three whistles.

	Do not approach or feed bears.
	Do not leave food on tables or sitting outside in coolers.
	Do not store food in your tent or camper. Place food in a bag and hang at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from a tree, or store in the trunk of your car.
	Clean stove and cooking utensils immediately after use and put them away.
	Keep campsite clean of used food wrappers and other garbage.