Preserving the Northern Colorado Mountain Biking Experience
You love mountain biking. You care about mountain biking issues in Northern Colorado. You have a strong desire to help people when you are out on the trail. A Patrol Membership must be what you’re looking for. Certified Mountain Bike Patrollers work to assist others in medical and mechanical emergencies. They work to educate trail users of proper etiquette using IMBA’s Rules of the Trail. They keep in contact with local land agencies regarding trail conditions and trail incidents that may occur when they are out riding. Patrol members also participate in the same stuff that Outreach members do in terms of advocacy and trail work. In fact, the two types of members have even been known to work side by side, ride side by side, sit around after a ride and commiserate side by side…and, and (Honestly, I don’t know who has more fun…Patrol Members or Outreach Members…) By the way, the NATIONAL MOUNTIN BIKE PATROL, a division of IMBA, has a short video on Patrolling. Check it out: CLICK HERE.
Here’s a basic list of expectations for Patrol Members:
- Know how to complete a tracheotomy using the tube from a bic pen while setting a broken femur. (Okay, no. We’re kidding. We let the trained professionals do that.) Patrollers are, however, required to complete Red Cross sanctioned First Aid and CPR classes. DPMBP offers these classes in the Spring each year at no cost to members.
- Have a serviceable bike and wear a helmet. (I guess you could walk if you really want to but then you’d be a member of the DPMFP)
- Complete ‘Good Host’ Training with the City of Fort Collins and the USFS.
- Complete Two Training Rides with another Certified Patroller.
- Earn a minimum of 25 points to keep your membership current. (Points are earned by heading out on the trail and doing patrols, attending monthly meetings, sponsoring new members, attending events, etc. Racking up 25 points is easy. Oh, and don’t tell anyone, if you have an off year and only rack up 17 points or 2 points or 10, we’ll still keep you around.)
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age. (Families may sign a waiver for their underage children to be out on patrol.)
- Be able to replace a bottom bracket and cut the steering tube of a bike to proper length. (Okay, no again. Let’s leave that up to the trained folks at the LBS) Patrollers do, however, need to demonstrate basic bicycle mechanic skills. (Change a flat, fix a broken chain, etc. Stuff that will help someone get back to the trailhead if necessary…)
- Pay annual dues: $13 ONLINE or $10 in person by downloading the FORM here if you choose to go this route. Membership includes t-shirt, water bottle, discounted patrol jerseys/vests and discounts at local bike shops.
- Be a current member of the NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROL. NMBP has great benefits for members too. Cost: $50.00
