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El Paso Trails

Right of way

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1. Mountain bikers- Downhill always yield to uphill riders. It is far easier to stop a downhill descent. Make room for the uphill rider and continue after they have passed. Watch out for beginners on the trail who might not know the right-of-way etiquette. Try and make room so they can keep their concentration and not fall. Give a friendly reminder of the uphill right-of-way. If you come up on a slower rider, make sure they know you and call out "trail" or "on your left," which means the faster rider is passing on the left.

2. Hikers-Mountain bikers always yield to hikers. Do NOT fly by and scare hikers. If you see hikers, slowly come to a controlled stop (no skid), put your outside foot down off the trail, and lean away so the hikers can pass. Nine times out of ten, hikers will see you coming and step off the trail to let you pass.   A good rule of thumb is to say "hello"  and tell them how many bikers are behind you. Let's keep everyone happy on our trails. We don't want a bad reputation for crazy mountain bikers.

3. Equestrian (horse)- Mountain bikers yield to equestrian riders as well. You might encounter a Bowen Ranch hand on horseback on our trails. Be very cautious and courteous with horseback riders. You can spook the animal, causing it to try and throw the rider off and hurt them-self. As soon as you see a horse, make a controlled stop at a distance and proceed to get off of your bike and communicate with the rider. If there is room, step off the trail with your bike and allow the rider to pass. If there is no room, you must search for a spot that will enable safe passage to the riders.

4. Wildlife (cattle mainly)- Treat cattle just as you would a horse. Get off of your bike and stroll. Do not spook the animals, as this can cause them to hurt themselves. We have a great relationship with Bowen Ranch, and our top priority is the safety of our riders and all the animals. (note: the picture above was taken in Sotol forest.)

Heat Safety

Clothing

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing in light colors like white, tan, or gray. Avoid cotton, which can feel heavy and absorb moisture. Shorts should be roomy enough to move and breathe in, and avoid tight waistbands that can rub against your backpack. You can also wear a long-sleeved sun shirt to protect your arms. 

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Active cooling

Try to help your body cool down by wetting your skin with water. You can pour water over your head and arms, use a spray bottle on your face and body, or jump in a waterhole. You can also use cooling products like gel or ice packs, or a wet neck scarf.

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Pace

Slow down and avoid steep terrain. You can also try biking/hiking in cooler areas and times of day.

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Hydration/Food

Drink water before you feel thirsty, and consider alternating between water and a sports drink with electrolytes. You might need to drink more depending on the temperature and how intense your hike is.

Take a selection of thirst-quenching foods (both salty and sweet) such as juicy fruits. Frozen fruits (grapes, oranges) are a real treat on the track. Often when you’re feeling hot, you lose your appetite, so choose small bites of light food over heavy, rich foods.

Some common health concerns to be aware of when hiking in hot weather include sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

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Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is basically your body’s inability to cope with the stress of heat. It generally occurs after lengthy exposure to high temperatures and is usually accompanied with dehydration. While this is not an emergency, it’s a condition that can worsen quickly if not treated, managed or reacted upon.

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The initial symptoms can be:

  • Heavy sweating

  • Rapid pulse

  • Nausea

  • Muscle cramps

  • Irritability 

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue 

  • Headache

 

Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the body temperature is at a critical level and your body is literally overheating or cooking. Effectively, heat stroke can quickly lead to a heart attack, even in otherwise healthy individuals because the stress on our bodies becomes too great. Or, it will also lead to damage to the kidneys or other organs. 

 

The initial symptoms can be:

  • Skin gets red hot

  • Dry, swollen tongue

  • Intense thirst

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Throbbing headache

  • Brain fog or disorientation 

  • Typically, no longer sweating

 

It can lead to:

  • Seizures

  • Loss of consciousness 

  • Organ damage

  • Heart attack

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CHECK THE CURRENT WEATHER​ ON THE EL PASO TRAILS HERE

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