GAME OF THE MONTH

Train Game

Being aware of the actions of other riders and learning to stop in a controlled manner off the side of the trail are key elements of safe riding and good trail etiquette. The Train Game helps build these skills and can turn rides on crowded trails into opportunities to become better users.

Where: Any trail with safe areas for a group to stop and move off to the side of the trail

Objectives: Alertness, controlled braking, proper spacing, trail etiquette

Setup: Ride as a group, single file with a coach at the front and a coach at the back. This game is best played during a normal day’s ride. 

Rules: The coach up front is the train engine, and the coach at the back is the caboose. During the ride, the engine will make occasional unexpected (but safe and slow) stops, ending up off the side of the trail each time. All athletes must then stop with their front wheel aligned directly behind the rear wheel of the rider in front of them. If they overshoot or stop in the middle of the trail where they have clearly disconnected from the rider in front, they’ve derailed the train and must go to the back of the line (but not behind the caboose—everyone must ride in front of the sweep coach).

The train engine (lead coach) should look for appropriate stopping locations where the trail is relatively straight and long, so the entire length of the train can fit safely off the trail.  In addition, the terrain to the side of the trail should be easy to stop at and be free of hazards (poisonous or sharp plants, dropoffs, etc.).

Reflection question: Why is it important for everyone in a ride group to move off the trail and to the same side when they stop? How can you, as a group, make doing so a habit?

Thanks to Piedmont, CA coach John Roberts for sending us this game idea!

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