Biking participant safety and instruction briefing

Ensure there are printed copies for participants to follow and read out by the lead guide

  1. Biking in Malta is along rough rocky tracks, old badly tarmaced roads with some roads that large trucks use on a regular basis. Some sections are very steep and need to be walked.
  2. The reward is a rugged, exposed and with stunning views
  3. All the guides are rescue trained and experienced with groups in rugged environments so learn from them. We may appear relaxed but at all times we are assessing your safety to provide the right excitement / safety balance. But, if there is a severe injury in a remote location rescue may take some hours.
  4. It is very important that everyone in the group remains safety conscious and takes responsibility to look after each other.
  5. Do not participate in this activity under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
  6. Ensure you advise our guides about pregnancy, or medical conditions that might affect your activity.
  7. Each person has a different comfort level so don’t take unnecessary risks.
  8. Find a buddy and work in pairs. It is your responsibility to look after each other and maintain visual sight and communication with each other.  If you need help, speak to a guide.
  9. Skills will be provided to you if and when needed, however if you do not remember, ask your buddy or a guide.
  10. The clothes you are wearing will provide minimal protection against any impacts during this sport whether from falling off or brushing past a bush. A small fall will result in scrapes and bruises. A bigger fall can cause serious injury so don’t take unnecessary risks.
  11. Helmets must be worn at all times while on a bike and should not be constantly adjusted as they will be checked by guides prior to leaving they are properly fitted and secured.
  12. When navigating rocky or uneven sections take the route that you feel is best fitted for your skill level. Do not do anything you feel uncomfortable doing.
  13. Stay away from the edges. Risk of death from falling. Do not throw anything over the edges or dislodge loose materials.
  14. When navigating steep hills be sure to use both the front and rear brake and avoid locking up either wheel excessively as this will cause you to lose traction and increase the likelihood of falling off and injury.
  15. If you have an issue with your bike inform a guide so they can assess the situation and perform any repairs if necessary.
  16. If you are from the UK be aware that the brakes are on opposite sides to usual so be careful when first applying them until you are used to the new orientation.
  17. When cycling along a public road be sure to stay in single file and allow space for cars to pass while still giving yourself enough room to manoeuvre.
  18. If you spot or hear a car travelling towards the group shout “CAR”, Other riders should repeat this “CAR” until the whole group is aware of the hazard and has time to prepare.
  19. If you see other hazards shout accordingly. Eg. “ROCK” “TREE” “OIL” etc.
  20. The bikes have both front and rear gears so get into the practice of using them. Your feet should remain at a constant speed and gears adjusted around this. If you find yourself struggling in one gear instead of pushing harder try changing gear first.
  21. At times you may find the group gets spread out due to different skill levels in navigating certain aspects of the route. Take care to remain is visual communication with your buddy.
  22. If you do lose visual contact with your buddy or group, return to the last known place where you saw other members of the group and stay still and a guide will re-trace the route to come and find you.
  23. The guides carry a basic toolkit and spare inner tubes so do not be afraid to ask if something feels wrong with your bike.
  24. Generally if you have an issue with your bike a guide will proceed as follows:
    1. He will check your bike for any apparent problems
    2. Attempt to fix the issue if possible
    3. Switch bike with you if the issue is not catastrophic
    4. Phone for a new bike to be dropped off so that the group can continue as planned
  25. Heat stroke and dehydration is common on this activity so wear suncream, drink frequently. The guides have extra water and snacks. Ask for help early and don’t ”tough it out” too long.
  26. Don’t drop litter, put it in a guide bag.

In case of minor injuries we have a first aid kit in the guide bags.