RIDER'S
CODE OF CONDUCT
Mystic is a shared space. Please respect our forest that belongs to HVP Plantations, our trails built and cared for by the Alpine Cycling Club, our forestry workers and park staff, our Launch-mates the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club, other park users, and our neighbouring residents who live in the foothills. By entering this space, you agree to follow the following code of conduct.
Mountain biking involves the risk of serious injury or death.
Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.
You waive your rights to sue as outlined in the Mystic Park waiver.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ALWAYS:
1. ENSURE YOU ARE A MYSTIC PARK MEMBER
Permission to use the park is granted by the owner, HVP, only if you have signed up as a member. To access Mystic Park without membership is considered trespassing. Do the right thing by the land-owner.
2. RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY
Trails are closed for various safety and maintenance reasons. Never enter a closed area and always obey signs, staff, notices and warnings. Be aware of one-way trails.
3. PROTECT YOURSELF
Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment, and give them a safety check before your ride, and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. CONTROL YOUR BIKE
You are responsible for avoiding objects and people. Can you stop safely at all times and keep yourself intact? Always be prepared for someone, something or wildlife on the other side of a blind corner?
5. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Ride within your ability. Start slow and work your way up. Accidents can happen on your first run. Always pre-ride, re-ride and free-ride. Parents are responsible for ensuring children under 12 can meet this condition.
6. INSPECT TRAILS & FEATURES
Conditions change constantly. Inspect the trails and features beforehand, consider the weather and plan and adjust your riding accordingly. When scoping, make sure you're not standing in a blind spot, and your bike is completely off the trail.
7. BE KIND TO THE TRAIL
Ride it, don't slide it (no skidding). Skidding creates water channels and causes erosions. When approaching a corner, use both brakes to slow down without skidding. Don't cut new lines. Be mindful if and where you ride on wet days. Both bikes and feet damage soft, wet tracks.
8. BE VISIBLE
Never stop where you obstruct a trail, feature or can’t be seen.
9. LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS
Give way when entering or crossing a road or trail. Be considerate if overtaking by slowing down and alerting the riders in front of you. On a multi-direction trail, the uphill rider has the right of way. There are different skilled riders, hikers and runners going at their own pace, so please be kind and mindful. People don’t like being surprised. When it is safe to overtake, let others know when you want to pass with a friendly greeting, and make sure they hear you.
10. LEAVE NO TRACE
Protect our forest and waterways by taking out your waste. Rubbish in the outdoors detracts from everyone's experience. No camping or fires are permitted in the plantations.
11. RESPECT OUR NEIGHBOURS
Please be considerate to neighbouring residents by reducing noise outside people’s homes and not exceeding 40km when riding or driving down Mystic Lane.
12. REPORT SAFETY CONCERNS
Outdoor conditions change rapidly. If you come across changed trail conditions, such as a fallen tree, please let us know or report it on Trailforks App.
13. NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING
Mystic is an alcohol and smoke-free facility. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted at any time while inside plantation areas.
14. INFORM YOURSELF ABOUT PARK CHANGES AND HVP OPERATIONS
It’s up to you to check for updates to park operations and trails on Mystic Park’s Facebook page before entering Mystic Park.
Mystic Park Code of Conduct | Version 22.2 - March 2023