1. More Skill, More Fun, Fewer Injuries Summer Campaign 2011

2. Do’s Ride with a buddy. They can get help. Wear a long-sleeved shirt. A few degrees of discomfort can prevents scratches, cuts, road rash and even poison ivy. Ride a proper bike— it is amazing what a good mountain bike can endure and equally amazing what the wrong bike can‘t.

3. Do’s Join a group and learn from them (with ever- changing conditions, it is good to have a full range of skills at your disposal). Try new places and obstacles (after all, the sport is supposed to be fun and challenging). Wear a helmet (I'm amazed when I see people without them but I do every month).

4. Don’ts Don’t ride at new places or try new obstacles unless you have the right equipment, enough experience and have given it due consideration. Don’t wear headphones. You need to concentrate! Save the music for boring runs, not exciting rides. Don’t ride in the rain when you can go the next day dry. Friction on a wet log is close to zero and mud might look cool on your bike, but it makes maintenance harder.

5. Don’ts Don’t neglect your bike (brakes, chains and gears all are vital to a safe and enjoyable outing). Don’t assume that just because someone has built an obstacle that it is safe. Stop and assess it. Make sure your old favorites haven't deteriorated since your last ride and that new obstacles are within your skill set.

6. Thanks to John Scott, head of the Customer Support Division in the Naval Safety Center’s Data Management Department