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Participant's Guide

• Risk is inherent to any outdoor activity – understand these risks.  You accept this responsibility as outlined in the club membership waiver.
• Be prepared for all weather conditions and possible destination changes.
• CORE encourages car pooling.  The Coordinator will inform you of mileage and cost guidelines as established by CORE.
• Remember that Coordinators are members of CORE, the same as you, and have volunteered their time and knowledge for your enjoyment. Give them the respect and thanks they deserve.
• To participate in a scheduled event, a guest must be accompanied by a club member.
• Remember that these Guidelines are to promote the safety and enjoyment of all members.  Have fun.  That's the purpose of all our events.

Bear Safety

Some Bear Safety tips from Wildsmart.ca:

You can avoid bear encounters by:

• Always carrying bear spray and air horns. They work!
• Traveling in groups whenever possible.
• Making lots of noise and being aware of your surroundings.
• Leaving wildlife corridors to wildlife and recreate elsewhere.
• Respecting all trail closures and warnings.
• Walking your dog on a leash unless in a designated off-leash area.

Before you go, check Wildsmart for trail closures and warnings.

Carry Bear Spray and Know How To Use It

For full article, go to WildSmart on the Trail

When recreating in bear country, your best strategy to avoid an encounter with a bear is to make lots of noise, stay in groups and be alert for signs of bears in the area. Diggings, scat, visible tracks and overturned logs and rocks, are all early warning signs that bears are around.

In most cases, bears will do their best to avoid people. Most encounters happen because bears are surprised by people, or they are defending their cubs or a kill.

In the rare case of an aggressive confrontation, bear spray is your best defense. Recent reports show bear pepper spray to be more effective than a bullet in diverting or stopping a charging bear.

When choosing a bear spray make sure that it has the following features:

• Minimum weight of 7.9 ounces
• Minimum spray range of 15 feet
• Expiry date clearly noted

Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions on proper use of your spray.

Bear pepper spray is useless in a backpack. It needs to be carried in a holster or attached directly to a pack strap that is within easy reach. Keep it in your tent at night and in your cooking area, always readily available should a surprise encounter occur. Keep the safety clip on at all times and remove only in the event of an encounter with a bear. Test your spray once a year.

First time users should conduct a test spray outside, spraying downwind but remember every test spray reduces the canister’s effective spray time. It is important to track the time remaining on a canister carefully.

Never spray bear pepper spray on camping gear, tents and backpacks to repel bears. Used in this manner, once the irritating and volatile components have broken down, the remaining pepper residue will actually attract bears.

The most intense effects of bear pepper spray may last 30-45 minutes. It is potent enough to cause extreme discomfort and damage to the eyes if it is accidentally released at close range. Flushing the affected skin with water can help, but expect to be uncomfortable for 15 to 60 minutes. It does not cause any permanent damage.

Do not plan to transport bear pepper spray on commercial airlines. Also be aware that extreme heat or cold may affect the performance of the product. Canisters have been known to explode if left in a vehicle in summer.

Remember, bear spray is your last defense - your best defense is to avoid an encounter altogether by making lots of noise, being aware of your surroundings and watching for signs of bears in the area.

Choosing An Event

Please familiarize yourself with our rating system.   Remember it's not just a matter of distance and elevation: The total climb could be significantly greater than the elevation gain given in the calendar due to undulating terrain.  Also note that factors like trail maintenance and seasonal conditions cancontribute to the difficulty of some events.

Your physical condition, experience, and equipment are important factors when selecting an event. Be honest with yourself.  If an activity is new to you, you may want to start with an easy rating level. Do not select an event beyond your ability.

Coordinators have the right to exclude your participation in an event if they think you do not have the ability or correct equipment.

Members are encouraged to check the calendar regularly to obtain up-to-date information on events including coordinator contact information, additions to the schedule, changes or cancellations.