Before you book: please read this. By booking, you signal your agreement and understanding of these risks.
Gravity Nelson runs mountain bike rentals (acoustic and e-bike), coaching (private, after-school youth, adult groups, holiday camps), guided rides and shuttles (half and full day), heli-bike, airbag sessions, and transport to and from trailheads.
Sources of serious risk
Trail and terrain. Nelson singletrack is real mountain bike terrain: steep descents, loose surfaces, roots, rocks, drops, jumps, berms and river crossings. Trails are graded, but grades assume a competent rider — pushing beyond your ability on a graded trail is how most injuries happen.
Natural hazards. We operate outdoors in a dynamic environment. Heavy rain, wind, slips and landslips, treefall, clay-soil saturation and runoff across trails, temperature extremes, flooding and high fire risk can change conditions quickly, sometimes mid-ride. The Bryant Range and Dun Mountain areas carry earthquake and rockfall risk; forestry operations on some trails (Codgers, Sharps) create their own hazards.
Weather and call-offs. We check conditions before every activity. If our Natural Hazard Field Guideline and Decision Tree says conditions are outside safe limits, we postpone, move or cancel the activity. The guide or coach on the day has the final call, and any team member can raise it. If we cancel, we offer a rebooking or refund. We do not ride when the call-off triggers say no.
Other trail users. Our trails are shared. Walkers, runners, other riders, dogs and vehicles (including forestry machines) can appear around blind corners. Ride in control and expect the unexpected.
Equipment. Rental bikes are serviced before every hire, but mechanical failure can still happen, especially at speed. E-bikes are heavier and faster than acoustic bikes and handle differently, particularly on climbs and in corners. Heli-bike involves helicopter transfer with its own risks and rules.
Transport. Shuttle driving is on gravel forestry roads and public roads. Follow the driver’s instructions, keep seatbelts on, and keep bikes secure in the trailer.
What we require of you
Fitness. You need enough fitness for the activity you book. Full-day rides and the harder grades need solid riding fitness; half-day and coaching sessions are more forgiving. If you can’t comfortably ride the distance and climb for the grade you book, you will not enjoy it, and you may put yourself and others at risk. Tell us honestly about your fitness level — we will suggest the right activity.
Medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that could affect you during exercise, outdoors, or at speed, you must tell us before booking and again at sign-in. This includes heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, recent injury or surgery, concussion history, and pregnancy. We are not here to exclude you — we are here to plan around it. You are responsible for carrying and managing your own medication.
Experience and training. Some activities have prerequisites:
- E-bike hire: you must already ride a mountain bike competently. An e-bike is not a way to learn mountain biking.
- Coaching clinics: graded by experience level. Book the level that matches yours.
- Guided rides and shuttles: graded trails, matched to your stated ability. Be honest.
- Holiday camps and youth coaching: minimum age and ability requirements are stated on the booking page.
Gear. Helmet and gloves are mandatory on all Gravity activities. Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the forecast. We can fit you out at the shop if you need it.
Minors. Riders under 16 need a parent or guardian to complete the booking and sign the waiver with them.
Agreement
By booking, you signal your agreement and understanding of these risks, and you confirm you meet the fitness, medical, experience and gear requirements for the activity you are booking, or have discussed your circumstances with Gravity staff before booking.
The waiver (Outline of Liability and Responsibility) is signed separately — online at booking or in-shop before your activity — and releases Gravity Nelson from liability as set out in that document.
If you are not sure whether an activity suits you, call or message us before you book. We would rather help you pick the right ride than see you hurt on the wrong one.
