Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Hike Bytes LLC ("Hike Bytes," "we," "us," "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you visit hikebytes.com, subscribe to Hike Bytes Insider, or otherwise interact with us.
By using our website, you agree to the practices described here. If you don't agree, please don't use the site.
Contact for privacy questions: hikebytes@gmail.com

2. Information we collect
Information you give us directly:
 

• Email address — when you join our email list or create an account.

• Name — if you provide it at signup.

• Account credentials — when you create a member account (managed through our website platform).

• Location information — if you choose to provide your ZIP code or location to use the "distance to adventure" feature. [Remove this line if you don't launch that feature.]

• Payment information — when you purchase an Insider membership or single pack. We do not store your full card details ourselves; payments are processed by our payment provider (see Section 4).

• Communications — if you email us or reply to our emails.

Information collected automatically:

• Usage and device data — pages visited, links clicked, browser type, device type, approximate location derived from IP address, and referring site, collected through cookies and similar technologies by our website platform and analytics tools.

• Cookies — small files stored on your device that keep you logged in, remember preferences, and help us understand site usage. See Section 6.

Information from third parties:

• If you subscribe or interact with us through Patreon or YouTube, we may receive limited information from those platforms consistent with their policies and your settings.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. [If you ever direct content to minors or collect age data, this section needs to change — that data is treated as "sensitive" under California law.]

3. How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Insider access, deliver the adventure packs, maps, and files you're entitled to, and operate your account;

• Process payments and manage your subscription, including renewals and cancellations;

• Send you the emails you signed up for — new adventures, updates, and (if applicable) offers;

• Personalize features you opt into, such as showing distance from your location or your saved favorites;

• Respond to your messages and provide support;

• Understand how the site is used so we can improve it;

• Protect the security of the site, prevent fraud, and enforce our Terms;

• Comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it with third parties for their own marketing.

4. How we share information

We share information only with service providers who help us run the business, and only as needed for them to perform their service. These include:
ProviderWhat it doesWhat it handles
WixOur website, hosting, member accounts, and CMSAccount data, usage data, cookies
Wix Payments / [your payment provider]Processes subscription and pack paymentsPayment and billing information
SenderSends our marketing and account emailsEmail address, name, engagement data
PatreonMembership support (if you subscribe there)Data per Patreon's own policy
YouTube / GoogleVideo hosting and embedsData per Google's own policy
(Confirm this list matches your actual tools. Remove any you don't use; add any you do — e.g. analytics, a distance/geocoding API, Zapier if you use it.)
Each of these providers has its own privacy policy governing how it handles data. We may also disclose information if required by law, to enforce our agreements, or in connection with a business transfer (like a sale of the business).

5. How we protect and keep information

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect your information, and we rely on our platform providers (Wix and our payment processor) for secure hosting and payment handling. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, so we can't guarantee absolute security.
We keep personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service, and afterward only as long as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. You can ask us to delete your information (see Section 7).

6. Cookies and tracking

Our site uses cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember your preferences, and understand site usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them may affect how the site works (for example, staying logged in).
Our website platform provides a cookie consent tool where required. 
We honor browser-based opt-out preference signals, such as Global Privacy Control (GPC), where applicable. 

7. Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to:

• Know what personal information we've collected about you and how we use it;

• Access a copy of your personal information;

• Correct inaccurate information;

• Delete your personal information;

• Opt out of marketing emails at any time (use the unsubscribe link in any email, or contact us);

• Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights.

California residents: California law (the CCPA/CPRA) provides the rights above. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law. To exercise any right, contact us at [privacy@hikebytes.com] — we provide at least two contact methods: this email and [a web form / mailing address]. We'll verify your request and respond within the timeframes the law requires.
To exercise any of these rights, email [privacy@hikebytes.com]. We may need to verify your identity before acting on your request.

8. Email communications

When you join our list, we'll send you the emails you signed up for. Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time. We may still send you essential, non-marketing messages related to your account or purchases (like payment receipts or renewal notices).

9. Third-party links

Our site and content may link to third-party sites (AllTrails, Google Earth, YouTube, Patreon, and others). We're not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Review their policies before providing information to them.

10. Children's privacy

Our service is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided us information, contact us and we'll delete it.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date and, where appropriate, notify you. We review this policy at least once a year. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact us
Questions about this Privacy Policy or your information:
Hike Bytes hikebytes@gmail.com