Mountain biking can be equally exciting and scary. On the one hand, you have the opportunity to experience nature in a whole new way and to get your adrenaline fix very easily. On the other, it’s easy to get lost and hard to get back to civilization if you have an accident or an emergency. Taking precautions ensures that you stay safe on any mountain bike ride, and those precautions come in many aspects.
Don’t go above your skill level
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When you’re just starting out, you usually want to get to the best trails right away. However, this is a recipe for getting hurt. Instead, you should stick to trails that are meant for your skill level. You’ll easily improve and get to the good trails, so try to have a little patience and hone your skills on safer terrain.
A lot of websites today have detailed explanations of trails all over the world, so you can find some reviews for the trails in your area. This will help you find the best trail for your skill level and give you a sense of what you can expect on your next ride. As well as that, these kinds of reviews usually give riders tips for a better experience.
Get to know the trail first
If you want to explore a new trail, don’t ride your mountain bike into it head on. It’s always a good idea to take a walk there first and see what exactly you’ll be dealing with. When it comes to more difficult trails, taking this step in preparation for your ride is even more important.
Pay special attention to sketchy sections, sections where the terrain changes, and sections where the path isn’t so clear. Try to imagine how you would deal with this trail on your bike and determine whether you can actually handle it. If you can’t come up with a solution how you would get over a certain hump, perhaps it’s best to choose an easier trail for the time being.
Make use of tech
There is a lot of tech today that can contribute to a safer mountain biking experience. GPS watches and computers are just part of it. By having this technology with you, you can see the mapped out route at all times. This means you know what you can expect and how to adjust to the changing terrain without losing control over your bike.
This is especially true for bike computers, as the mapped out routes they have include information about the upcoming climbs. Watches can monitor your stress levels and overall health, allowing you to more accurately determine when you need to take breaks and ensuring you stay in good shape for the whole ride.
Never go alone
When you’re just starting out, it’s better to mountain bike with a friend than by yourself. It’s even better if the friend is a more experienced rider. They can show you the ropes and you can feel more secure in your first rides. Even if you’ve been at it for a while, consider taking a friend when you’re exploring new terrain or going biking and camping.
Having a buddy lessens your chances of getting lost and ensures someone is there in case of an emergency. It’s also great bonding time, so you definitely won’t regret sharing this experience with someone you care about.
Don’t forget your helmet
A lot of bikers don’t think a good helmet is necessary because they’ll just focus on being careful. However, mountain biking is full of undepictable twists and turns, and you can easily fall. This is especially true if you’re just starting out.
If you can wear a helmet, why would you risk injury without one? Good helmets aren’t hard to come by today and they don’t cost a lot of money, so there’s really no excuse for not wearing one. Make sure you find a comfortable, padded one, and you won’t even notice you’re wearing it.
When it comes to falls, your helmet can seriously save your life. In a bad fall, you would end up with minor injuries or a concussion instead of splitting your head open.
Invest in a quality bike
There are a lot of bikes out there, but a high-quality mountain bike is your best choice for mountain rides. These bikes were designed specifically to handle the rough terrain you’ll be facing. Going with another type of bike for such a route could put your health or even life in danger, as you won’t be able to shift gears as quickly or your wheels won’t have enough traction to handle the climb.
It’s not enough to just get the right type of bike, though, as you have to make sure it’s high-quality. Going with a cheaper bike might make sense if you’re just starting out, but those bikes don’t give you a lot of room for advancement and only allow you to explore tamer routes.
Get a camera
A go pro camera can easily be mounted on your bike or your helmet. It’s a great tool for documenting your adventures for multiple reasons. First off, it can help you improve your skills and see where you’re making mistakes. This makes you safer in the long run, especially if you plan on doing this hobby for a long time.
Secondly, and more importantly, it can document any potential accidents or emergencies. If you’re riding in an area with a lot of hikers or cars, you can have clear cut evidence that what happened isn’t your fault. You also have the person on video, so you can hold them accountable with the right authorities.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things you can do to ensure your safety on a mountain road. This guide is especially important for beginners, as advanced riders already have some experience in dealing with potential issues that can come up on the road. We’re confident you’ll have a safe and fun trip if you apply these pieces of advice to your biking routine.
