How to Start Mountain Biking Safely
How to mountain bike safely is a common question many cyclists or beginners ask, and in some cases, this is a necessary question. I have been biking and all the trails I have ridden require riders to use safety gear such as a helmet. Helmets are very important safety gear; they protect the head, thus protecting the brain. It will protect you from different objects that may harm you in anyway. These objects can include: ramps, rocks, logs, bricks, and bridges. Bridges can be the most dangerous; I have ridden on a trail with a bridge 15 feet in height. Say you don’t have a helmet on and you fall off a bridge of that height, the outcome would most likely not be very pretty. Check with local trails even if they don’t require a helmet, wear it anyway!
Image by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious via Flickr
The next bit of safety advice is more or less common sense, but I shall address it anyway. Before you go out and kill yourself on a trail (not literally), check a guide book. Most trails have rankings of difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. That being said if it’s your first time mountain biking, start on an easier trail then work your way up to the bad boys. Trails can be from 2 miles long to 10 miles long and, in a lot of cases, more than that. Also, if you are an inexperienced rider, you probably shouldn’t ride alone. Trails may sometimes bring unexpected surprises, so if available, carry a cell phone. Finally, you should always bring snacks and water. You must keep your body hydrated; you wouldn’t want to pass out while riding next to a cliff would you? I have found hydration packs that are worn like a backpack are the best option. The terrain on more advanced trails is so rough sometimes water bottles fall out of their holder. Energy bars are a good option for nourishment while riding.
Another major aspect of mountain bike safety is the bike itself. Unfortunately, some people couldn’t afford to ride. You must have a quality bike at your hands. Most local bike shops would lead you in the right direction for your needs in terms of bikes and necessary accessories. A bike bought from a large global retail store is not a good option. I have seen firsthand a ‘retail’ bike practically fall apart on an average trail. Buy a major brand bike – it will provide better service and be cheaper in the long run. Remember, when you buy a bike from a small shop, you get better service and keep those small shops in business. Cheap bike parts will let you down on a trail, say a tire falls off; it becomes an immediate safety issue. A bike around $200-$400 is perfect if you want value and longevity of the product. Remember to always check the condition of your bike before taking it on the trails.
It is always smart to bring tools in case of on trail repairs. Believe me you will have some repairs to make, it’s inevitable. I bring wrenches, multi-tools, and a can of tire inflation. You may even want to bring commonly used parts for repairs. Parts you will eventually need as your mountain biking hobby continues are tire inner tubes. If you get a flat and have to walk the rest of the way with your bike, you would regret not keeping a spare tube with you. This may seem like a ton of stuff to have but all you need is a backpack or hydration pack to store it and you are good to go.
Sharing the trails with others is almost a must. There are very few trails open to mountain bikers only so you must share. Trails may be usable by: hikers, horses, motorized toys such as quads, and wildlife. Always pay attention to surroundings because if a deer can total a car, imagine what it can do to a biker. Never spook animals like horses and their riders – if not for your safety, at least for theirs. Keep your speed in check, you wouldn’t want to wreck into someone because you were going too fast. Do not get annoyed with motorized vehicles passing you, it’s going to happen so just move out of the way and let them by. Just like driving, if there is blind spot around a curve, take it safe and slow.
Prepare to be amazed, biking is some of the most fun you can have. Trails offer many natural objects aside from the man-made technicalities mentioned above. Creeks and waterways are by far the most difficult to ride. On a trail, do not test your limits. If you don’t think you will make it, don’t try! A lot of trails have alternate paths to take you around dangerous parts. If you are up to a challenge then by all means take the safer route, especially if you are a beginner.
Have fun! Sometimes it is good to have a challenge, even if it is dangerous. There is a first for everything so you may have to be unsafe for a second. If you know you’re up to a dangerous challenge, plan ahead of time. Make sure you have a ‘Plan B’ in case something goes wrong. Be courteous to other riders. If they are in a pit of problems, stop and lend them a hand. I have lost count to how many times people have stop and given me a hand in times of trouble.
In conclusion, you need to stay safe in the sport of mountain biking. Major areas of concern were: beginning riding, common sense topics, bike and parts quality, resting/hydration, other supplies, sharing trails, Mother Nature’s objects, and tempting challenges. This article sums up the major safety aspects of biking. This is a sport and sports have safety regulations so remember to check with your area laws and guidelines of the trails. Remember to be safe and to always have fun!