Mountain biking carries inherent risks, but by taking basic safety measures, you can enrich your experience and prevent serious injury. We put together a list of tips to help you stay rubber-side-down when you’re out on the trail.
Bringing more water than you anticipate drinking might force you to carry more weight than you’d like, but it’s the responsible thing to do. Whether you take a wrong turn while exploring a new trail system, suffer a major bike malfunction and end up lugging your rig all the way home, or spring a leak from your water supply, it always pays to have adequate hydration out on the trails. One way to ensure this is to use a mountain biking hydration pack and water bottle in conjunction. With a 2-liter hydration pack as your main water supply and a water bottle secured to your bike frame in a bottle cage, you can reduce your chances of ending up in a parched predicament. And if you’re riding outside of your normal and trusted crew, it’s nice to have some extra water for friends who didn’t come as prepared as you. Consider it a karma booster.
This comes in handy more in terms of general practice than a steadfast rule. A solo ride can be a great way to move at your own pace, work on technique, and catch a little quiet time. That being said, things don’t always go as planned out on the trails, and having at least one other person with you provides some reassurance that you won’t be left fending for yourself.
It’s always a good idea to ride with a friend when you’re exploring new and unfamiliar terrain. If you do head out for a solo ride, stick to trails that you know and make sure you’re prepared for the potential hiccups you may encounter.
Mountain biking’s growing popularity is outpacing trail development, and it’s putting a strain on trail networks all over the country. Making sure that you are well-versed in proper trail etiquette ensures that you won’t be the cause of any unpleasant encounters. In high traffic areas, all it takes is one moment of recklessness to cause a serious accident. For more on this subject, check out our blog, Trail Etiquette Refresher for Mountain Bikers.
When you’re exploring a new area, making sure that you have a solid understanding of the trail network will prevent the lengthy and cumbersome detours that can leave you in a bind. From uphill-only routes to rowdy downhill courses, trail systems often feature a wide range of options designed specifically for certain types of riding. Being certain you’re on the right trail, and headed in the right direction, will prevent potentially dangerous surprises.
There are tons of excellent websites that provide free access to thorough and interactive trail maps, which can be integral to first-time rides on unfamiliar trails. Also, bike shops commonly offer detailed maps of the local trails and a knowledgeable staff that can point you in the right direction.
If you happen to be in Park City, stop by our Jans Park Avenue location or White Pine Touring and pick up a copy of the current Mountain Trails Foundation summer trail map. A small donation of $5 is suggested, and all proceeds go back to the Park City trail system.
Visit Park City Mountain Trails Foundation for access to all the Park City mountain biking trail maps.
As burly and invincible as they seem at times, mountain bikes are not invincible. From flat tires and broken chains to loose bolts and broken spokes, there are a lot of ways your bike can break down. Having a proper bike repair kit, and knowing how to use it, is vital for mountain biking. Being prepared for the unexpected also entails knowing the weather forecast before heading out on the trails. In mountainous areas, inclement weather can move in quickly and fiercely. If there’s a chance of storms, pack proper rain gear and plan your potential bailout routes in advance.