Mountain Biking Trip:
What to Bring?
If you are setting out for a mountain biking trip, there are
essential things you need to bring. I suggest you consider
carrying the following items:
Bike
Obviously you need to have a bike. But I don't mean an
ordinary bike. You see, not all mountain bikes are the same.
Each is made for a particular terrain and weather condition. So
before heading out for the trip, ask yourself: do I have the
right type of bike? If your bike is not properly tuned with the
terrain you are heading to, you may want to replace some parts
first. Ask an experienced biker from your group what are the
parts that must be changed. Remember this: riding on a wrong
bike increases your chances of accidents.
Gear
After the bike comes the gear. Pad your hands with a good
pair of gloves. Regardless if it is full or cut-offs as long as
are wearing a pair and comfortable with it, it really doesn't
matter.
Helmet
A helmet is a no-brainer. Never leave without wearing
one.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are equally important as it protects your eyes
helps improve your vision of the terrain on all weather
conditions. Sunglasses come in different styles and color.
Choose one that has plastic frames and with the right color of
the shade.
Clothes
The type of clothes to wear depends on the weather
condition. There are different brands that sell a complete line
of biking clothes. This can be expensive so if you want to buy
a set or two, shop around. But if the budget doesn't permit, I
recommend that you just buy padded shorts. For tops, your
everyday cotton shirts will work just fine. Make sure that you
bring a wind breaker, extra t-shirts, a long sleeve shirt and
water-resistant jacket in case it rains.
Food
Biking burns calories. Long hours of mountain biking burn
even more. Pack up some high energy snacks that will give you
power to pedal throughout the day. High energy bars or fruits
like bananas and apples are good.
Hydration
Water is still the best form of liquid but with extra
physical work, you may want to bring energy drinks. Stay away
from coffee, caffeine tea and soda.
Hydration pack with a water bladder is highly recommended.
It allows you to drink liquid more conveniently and also gives
room to store some snacks, clothes and a pump. If you don't
have one and are not planning to buy anytime soon, bring water
bottle instead.
Tool Kit and Puncture Repair Kit
Never go on a trip without any of these even if you have the
most reliable bike in the world. If you haven't experienced a
puncture before, there is always a first time. Tool kit is for
mechanical repairs. Puncture repair kit help you repair tire
blow out. Bring the most compact but complete and functional
set of kits with you.
Link Extractor
Chain breaks happen because your sprocket and chain set do
not match or if you have an old set that suffers a lot of
stress. A link extractor allows you to repair damaged
chain.
Pump and Spare Inner Tube
Mini pump with gauge will come in handy after repairing your
punctured tire. If the damage is beyond repair, you must have
an inner tube ready to replace the damaged one.
Backpack
Where do you put all this stuff? Mountain biking backpacks
are designed to house every thing you need for your trip.
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