Mountain Biking Safety
Tips
Plan Your Trip
Safety begins in planning and right preparation. Learn as
much information about the trail as you can; notarize local
authorities, acquire advance weather forecast; check your bike;
develop necessary biking skills; improve your endurance and
strength; and prepare the necessary items for the trip. These
are some of the things you must do before you set out on a
mountain biking trip.
Watch Out for Change in Weather
Summer storms can happen instantly and they are often
accompanied by high winds and heavy shower. If you are caught
at the wrong place, you may be in big trouble. Stay away from
lone trees or rocks during lightning storm. Get off ridges
before the rain starts. Keep your team together. If you sense
that the rain is coming, set up a makeshift shelter made from
leaves and branches on high grounds.
Keep Hydrated
Working your muscles for a prolonged period of time produces
sweat. Make sure that you replace the lost body fluids by
re-hydrating regularly. Smaller and frequent sips are better
than gulping the whole content of your water bottle at once. Do
not wait until you are thirsty, especially when riding on cold
weather conditions. Cold weather suppresses thirst so follow
similar hydration practice.
Water is still the best liquid to drink while biking. Energy
drinks are also good. Do not substitute water with soda, coffee
or caffeine tea. These fluids are proven to have diuretic
effects.
Ride with a Group
If you are riding alone, you are either suicidal or your
life is just plain miserable. Okay, you are neither. Still, you
should not be doing it in long biking trips. The importance of
riding with a group cannot be stressed enough. A group makes
riding fun and enjoyable. It is also your first line of defense
in case you get into an accident while in the trail.
Bad things happen outdoors and help can be miles away. Make
sure that there are people around you who can call for help in
case you need immediate medical aid.
Ride Properly
There is no better way to invite a disaster than by doing
crazy things while on the trail. Never attempt to cross a cliff
if you think you can't do it. Do not cross a river if you
know you can't. Do not accelerate when approaching sharp curves
and uneven terrain.
Always keep your speed in check. It will only take a split
second of negligence for an accident to happen. Stay focus all
the time. Walk and carry your bike if you can't ride.
Travel Light
If there is any rule that applies to anything that involves
outdoor adventure, this may be it. During mountain biking
trips, it is not advisable to carry a large bag on your back.
Not only it tires you fast, it also reduces your balance while
riding. Bring the things that are only necessary for the trip
such as first aid kit, tire repair kit, multi-tool kit, enough
food and water, flashlight, matches and some clothes. Do
not forget to bring a cellular phone or a satellite phone – it
is your saving grace in case something bad happens.
Give Your Complete Itineraries to a Friend or a Family
Member
On a piece of paper, write the names can contact numbers of
each member of the group, the place where you are going and
expected time of return. Give it to someone who will be left
behind at home so that if you do not return as expected, they
can contact authorities.
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