MOUNTAIN BIKING SAFETY
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE RIDING
WHAT TO DO BEFORE RIDING :
DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING
It is vital that you keep on top of your bike ’ s maintenance so you don ’ t have any malfunctions on the trail . And even if you keep on top of it religiously , take a few minutes before riding to ensure everything is in working order and nothing is loose .
Besides keeping up on maintenance , you need to check the weather , make sure you have all your gear , and ensure you have enough water for your ride . If everything looks good , you ’ re ready to get moving .
WHAT TO DO ON THE TRAIL :
KEEP YOUR SPEED UNDER CONTROL
While many riders enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with careening down the mountainside , the faster you go , the more likely you are to wipe out . Be mindful of the terrain and take the safest route at an acceptable speed .
FOCUS
Whenever you mountain bike , your total focus should be on the trail . Avoid wearing earbuds or letting your mind wander . Keeping your full attention on the ride will help you notice impending dangers and hear people and animals ahead of you . While it ’ d make for an impressive story , I ’ m personally not interested in running headfirst into a moose .
DON ’ T HANG OUT ON THE TRAIL
What ’ s worse than a rough crash ? Crashing and then getting bulldozed by the people behind you . Save yourself and others a painful and embarrassing surprise encounter by moving off the path whenever you stop .
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DANGERS
If you fly around a corner , slam your brakes on gravel , or jump without preparing for the landing , you will undoubtedly crash . Assess risks as you ’ re going and use common sense to avoid unnecessary crashes and injuries . Lastly , keep an eye on trail conditions as you go and walk your cycle in particularly rough areas .
RIDING NEW TRAILS
It ’ s always exciting to try something new , but mountain trails each have their hazards . When riding one for the first time , take it slow and note any locations that have the potential to cause a crash .
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS ALWAYS BRING A BUDDY !
If you crash and burn in the middle of nowhere , you ’ re in trouble . Not only is it safer to ride with friends in case of an emergency , but it can also make your trip a whole lot more fun !
NEVER GO WITHOUT YOUR PHONE
No , this is not me enabling your internet addiction . Anything can happen out in nature , and we ’ d really like to avoid you getting stranded in a mountain survival situation . If something happens , whether you need an emergency evac or emergency pizza , you need to be able to call for help .
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