Biking can be one of the most fun as well as challenging activity you can embark on! Mountain biking makes you pant and toil up the hill, but ultimately that view from the top is worth it! One sure needs to follow certain standards of safety and safety is paramount, so here’s a few tips you should keep in mind when you go mountain biking –
Brake Safety – When you check your bike before you leave on the trail, start with a quick break check. Lift up each wheel individually and pull on the brakes to ensure they work properly. You don’t want a stretched brake cable, worn brake pads or brakes that are unaligned with the discs or the rims.
Tyre Safety – Make sure the pressure is perfect; too low and you will end up with a flat tyre halfway up the mountain. Tyres lose air over time, so check carefully and use a pump gauge if you are unsure.
Gear and Chain Safety – Mountain bikes almost always come equipped with gears; run a quick check on them to see that they are working properly. However, do keep in mind that smooth gear transition happens only when you’ve been biking for a while; once you get the feel of it, you’ll be able to tell when it needs replacing, re-aligning, lubing or even tightening. When it comes to the bike chain, you want to make sure that it’s properly oiled and running smoothly. You don’t want the chain breaking in the middle of the woods or locking your wheels halfway up the side of the hill.
Head Safety – With your bike ready and set to go, you need to protect your physical self too! Most important – get your helmet! Get one that fits comfortably, doesn’t slip forward or backward while you’re on a bumpy trail. Also add other gear to your person, like gel sheets, gloves, proper biking shoes, protective glasses, the right kind of clothes for the area/weather you’re biking in, etc.
Basic First-Aid – Carry your quick medicines with you! Brush up on your basic first aid techniques and be ready for any situation. Don’t get caught unawares in the middle of the woods!
These things may seem like generic, basic tips, but they’re a road map to begin mountain biking! Use them to get started; the more experienced you get, the easier and more fun it’ll get!
