Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be enjoyed by everyone who knows how to ride a bike. Mountain biking entails the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, whether riding specially equipped mountain bikes or hybrid road bikes. This individual sport requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance, and can be performed almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails.
The Bike Helmet
Nobody should be on a bike without a helmet. There have been too many people with serious head injuries that could have been prevented if they were wearing a helmet
Mountain Bike Gloves
Your hands are also one of the first things to come down to the ground when you crash and everyone crashes at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a great mountain bike accessory because they take the beating for you.
Mountain Bike Shoes
A good mountain bike shoe will be durable, comfortable and should have a stiff sole for better pedaling efficiency. You should also pick the right shoe for the terrain you will be riding in.
Trail Repair Kit
To be prepared bring a multi-tool designed to repair bikes, tire levers and a patch kit for fixing flats, an extra tube in case your tube us un-repairable, and a mini-pump.
Hydration System
It is easy to let yourself get dehydrated so bring water with you and drink it on the trail to keep your body running properly as you ride.
Eye Protection
Eye protection such as sunglasses or clear-lensed glasses help keep your eyes free from debris as well as protect them from the wind that can cause your eyes to tear and blur your vision
Safety tips
The best way to get into mountain biking is with a safe start. These bike safety resources can help you get started mountain biking the right way.
- Always wear a helmet and any other appropriate safety equipment for the riding conditions.
- Always keep your speed at a level that will allow you to adjust to any unforeseen obstacles or changes in trail conditions.
- Stop and look at sections of the trail that look like they may pose a challenge before you ride them.
- Find ways to practice moves in less difficult and dangerous situations or at lower speeds before committing yourself to something more dangerous.
- Never push the limits on a trail you are not familiar with. You need to get to know the trail you are riding at slower speeds before you can ride it like the trails you're used to.