Mountain Biking Expedition: Do’s and Don’ts

There are lots of good reasons to be free and be wild on the great outdoors. After all, this is the time to relax, forget work, have fun and be with your friends. Just make sure that you remember the following:

Do’s

• Arrive in good physical condition.

Improve your overall physical condition at least one or two months before the trip. Train harder as the day nears. Ride regularly and combine it with weight training to develop muscle.

• Bring the right equipment.

Your backpack should include multi-tools (wrenches for nuts and bolts), tire repair kit (pump, spare inner tube, patches and glue), first aid kit, blanket/sleeping bag, flashlight, matches, cellular phone or satellite phone, and money.

If possible, assign someone to carry one or some items that need not to be duplicated like multi-tools and pump.

• Wear the right clothes.

Being trendy is good but it is often unnecessary. Wear clothes that are comfortable and right for the weather condition.

• Check your bike.

Just like your car, mountain bikes need to be checked, especially if are going for a long trip. Check the tires, suspension, chains, gears, brakes, nuts and bolts. Any small damage can become a big problem on the road. Replace parts that need to be replaced to minimize the chances of breakdown.

• Know the trail

Any seasoned mountain biker would agree that experience and skill is no match with knowledge of the trail. Learn every curve, bend, dips, terrain condition, and everything that can be learned about the trail. This way, you will be able to plan your sleep and anticipate danger even before you arrive in the area.

• Take extra caution

Wear your helmet and gloves. Keep your speed in check. Do not ride too fast. Keep in control of your bike and plan your crash at all times.

• Inform a family member or a friend about your trip

Write down everything about your trip including, the location, your itineraries, and expected time and day of return.

Don’ts

• Don’t ignore safety warnings

Most biking trails have rules, safety warnings and markers. They are designed for your safety so make sure that you follow all of them. There are places where you can bend or even break the rules; this is not one of those.

• Don’t ride beyond your skill

Most beginners commit one common mistake: becoming too proud of themselves. This can be dangerous as they try stunts and stuffs that are beyond their capability. Remember, there is no shame on walking and carrying your bike if you are not comfortable riding on it. If you are not sure that you can cross rivers or traverse cliffs on your bike, do not even attempt to do it.

• Don’t try anything stupid

If you don’t want to be airlifted and spend several days in the hospital, then make sure that you keep your actions checked. Never ride alone. Keep up with the pace of the group. If you think you are the weakest person, insist that you ride in the middle of the pack. If you think you are the strongest, then don’t think that you can do everything you want. Stay as a team at all times. Do not ride ahead or behind of the main party.

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How to Prepare for Winter Mountain Biking Adventure

Mountain biking is more commonly done during summer. But if you feel like riding during the cold season where everyone is hibernating in their homes, you are free to do so. But just like any other winter activities, certain preparation is necessary to ensure the safety of every member of your team.

I said “team” because I don’t recommend you, conquering any trail alone. You must have at least one riding companion. The following are the general ways to prepare for your winter biking adventure:

Be physically fit
One of the better ways to stay safe while on the trail is to prepare for it physically. Design a training plan that includes weight training to develop strength and cardio activities to improve your endurance. Do it at least 3 times a week for one or two months before your scheduled trip. I recommend that you train with your group members. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Get enough sleep and rest.

Moreover, mountain biking skill and physical fitness vary so before setting out, know each member’s strengths and weakness. Never try anything that is beyond the ability of the weakest person. Stick together as a group. Do not allow any member to be left behind and go ahead of the main party.

Plan
Know the trail. The worst thing that can happen to you out there is to be on an accident. Once you have identified where you want to ride your bike, do your homework. Get a map of the trail at least a week before your actual trip and know where sharp curves, steep descends, and dangerous areas are.

Get the weather report.
Winter season can have unpredictable weather patterns – especially on high altitude areas. Get an extended forecast. Do not forget to check with authorities. Forrest rangers know their areas very well. They carry important information about the trail, the condition of the place and the possible problems that may occur so you may prepare for it.

Bring the necessary equipment
The items you should bring depend on the condition of the trail and the proximity of the trail from your home. But there are things that are mandatory to bring: sufficient food and water, puncture kit (spare inner tube, pump, patches and glue), basic tool kit for bike repair, flashlights, and first aid kit. You should also carry an identification and medical info, map, compass (GPS if you have one), money, bike headlight, matches, whistle, and cellular phone or satellite phone.

Wear proper clothes
Whether you are planning to stay overnight on the trail or go back to your home at the end of the day, never take clothes for granted. Wear jacket or windbreaker that is suited for the temperature. Clothes that are compact, lightweight and can resist freezing temperature should be in your backpack. Keep your toes and fingers well-insulated. An outdoor blanket is a must if you are going out for days.

Let your family or friends know where you are
List your itineraries and give it you your family or friends who will be left behind. List down each member’s name, addresses and contact persons in case of emergency, license plate of the vehicle you are using (if there is any), and expected time of return.

Have fun and be safe!

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Mountain Biking: Keeping the Fun Side Alive!

Let us face it, most of us have the best intentions when we start mountain biking. And during the first few months of riding, the enthusiasm is high. You even tell to yourself, “this time I am serious and will not quit.” You ride for hours several times a week; shop sets of bike gears; upgrade the parts of your bike; or even buy a new bike. But just like other leisure and sport, your interest may begin to go down because you begin to create excuses for yourself such as you are busy with your work or you are tired and you cannot ride even on weekends. Once you start feeling this way, everything is downhill unless you do something about it. Do you want to know how to keep interested on mountain biking? Read on…

Prioritize.
The best way to quit mountain biking is create excuses such as lack of time and doing other much important things. While you really have to work or to do some important stuff in your life, it is really not an excuse to skip. How come you are able to do things other than biking? Think of it this way, if you put mountain biking on the top of your “things-to-do,” would you still have the reason to skip? Learn to prioritize.

Do not ride too much.
Many mountain bikers who have decided to sit on the couch and watch tv instead of ride their bike have reasoned that they have lost interest in it. This is probably because they ride too much during the first weeks and get tired immediately. What you should do is to make a schedule at least once a week but not more than 5 times a week.

Do not buy upgrades all at the same time.
Many beginners are very enthusiastic about their newly-found hobby that they spend big amount of money to buy everything to make their bike the best. While there is nothing wrong with this, the tendency is to become a victim of their own obsession and losing interest right after because there is nothing more to do. Why not buy a bike and upgrade one part of the bike, enjoy it for a while before you buy another upgrade. This way, you always have something to look forward to and keep your anticipation and interest high.

Get a riding buddy/join a group of rider
Riding alone is good but riding with someone is better. If you know that someone is waiting for you on the trial, you will likely not skip. Or if your group have a scheduled time and day to ride together, you are more likely to be there.

Music
If you are getting tired of hearing nothing but the sound of your own breathing, then why not bring your MP3 player and play some music while you navigate through the mountain? Music keeps you entertained during long hours of driving. It does the same thing when mountain biking.

Ride on different trails
You will certainly get bored and lose interest if you ride on the same trail over and over again. Find other places to ride. Take this time to explore other areas you haven’t been to. Ride on at least 4 or 5 trails a month, one trail each week. If it is not possible to have many trails, change your riding route regularly and present yourself with new challenges.

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Basic Mountain Biking Skills

Taking the first stride is always the hardest thing to do so I have compiled the basic mountain biking skills you should possess to get you started. For some, these are very obvious; for beginners, these are very helpful.

Brake better, go faster
Every sports car has 2 things in common: large engine and high-performance brakes. This way, even if it runs fast, it can slow down quickly. No sports car is eligible to run at high speed without having good set brakes. This should also be your principle when riding a mountain bike. If you want to improve your speed, invest on good set of brakes.

The Gear Factor
If you know how to drive a car, then you know how important it is to drive on the right gear. The same thing applies on a mountain bike. Low gears are easier to pedal, but slow on acceleration. High gears are much harder but will give you abrupt acceleration. Low gears will help you climb stiff hills. High gears will drive you fast on level terrain. Do not start on high gears. Start low and gradually increase as you gain speed.

The Instant Turn
If you are about to hit a tree, a car or a large rock, you have to learn how to make a quick turn. To turn sharply to the left, steer sharply to the right. This will make your body lean to the left. Then make a hard left turn, steering into the lean and away from your obstacle. While this takes some practice, it can be very useful on emergency situations. Ease up on the rear brake if your rear tire begins to skid. Ease up on the front brake if your rear tire lifts off the ground.

Slowing Down
Riding fast lessens your reaction time significantly. So if you need to slow down to avoid something in front of you, do the following procedures: Shift your body weight as far back as possible, lower your body as low as you can, and squeeze front and rear brakes evenly. Avoid hitting the brake hard if your body is not properly aligned with your bike or if you are making a turn.

I think I’m falling
Yeah, yeah… It may sound so cheesy but the fact is, there is nothing cheesy when your face is about to crash on the rocks and you are about to experience wipe-out of a lifetime. Aside from learning how to ride the bike, the second, most important things you should learn is how to take the fall. The key is alertness. Anticipate all the possible scenarios that can happen on the trail. While the best thing to do when you know you are about to fall is to slow down by braking, make sure that you have an escape route in case your brake fails. Do not go flying up into the air while sticking your arm to protect your fall. Instead, tuck your body and plan your fall – choose where to land best. Do not keep your eyes off the trail. Do not stiffen your muscles.

Practice is said to make one perfect. But in the case of crashing, there is no better way to make the perfect fall than by keeping in control at all times even if you are about to fall 30 feet down the cliff.

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Gift Ideas for Mountain Biking Enthusiasts

If you are trouble with what gift to give for a friend, a relative or a love one, the best source of idea is his or her hobby. If he or she loves mountain biking, here are some gift ideas to take note of:

Air-pump
While it is nice to have a floor pump ready in the garage, most flat-outs happen on the trail. In fact, it is the most common problem bikers experience. Portable or mini air-pump is a real life saver. So if you know that he or she doesn’t carry a mini pump while on the trail, consider this as your first gift choice. Throw in a pressure gauge too. Or better yet, buy a mini air-pump with built-in pressure gauge.

Spare Inner Tube
At any given point, mountain bikers can experience a flat. Sometimes, tires get ruptured beyond repair and must be replaced while in the trail. It would really help if you buy spare inner tube as a gift to save your biker friend from walking a long way down the mountain carrying his bike in case he hits a nasty bump.

Trail multi-tool
Aside from portable air-pump, every mountain biker should carry a trail multi-tool in case of breakdown while on the trail. There are different kinds of trail-multi tool on the market. I suggest that you buy one that has a built-in chain tool.

Sunglasses
Sunglasses function as protection from dust, insects, and other particles that can enter the eyes while riding. They also serve as filter and light enhancer. Go for functional and stylish sunglasses.

Gloves
Wearing a pair of gloves is a must during riding. It protects the biker’s palms and fingers during crash. As a gift, it is something that bikers can’t have too many of.

Backpack
A backpack that can house everything a biker needs is another gift option.

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
A stylish water bottle is another gift idea that you cannot get wrong with as any style, size and color will do. Hydration pack with bladder on the other hand has gained more popularity as it is more convenient to drink from and has enough room for the biker’s snack, pump and tools at the same time.

Mountain Bike Apparel
This is easy and probably the safest way to make him or her happy. Bike shirts, jackets and shorts are most appreciated. There are hundreds of types and several brands to choose from. All you need to do is to know his size and his taste.

Upgrades
Figuring out which part of your friend’s bike needs to be upgraded is the tricky part. But you can easily get a clue during conversation. If it is the bike that is the topic, you can always casually ask the parts that he or she wants to get replaced. It can be a surprise if you secretly bring it to the bike shop and have something upgraded.

A New Bike
Feeling extremely generous? Why not give him or her a brand new bike? But don’t just go a bike dealer and point on one bike on display (or browse online and buy the first bike on the list). You must know what he or she wants and needs. Have a casual talk or go to a bike dealer with him (or her) and observe his (or her) movements.

You will surely get a clue of what type of bike he or she wants.

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Mountain Biking Accessories Must Haves

Entering a bike shop, it is very overwhelming for beginners to see a wide array of mountain biking products, each shouting, “buy me!” The question now is, “should you give in?” While many biking product are indeed necessary, there are some you can ride without or nice to have. Here is a list of necessary mountain biking accessories that you must have. Unmentioned ones are optional.

Helmet
Not only it is stupid not to wear one, most public parks and trails prohibit riding without a helmet. Buy it the moment you buy your bike. Many serious head injuries can be prevented by just wearing a helmet. Look for a helmet that provides better insulation; fits properly to your head; and with chin strap to secure it to your head.

Gloves
Gloves serve double purpose: to improve your grip on the handlebar and to protect your hand from cuts and bruises in case you crash. Since the natural tendency during crash is to stretch the arms to cushion the fall, the palms take the most beating. While I do not advice you to use your hands to protect your body from the fall, I will not recommend riding without it. You can choose between cutoff and full-fingered gloves, but I suggest full-fingered. Gloves are the second most important accessory you should have next to helmet.

Repair kit
There is nothing worse than having a breakdown in the middle of nowhere and you cannot do anything about it. Make sure that you put equal importance to repair kit as you can never tell when you will hit a major bump and blow your tire out or when will your chain break due to excessive metal stress. That said, your repair kit should include chain repair tool and tire repair tools such as patches, glue, portable pump with gauge and a spare inner tube. Also include multi-tool set with wrenches to repair mechanical damages.

Hydration system
Just like any other physical activity, mountain biking causes your body to heat up and sweat to keep your core temperature normal. As you sweat, you lose substantial amount of water, and even more if biking is extended for a longer period of time. To replace the water lost and avoid dehydration, you must drink fluid regularly. Water bottle is enough but if you can afford a hydration pack with bladder, it is much better.

Eye protection
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. Glasses offer protection from dust, insects, wind and other foreign objects that can enter your eyes while mountain biking. Glasses also protect you from infrared radiation and ultra-violet rays and it can be used to filter or enhance lighting.

Clothes
The point of buying clothes especially made for biking is to provide enough protection and comfort while riding. But regular shirt and sweatpants are good enough.

Choosing among different brands of bike clothing can be difficult and expensive. Your task is to prioritize what to buy. I suggest that you invest on padded biking shorts first since you have shirts and jackets you can readily pull out from your closet.

Shoes
To add comfort while pedaling, specially-made bike shoes are available. Pick the right shoe that will fit to the terrain you will be riding in and will fit to the type of pedal your bike has.

The accessories are listed according to importance. If the combined cost of all these products goes beyond the budget you set, prioritize on buying the things from the top of the list down.

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Mountain Biking Conduct and Etiquette

As a recreational activity, mountain biking should be fun. But that doesn’t mean you free to do whatever you want. When riding on national parks and public trails, you are more likely to encounter hikers, joggers and horseback riders using the same trails. Since you are traveling at a faster speed than others, it is important to take precautions, observe proper conduct and show consideration for others.

Below is the list of proper conduct and etiquette that you must observe while in the area:

Go easy with hikers. When you have to pass them, slow down and make sure they know that you are there. Do not pass in top speed, otherwise you will startle them. You may even receive negative reaction if you do not slow down. Once you have seen persons in front of you, reduce substantial speed as you get near and make some noise so that they will know that you are coming. A greeting or a bell is good but sometimes, foot scrape, gear shift or any subtle noise is enough. Never assume that they have seen you until they look up.

Do not forget to thank them for giving you their right of way. Pass with care especially if there are young children and pet animals. The key is to show respect and be polite.

Give way – If you see other bikers or hikers coming your way, the best thing you can do is to slow down until you reach full stop and let them pass, especially if the track is narrow or if they are coming from above. Add some smile on your face and a polite nod.

Never scare horses and other animals – Horses are often scared of bikes. If you see equestrians coming your way, make sure that you dismount at least 15 meters from the horse. Most horse owners will appreciate this gesture and will thank you. Also you will never know if you are dealing with horseback rider or an inexperienced horse so initiate courtesy.

Moreover, do not make any abrupt movements that will scare the pet animals of other people on the trail. Be respectful with the owners and they will surely appreciate you. Keep your distance from any animals you have seen on the wild whether it is dangerous or not. Do not disturb them because they may attack. Remember that animals are more scared than you but they will not hesitate to fight back if you pose any threat to them.

Leave no traces – Do not throw anything on the trail. Bring a small bag to place all your trash. Candy and food wrappers, plastic cups, empty glue tubes and bike parts are non-biodegradable. Stay on the trail. If you cannot ride the trail, dismount, carry your bike and walk through it. Do not create new paths to avoid bike tracks that may be followed by other bikers. If you are going to ride on private property, make sure that you ask permission from the owner.

These are some of the things you must do as a mountain biker to show your respect and consideration to others and the environment. Take this in mind whenever you set out on a mountain biking trip or even if you are going for a quick ride to a public park.

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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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Stay Away from Danger: An Idiot Guide to Mountain Biking

The basic skill needed to ride a road bike maybe the same with mountain bike. The main difference however is the terrain. While it is easier to manage on smooth paved road, off-road is entirely a different story. Mountain biking requires better skill and more conscious riding. Here are some of the things you should do to stay safe while riding:

Wear proper gears – Keeping your butt on the seat, your feet on the pedals, and your hands on the handlebar is not always possible. You may crash and may suffer minor cuts and bruises along the way. To minimize injury, you have to wear the proper gears. Wear the right helmet whenever you go for a ride. Not because it is prohibited to ride without a helmet, but because it can save your head from possible injury if you crash. Wear gloves (full or cut offs, it is your choice to make) as it protect your hand from falls, cuts and blisters.

Ride within your abilities – Admit it, there are better riders than you and there is no shame in walking and carrying your bike on some sections of the trail if you don’t feel comfortable riding. You don’t have to prove anything. It is better to be safe than risking your life and limb on a trail that you know you can’t ride. It is also equally important to know your physical fitness. Pushing yourself beyond your physical capacity may get your into trouble. Do not ride on a long and steep trail of you don’t have the physical capability.

Use the right bike – Not all mountain bikes are the same. Some are better for certain terrain and weather conditions than others. Make sure that your bike is designed for that particular trail.

Take extra caution when riding downhill and on blind curves – Mountain biking is almost similar with driving a car. The only thing that sets them apart is that when you ride your bike you will likely get a wipe out if you lose control when riding downhill and on blind curves – you will likely get a facial encounter with the rock, sand and mud which can be nasty. Be careful. Slow down. Always be in control.

Always have a crash plan – Any trail can be a venue for disaster so aside from keeping control with your bike, you need to plan your crash. Have a mental simulation on the possible scenario and the things you should do to protect yourself if in case you lose control. Never underestimate any type of trail. Sometimes, what looks so easy to ride is actually deadly to crash.

Know the trail – Any mountain biker will agree that knowledge of the trail is better than years of experience. Do not push your limits on an unfamiliar trail. Get to know it first. And even then, you have to take the outmost care.

Keep your speed in check – The faster you get, the least time you have to react on unforeseen changes in the trail’s condition. Sharp bends, a ditch or muddy holes are venues for crashes and can only be dealt properly with the right speed.

Finally, keep your attitude in check – Having a good bike and wearing a complete gear do not equate to total safety. Do not be too proud of yourself. Do not be overconfident. Stay focus at all times.

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Mountain Biking: Racing for the First Time

Contrary to the popular notion that only the very strong, well-sponsored and aggressive riders can enter a competitive mountain biking race, everyone – even you – can become part of it.

Who can race?
Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: gender, age and ability. So even if you are just beginning to love the sport or if you have been riding for several years, there is a race for you.

Who organizes the race?
Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by local communities. And most participants can be your friends and neighbors. How many joins this race? Depending on its popularity – maybe 30 or 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that they are less competitive as they are often participated by average riders like you. So if it is your first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find if there are race events nearby.

Why race?
Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better than in casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips. Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?
Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35. This usually includes t-shirt. Regional races are a bit higher. Often, gift certificates and bike gears are given and prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc. So there are several chances of winning. When they speak of the “depth”, it means the number of places that is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are “five deep”, that means prizes are given from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it is not about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?
Know if you should be “self-supporting”, meaning you have to provide everything you need during the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch powerbars while riding or get water-bottle from your pit-crew as turn a lap. These are important details to know.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking race. First, do not mess with other riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and use him as shield block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is fun and camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else’s bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?
Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to familiarize the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need a night before.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do some final check with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day’s event.

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