Aug 182009
If you are just getting into the hobby of Mountain biking, there are a few things you want to avoid. Unfortunately, I learned these Do-Nots the hard way. My self-sufficiency would not allow me to ride with an experienced Mountain Biker the first few trips out. As a result, I made some mistakes that took the shine off the hobby for a few weeks. I hope these dozen tips on preparing for a Mountain Biking trail ride will help you enjoy those first rides
A Dozen Do-Nots: Mountain Biking Ride Prep:
- Do not forget to properly hydrate. Drink lots of water hours before the ride .
- Do not forget to eat some carbs before the ride. An energy crash on the trail is no fun.
- Do not wear underwear under your biking shorts. The chamois pad and tighty whities will rub blisters.
- Do not forget to carry your camel pack. You will need to stay hydrated during the ride.
- Do not ride without protective eyewear. Tree branches poke out eyes.
- Do not ride without a spare tire tube & pump in your pack. Walking the bike out of the trail with a flat tire sucks.
- Do not ride without a helmet. You will get thrown off…You will hit your head eventually.
- Do not ride without gloves. You typically break your fall with your hands. Protect them.
- Do not ride in a cotton jersey. It does not wick away sweat and gets heavy fast.
- Do not ride with your cell phone in your pocket. When you go down it will get destroyed.
- Do not ride with keys in your pocket. They will leave a big bruise on your thigh when you get pitched.
- Do not ride without identification with you. If you are knocked unconscious, people need to know who you are.
However, if you do find yourself violating one of the Do-Nots and sustaining some bodily damage, remember the old adage: “Pain is temporary, glory is forever, and chicks dig scars….”
More in the Dozen Do-Nots Series:
Tags: A Dozen Do-nots, biking, Exercise, Mountain biking, Trail Riding
great tips, especially number 5, had this happen to me once, was not nice!
Getting poked in the eye on the trail is not good! I hope there was no permanent damage.
11. Been there done that. Got a nice big hole in my pants from the keys tearing their way out. This was commuting though so slightly different that trail riding.