Mountain Biking Safety Guide For Casual Riders
Mountain biking is a lot of fun. There’s nothing quite like heading off-road and exploring new exciting trails with other riders. Getting out into the great outdoors on two wheels offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature, interact with wildlife and appreciate just some of the incredible scenery that Australia has to offer. It’s also a great way to keep fit and get your adrenaline fix as you push your limits on the trails.
However, just like any sport, there are some risks and dangers that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re a complete newbie to the sport or you are a casual rider, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are always safe on the trails. As much as you might like to jump on your mountain bike and hit the trails with little or no preparation, this is never a good idea! Be sure to take measures to ride responsibly and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time on the trails.
Let’s take a look at just some of the things that you can do to ensure that you stay safe on your next mountain biking trip.
Equip Yourself With The Correct Gear
When you’re taking out your mountain bikes to go ride, it’s crucial that you have the right equipment to keep you safe. You will need a good quality helmet to prevent head injuries and gloves are essential in preventing injuries while also giving you more grip and better control over your bike. Protective guards for your elbows, knees, and shins are also advised to make those falls a little easier to deal with. Finally, you will need a decent pair of shoes with a good grip so that you don’t slip on the pedals and come off your bike unexpectedly.
Know Where You’re Going
Venturing into new areas and terrain can be very exciting, however, if you’ve never been there before you could end up in a dangerous situation quickly. Trails are usually graded in terms of their difficulty and the experience required to ride them. Do a few recce rides first to get a feel for the trails. This way you will always be prepared for what might be around the next corner or over that next hill. Talk to other riders and ask for advice if you are unsure about anything. Mountain bikers are typically a friendly group who will be more than happy to give you the right advice on where to ride safely.
Don’t Push Yourself Too Soon
If you’re riding casually, you won’t be at the same skill level as someone who rides more regularly. While it’s important to push yourself in order to progress, it’s also important to take you time and be patient so that you don’t get injured. To stay safe, stick to what you know, don’t go too fast and avoid taking any unnecessary risks on the trails. Once you get your confidence up a little, you can start to push a little bit harder and try to evolve your riding even further. The last thing you want is to try too much too soon and end up taking a tumble that could hurt you and keep your out of the saddle for weeks. Be patient, be safe and get more out of your time on the trails.
Be Safe And Enjoy The Ride!
Once you have chosen the right equipment to keep you safe and you have chosen a route that is suitable for your ability level, all that is left to do is to hit the trails and ride. As a casual rider, it won’t be long until you are etching out more time in your schedule to ride more and to take your mountain biking to the next level. As a progressive sport, there is no limit to what you can achieve on the trails. Just be sure to take it slow in the beginning, know your abilities and stay safe so you can spend more time honing your skills in the saddle.