Mountain biking is such a rush!
As you take twists and turns on a challenging trail, your heart pumps with excitement…
You feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the ground beneath your wheels speed by as the adrenaline rush locks you in an absolute frenzy!
But biking is not just all sunshine and rainbows, especially when you are ripping it without any care.
Biking trails have a lot of unknowns. There are roots protruding, rocks to avoid, and other hazards that can send you flying if you are not careful.
Therefore, prioritize safety before embarking on any adrenaline-pumping mountain riding adventures, as it is the difference between a thrilling ride and a trip to the ER.
So, here are three mountain biking safety tips for thrilling trail rides.
1. Essential Mountain Biking Safety Gear
Protective gear should be the first thing you think about before deciding which trail to explore.
As shown in the table below, various protective bike gear can help in the following ways.
Protective bike gear | How it helps |
Helmet | A helmet protects your head from impacts, keeping you safe from brain injuries. |
Gloves | Gain a better grip on your handlebars.
When you take sharp turns, you can continue riding without losing grip. If you take a tumble, you protect your hands from getting cut. Gloves also prevent blisters. |
Eye Protection | When biking down a trail, wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from debris or bugs. You should also make sure that the eye protection you purchase is UV-ray resistant so you can see clearly even on extremely sunny days. |
Appropriate Clothing and Footwear | Wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool and dry, as mountain biking will have you sweating buckets.
Your shoes should also have a good grip and good ankle support. |
Other gear | You should always carry a multi-tool, hydration pack, snacks, and first aid kit.
These items keep you secure and prepared for any circumstance that may arise while out on the trails. |
2. Trail and Riding Safety
Next, when riding, ensure that you prioritize your safety.
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Always Ride With a Partner
You may love the solitude of riding alone, but riding with a partner or a group is better, especially for kids.
This is because you never know when you might need a helping hand, especially when riding a new trail.
Mountain biking with a friend or group can also improve your riding experience in ways that cycling alone might not.
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Know Your Limits, Start Small, Then Go Big
The thrill of riding might make you want to go fast and hard, even though you are still a beginner.
But like any sport, you should start slow, then gradually push yourself as you gain more experience and confidence while mountain biking.
You don’t want to nurse a broken arm or leg for weeks just because you went too hard on an uncharted trail rather than going slow and learning the trail first.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Getting distracted when riding, particularly on rough trails, is not good. One second is all it takes to miss a root or a stone, sending you crashing down.
So, keep your eyes open and your senses sharp, as you never know what might be lurking around the corner or bushes. Also, avoid any distractions like phones or listening to music as you ride your mountain bike.
Don’t get us wrong: music will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of the ride. But it also prevents you from hearing any other sounds nearby.
Also, follow the rules and regulations. Most trails have rules to ensure your ride safely. Be respectful of the environment.
Remember, while you are out riding in a group, to keep a safe distance from other riders. It reduces the risk of accidents and lets you show off or improve your biking skills without fear of disrupting others.
3. Environmental Safety
Most trails have rules on what you must do to ensure you are protecting the environment.
So, respect the ecosystem, and do not leave any trash around. Pack all trash, including any leftover food.
Next, avoid riding off the trail or creating new ones, which could damage the ecosystem or cause erosion.
Finally, watch out for wildlife, even if you are riding with friends or family. Give wild animals space and respect their habitats.
4. Invest in a Safe, High-Quality Mountain Bike
To enjoy thrilling offroad adventures, you need a high-quality mountain bike built to last.
It should have sturdy brakes, suspension, and tires to handle the rough terrain like Route Verte in Quebec. Also, the bike should be comfortable to ride with adjustable suspension, ergonomic grips, and comfortable seats.
A comfortable mountain bike will keep you riding for a long time, while an uncomfortable one will make you wish you hadn’t gone cycling in the first place.
Learn Safe Riding Techniques at our Mountain Bike Kids Camp
Experience exciting and fun-filled mountain biking at our mountain bike kids camp.
Our instructors take time to teach each participant biking skills including
- Bike maintenance
- Bike handling skills, such as balancing
- Trail etiquette, trail building, and maintenance
- Trail riding skills like ascending and descending
- Safe riding techniques such as braking and bunny hopping
The campers can rent bikes from our wide selection of quality bikes or bring their own. Our mechanics and trainers check the bikes and helmets to confirm they are in order when they arrive at camp.
Participants are grouped according to their age and skill. We also have an App that parents can use to stay updated on their kids during the camp.
Register for our Mountain Bike Kids Camp today and be a pro in mountain biking.