Mountain Biking Safety Tips

For the adventurous sportsmen and women of the world, mountain biking can be a fun and exhilarating adrenaline rush. Cruising over rocky terrain, mountains streams and jagged cliff edges will keep any rider on the edge of their seat (no pun intended). And as one of the most extreme and dangerous forms of cycling, mountain biking should adhere to all of the necessary safety precautions. Unfortunately, too many mountain bikers suffer severe or fatal injuries every year for disregarding such precautions. Here are a few things to bear in mind when biking in, through and over those extreme terrains:

1. Always Wear Safety Gear besides a Helmet

The vast majority of mountain bikers are aware of the need to wear a quality helmet. However, many avoid wearing other necessary safety gear, including knee and elbow pads. When biking over uneven ground, where falls are likely to occur, these pads will protect your joints from serious injury. Never place too much confidence in yourself as a rider. Anyone can suffer an unforeseen accident.

2. Keep a Compass and Map of the Area in your Fanny pack at all Times

While men are often stereotyped as having a keen sense of direction, this is one tip you cannot afford to avoid no matter what your sex. Finding yourself lost in the woods or on an unfamiliar mountain trail can be both frightening and dangerous. If you will be biking on state park territory, take the time to swing by the park's main registration office and pick up a brochure and map of the area.

When biking, always stay on approved paths and trails. Do not venture off the path, particularly without a trail guide. In addition to a park map, you should also keep a quality, functioning compass in your fanny pack at all times. In the event that your map becomes lost or damaged, you will still be able to maintain directional awareness with a compass.

3. Keep a Water Bottle Cage Holder and Drinking Water on your Bike at all Times

Dehydration is no laughing matter. Any cyclist should take the necessary steps to stay hydrated. The majority of mountain bike models come standard with a water bottle holder attached to the frame. If your bike does not, take the time to visit your local sporting goods store and purchase one or more holders. If you will be on the trail for an extended period of time, you should keep at least two large water bottles on your bike for the duration of your ride. Remember: the longer you plan to bike, the more water you need to have.

4. Pack Healthy Snacks

In addition to water, you should strive to keep a healthy snack or two in your fanny pack, if possible. Lightheadedness and nausea are no friends of mountain bikers, particularly bikers who will be braving dangerous terrain such as rocky cliffs and steep trails. Know your physical limits when it comes to hunger and never push yourself beyond what you're capable of. Here a few healthy snacks that are perfect for the trail:

• Granola bars, oatmeal bars

• Trail mix

• Fruit: especially bananas, apples, oranges

• Raisins

5. Carry the Necessary Emergency Equipment

When you're biking in the wilderness, anything is possible. From physical injuries to bike malfunctions, there's no telling what you will encounter. For this reason you should find room in your fanny pack or carry-on for one or more of each of the following:

• A first aid kit: be sure to include bandages and some form of hydrogen peroxide to treat minor cuts and scrapes and prevent against infection.

• Pocket knife

• Collapsible bike pump for potential flat tire scenarios

• Bike tire patch kit

• Small pair of pliers and screwdriver for any minor bike repairs or tire changes

• Extra tire tubing

6. Maintain Safe Speeds while on Rough Terrain

This tip should go without saying. Unfortunately, countless mountain bikers disregard this advice and choose to bike at dangerous speeds across dangerous terrain. This not only threatens your physical safety, but the safety of other bikers who may be on the same trail. For these reasons, you should always strive to maintain a safe speed and complete control of your bicycle. Never shoot around corners blindly or ride close to mountain cliff edges. Your mountain biking experience is not worth your life or the life of a fellow biker. When it comes to mountain biking, there are countless safety precautions to be taken, more so than inner city and neighborhood biking. Always think ahead and be very familiar with your bike and all of your equipment. You should know how to repair any and all possible malfunctions your bike may suffer while on the trail. Know how to read your compass and any maps of the area. And don't forget to have fun while biking across your favorite extreme terrain!