| Before you go mountain biking, be sure to | | | | keys sets are quite small and inexpensive. If |
| bring along some standard items each time to | | | | you know how to use a chain tool it wouldn't |
| avoid problems. It is essential that you have | | | | hurt to bring one along in case your chain |
| tools, supplies, food and water. Since you | | | | let's go or requires adjusting. |
| won't want to carry any extra weight, only | | | | |
| take what you need. With careful planning | | | | Be sure to take adequate food and water for |
| you can be prepared with a minimum of items. | | | | your ride. Powerbars are great bang for the |
| | | | buck. They work very well and prevent you |
| One of the most important things is a spare | | | | from running out of energy. Riding when you |
| inner tube, and the tools to change it. | | | | are exhausted is no fun and risk of injury |
| Nothing can stop your ride faster than a flat | | | | increases because of lack of focus. Water is |
| tire, and if you are far out on the trail, it | | | | critical. You can use water bottles if you |
| can mean a very long walk home. If it's late | | | | bike frame has the mounts or a popular |
| in the afternoon, you could also run out of | | | | alternative is a Camelbak backpack bladder |
| daylight. Getting trapped in the dark is no | | | | system. It also has ample room for tools and |
| fun. All you need to prevent this scenario is | | | | tubes. Or you can use an under-seat pouch. |
| a spare tube (with the right valve type - | | | | |
| there are two: presta and schraeder), 3 tire | | | | Always make sure you are dressed |
| levers to get your tire off the rim, and of | | | | appropriately for your mountain bike ride. |
| course a pump. Mini-pumps work just fine. | | | | Keep in mind you will warm up quickly after |
| Cautious types may also want to carry a tube | | | | starting your ride, so don't wear a heavy |
| patch kit in case of another flat. If you | | | | jacket that you'll end up removing it after |
| have never changed a tube before, it's a good | | | | 15 minutes. It's best to dress in a series of |
| idea to practice at home first. | | | | light layers. Keep in mind that if it's wet |
| | | | or cold, your feet and hands will feel the |
| Mountain bikes are put together with allen | | | | cold the most. Wear riding gloves and socks |
| bolts so make sure you carry a folding set of | | | | suited to cycling. Your local bike store can |
| allen wrenches. Extended rides over bumpy | | | | assist you in selecting the correct gear for |
| trails can tend to make bolts loosen up. You | | | | the kind of riding you will be doing so try |
| also may want to make adjustments while on | | | | and establish a good relationship with them. |
| the trail to your brake or gear levers. Allen | | | | |