| Mountain Biking is an exciting form of recreation | | | | hairline cracks and dents that could lead to frame |
| that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of | | | | failure on the trails. It is easier to fix a frame then |
| age or ability. There is more to mountain biking | | | | fix a frame and your teeth because you got lazy |
| then just getting on a bike and riding off into the | | | | on maintenance. |
| woods however. | | | | Tires / Rims - Make sure your tires have plenty |
| Mountain biking is broken down into five | | | | of tread remaining before each ride as well as |
| categories: | | | | getting rid of any foreign particles like thorns or |
| Cross Country | | | | other sharp objects embedded in your tires. Also |
| Downhill | | | | make sure your rims are true and you don't have |
| Free ride | | | | any loose spokes. |
| Dirt Jump | | | | Tire Repair - You should always carry a tire repair |
| Trails/street riding | | | | kit for yourself and the unfortunate soul who |
| Mountain biking is a also a fantastic way to stay in | | | | forgot to pack one. |
| or get into shape but you have to be careful, | | | | Bike Wrenches - You should also carry the |
| mountain biking can be a lot of fun but it only | | | | standard issue wrenches in a bag in case a spoke |
| takes one fall to get sidelined for a long time. | | | | pops or you need to tighten the handlebars. |
| Inherent to the sport of mountain biking is the | | | | Whatever the emergency, you want be as |
| risk of injury but you can limit your chances of | | | | prepared as you can be. |
| being injured by making sure you have the proper | | | | Personal Equipment: |
| equipment and it is maintained and in good | | | | You should at a minimum have gloves, sunglasses, |
| condition. | | | | a good helmet, cycling pants with padding, and |
| Mountain Biking Equipment | | | | some type of water bladder for hydration along |
| On Bike | | | | with some food in case you get lost out on the |
| Seat - Although you will rarely be sitting in it, | | | | trails. If you are into extreme mountain biking you |
| when you are you want it to be comfortable | | | | may want to also look into arm and shoulder |
| Shocks/Suspension - If your mountain bike came | | | | protection, leg protection, and chest and rib |
| equipped with shocks or a suspension system, | | | | protection for an added level of security. Also |
| you will want to check these periodically to make | | | | carry a cell phone in case you need to make an |
| sure they are operating normally. | | | | emergency call. |
| Frame - Check the frame before each ride for | | | | |