Is Mountain Biking Safe? What Should I Wear To Protect Myself?
As an AmazonAssociate and Affiliate Marketer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Although I may get a small commission, I strive to provide honest reviews of products to keep my readers happy! Full disclosure
Mountain Biking is both a fun and healthy hobby that people of all ages enjoy, but it does not come without its risks. With the proper preparation and equipment, Mountain Biking can be a safe and enjoyable way to get out and explore nature, exercise, and find a thrill. Mountain biking is inherently a risky sport; riding 2 wheels through trails on a mountain is not the safest hobby one can find, but for some that is exactly why mountain biking is so fun. Although risk is involved, some steps can be taken that help minimize this risk, minimize injury, and keep you on the mountain.
Table of Contents
Do Mountain Bikers Wear Helmets?
The most important piece of equipment to maintain safety while riding a mountain bike is a quality helmet. From beginners to the most advanced Olympic mountain bike riders, all of them wear helmets. Some people believe that because mountain bike riders aren’t on the street with the cars, there is no reason to wear a helmet, however, there are just as many hazards in the mountains as there are on the streets.
Wearing a helmet can provide some level of comfort to new riders, especially those who are new to mountain biking. But helmets don’t do any good in the back of the truck, put on the strap, buckle it up and enjoy the ride. Different types of riding require different types of helmets. Depending on the skill of the rider, the difficulty of the course and the terrain at hand, one type of helmet may not be enough for all rides. The way a helmet is worn is just as important as the type of helmet
Should You Wear Gloves While Mountain Biking?
Gloves are an important piece of riding gear. Gloves provide improved grip and control on the handlebars, gloves also help protect your hands against stones, gravel, and a stray tree branch that may be encountered on the trails. Mountain biking often takes you through rough terrain, and depending on what type of trail you are riding, overgrown bushes are common. Gloves can help protect your hands from scratches and blisters.
Another piece of equipment that can help make mountain biking as safe as possible is shin and elbow pads. Shin and elbow pads can help new riders feel more comfortable and minimize injury if a crash happens. Regardless of what level you ride at, elbow and shin pads can help prevent injury and keep you safe on the trails.
Preparing Your Mountain Bike for a Safe Ride
Equipment like helmets, gloves, and pads are important pieces of safety equipment, but one of the most critical items to make sure that you are safe while enjoying mountain biking is the bike you are riding. A quality bike can help keep you right-side up on the trail. However, a quality bike that isn’t maintained is as dangerous as a car with no brakes. The last place you want your equipment to fail you is on the mountain. Be sure to do a safety check on your bike before hitting the trails.
Important Items to Check Before Riding
- Brakes – be sure that your brakes are working well before riding.
- Tire Pressure – Tire pressure can change depending on temperature and elevation. Be sure to check before riding. Although your tires may have been good at home, the pressure may be different at the top of the mountain.
- Grips and handlebars – Check to make sure your grips are in good condition, preferably before leaving home.
- Suspension – Check to make sure your suspension is in good condition and set to your preference before riding.
There are many different types of mountain biking and many different types of trails. Be sure that you have the right bike for the job.
Some of the most important steps that can be taken to keep mountain biking safe are not related to equipment at all, but rather preparation.
How Can I Prepare for a Safe Mountain Bike Ride?
Many new riders are quick to pack their bags, prep their bike, load up and head out to the new trail that they heard about, however, many do not properly prepare for a safe ride. Proper preparation starts with research. Research the trail you are riding to ensure that you are experienced enough to ride it. What is the terrain like? Is it a hiking trail, a fire road, or a single track?
Safely Pushing Limits
Mountain biking can become unsafe when riders are pushed past their limits in an unsafe environment. Riding down a mountain is not a good place to find out how good of a rider you are. If there is not much information on the skill level of a certain trail, feel free to take a hike down the trail first, to make sure there are no surprises.
Cell Service and Emergency Vehicles
Cell service and emergency vehicle access are also important things to consider. As mountain bikers, many of us are familiar with the lack of cell service that may be present on good trails. For new riders, focusing on trails that have easy access to emergency vehicles and cell service is important. If we maintain safety, these services should never be needed, but peace of mind is worth a lot when enjoying our hobbies.
Ride with Friends
Riding with friends is an excellent way to make mountain biking more fun and much safer. Having someone around in case of an accident is one of the most important steps that can be taken while mountain biking. Riding with friends is not only fun and encouraging, it also helps make sure that everyone is safe. Not every rider is at the same skill level, riding with better, more skilled riders can be an excellent way to learn new skills and improve your riding.
Remember to stay safe, just because your riding buddy is doing something doesn’t mean you can or should. Although we believe that everyone can be great at mountain biking, skills have to be learned and everyone moves at their own pace. Don’t let someone lead you down a path you are not comfortable riding. It’s great to help encourage new riders, but be sure that you are helping them make smart decisions, there is a fine line between pushing yourself and being unsafe.
Let Someone Know Where You Are Riding
If friends are unavailable this weekend to ride, make sure that you tell a trusted person, when and where you are going, and how long you will be out for. Text that person when you are on and off the mountain. Mountain biking can take us to beautiful locations, but these locations are often remote. Make sure that someone will know where to look to find you if there is an emergency.
Conclusion
Mountain biking is a great way to stay fit, have fun and explore. When done properly, mountain biking can both be challenging and safe. Making sure that you have the proper equipment like helmets, gloves, and pads is critical. Be sure that your bike is in good condition and is suitable for the trail you are riding. While equipment is required, preparation is just as important. Be sure that you are familiar with the trail before attempting to ride, make sure that you can contact emergency services if needed, and that someone knows where you are if they need to reach you. If you take these precautions, it will help make sure you stay right side up and on the mountain.
