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These strong bicycles
are able to carry us to off-road destinations that were never dreamed of in a
single days hike. The mountain bike provides us with a new mobility and greatly
increases our range, such as getting back to that favorite lake for trout
fishing. When ridden properly and responsibly, the all-terrain bicycle can be an
excellent "LOW IMPACT" tool for the environmentally conscious person.
By staying on designated mountain bike trails and obeying the basics of riding
etiquette (yield to hikers and horseback riders, traveling at safe speeds, and
being sensitive to soil erosion), the mountain bike rider can set totally new
parameters in outdoor fun and enjoyment.
Your First Ride
Limit your first ten rides to about two hours. Don't try a major off-road trek
when you aren't in great shape or ready for rugged terrain and steep hills.
After you have gotten used to your new mountain bike and built up a condition
base, try a short off-road ride with a group or club. Riding off-road can be
dangerous and should not be done alone.
As you become better
conditioned, strategy, tactics, and skill become more important than leg
strength. The best climbing strategy is to never spin the rear tire. This is
accomplished by keeping a constant, steady pressure on the pedals. Stay seated
as long as possible, with your upper body bent forward and your elbows in. Try
to keep both ends of the bike weighted equally. Bar ends help keep your arms in
a better position for climbing.
On downhills, keep
your weight back (WAY BACK), tuck in your knees and thighs in
tightly around the bike, and use upper-body shifts to control the front end. Don't
oversteer, take it slow and easy, and use your brakes to modulate your
speed. Avoid locking up your brakes, but instead modulate (drag) them lightly to
control your speed. You may need to lower your saddle for better clearance while
standing on your pedals. Firmly grip the bars, but keep your elbows, hips, and
knees loose. Most of all, practice, practice, practice... Remember, it is no
disgrace to dismount and walk your bike, just good sense. Walking is part of the
sport.
Once on the trail,
RIDE SAFELY, be considerate of other trail users and the environment so we can
all continue to ride the trails. The International Mountain Biking
Association offers these rules as guidelines of proper trail etiquette:
- RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS
ONLY. Respect trail closures, private property, and requirements for permits
and authorization. Federal and State wilderness areas are closed to cycling,
and some park and forest trails are also off limits.
- LEAVE NO TRACE.
Don't ride when the ground will be marred, such as muddy conditions after a
rain. Never ride off the trail, skid your tires, or litter. Strive to pack
out more than you pack in.
- CONTROL YOUR
BICYCLE. Inattention even for a second can cause disaster. Excessive speed
frightens and injures people, gives mountain biking a bad name, and can
result in trail closures.
- ALWAYS YEILD. Make
your approach known well in advance. A friendly greeting is considerate and
appreciated. Show your respect when passing others by slowing to a walking
speed or even stopping, especially in the presence of horses. Anticipate
that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots.
- NEVER SPOOK
ANIMALS. Give them extra room and time to adjust to you. Running livestock
and disturbing wild animals is a serious offense. Leave ranch and farm gates
as you find them, or as marked.
- PLAN AHEAD. Know
your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding-- and
prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your bike in good
repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather conditions. Keep
trails open by setting an example of responsible mountain biking for all to
see.
Personal Equipment
List
Riding in the mountains,
you can go distances beyond a normal days hike, getting away from any sign of
people. In the mountains the weather can change in just minutes, easily going
from sunny to warm, to rain or snow and then getting really bad. These facts
should be kept in mind when venturing out on a mountain bike ride. A mountain
biker should prepare for the worst, using this equipment as a guide.
WHAT TO WEAR
- HELMET!
- Biking shorts (keep your legs from
chafing and have extra padding)
- Biking gloves (absorbs shock)
- Mountain Biking shoes (stiff soles
reduce foot fatigue)
- Heavy cotton socks (or wool in cold
weather-- wool will keep your feet warm even if they are wet)
- Biking jersey or T-shirt (jerseys
have handy pockets)
- Eye protection (from sun, dirt, and
low branches)
- Sweater top (polypropylene or
capalene for warmth)
- Windbreaker jacket (lightweight
nylon shell)
- Wind pants and/or heavy tights
TOOLS TO CARRY
- Tire pump (make sure it fits your
valves and is attached securely to your bike)
- Under saddle tool bag
- Small crescent wrench
- Patch kit (make sure the glue is
not dried up)
- Tire irons (for removing your tire
from the rim for fixing flats)
- Screwdriver (slot)
- Chain tool (for repairing a broken
chain)
- Spare chain pin (if you have a
shimano chain on your bike)
- Spare tube (make sure the valve and
size are the proper ones)
- Basic allen wrench set
- Multiple size spoke wrench (you may
need to adjust a friends spokes)
- 1 Small first aid kit
ACCESSORIES FOR
TOURING
- Map and compass
- Water purifier (to filter out the
protozoa parasite Giardia found in almost all water)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Matches (in a waterproof container)
- Swiss army knife
- Headlight (instead of a mini
flashlight, it is more versatile)
- Spare glasses
- Toilet tissue
- Food and water
- Personal medication (tampax)
ACCESSORIES FOR
YOUR MT. BIKE
- Water bottles and cages (or a
camelbak)
- Chain stay guard (keeps chain from
chipping paint)
- Toe clips (holds foot on pedal, or
clipless pedals)
- Bike lock
- Computer (electronic speedometer
and odometer etc.)
- Racks
- Packs (panniers)
- Headlight and taillight for your
bike
- Fenders (for winter riding)
- Bike rack for your car
- Home work stand
- Home floor pump with a tire
pressure gauge
- Second set of tires and/or wheels
for use on the road
Service
To make your bike last
you should follow a regular maintenance schedule. Your bike should be tuned up
at least once a year depending on how many miles you ride. This involves
adjusting both derailleurs and both brakes, truing both wheels, adjusting the
hubs, bottom bracket, and headset, inflating the tires to the proper pressure
(maximum on road and 35-40 pounds for off road), tightening all loose bolts, and
doing a general safety check.
Get
Involved
There's work to be done,
you should help maintain trails (the essence of off-road mountain biking).
Volunteer to help maintain trails that have been neglected due to lack of money.
Land managers and other user groups are a good source to see how you can help.
Support local bike clubs in their effort to establish committees for trail
maintence in your area. Support mountain bike organizations such as IMBA
(International Mountain Bicycling Association) P.O. Box 412043, Los Angeles,
California 90041. Individual membership $15.00 Club $30.00 and Dealer $60.00.
Join Now...
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