Mountain Biking
Mountain biking comes into its own in May as trails dry out from spring mud — a land-based counterpart to a water-heavy month.
REC Safe Mountain Biking
Our R.E.C. Tenets, applied on the trail:
- R — Ready
helmet, bike check - E — Equipped
repair kit - C — Courteous
yield to hikers/horses
Top 10 Mountain Biking Safety Tips
- Wear a properly fitted helmet, every ride, no exceptions.
- Check your bike before you ride — brakes, tire pressure, chain, and quick-releases.
- Ride trails that match your skill level. Know the difficulty rating system before you commit.
- Carry a repair kit. Flats and chain issues happen far from the trailhead.
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Debris and branches are a real hazard at speed.
- Control your speed on descents and blind corners. Assume other trail users are just ahead.
- Know local trail etiquette. Bikes typically yield to hikers and horses.
- Carry more water than you think, especially on exposed or high-heat trails.
- Ride with a buddy or tell someone your route on remote trails.
- Know basic first aid. Fractures and road rash are common enough to prepare for.
Recommended Items to Bring
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Repair kit (tube, tire levers, mini-pump, multi-tool)
- Hydration pack or water bottles
- First aid kit
- Padded shorts
- Phone or communicator
- Sunscreen
- Trail map or GPS app
See also: Top 10 Boating Safety Tips and Forest terrain.