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Being Prepared On The Mountain Bike TrailBeing Prepared On The Mountain Bike Trailby Travel GuyBefore you go mountain biking, be sure to bring along some standard items each time to avoid problems. It is essential that you have tools, supplies, food and water. Since you wont want to carry any extra weight, only take what you need. With careful planning you can be prepared with a minimum of items. Most important is to have a spare bike tube along with the tools required to change it. There is nothing worse than a flat tire, especially if you are well into your trail ride as it can make for a extended walk back. You could run out of daylight if your flat occurs in the late afternoon. Nobody likes getting stuck in the dark, especially when a bit of prevention and planning can avoid this. Bring along a spare inner tube with the proper valve type, either the schraeder or the presta. Make sure you also have 3 tire levers to remove the tire and a bike pump. To really be on the safe side you could also carry a tire patch kit in the event of a second flat tire. Change a tire at home so you dont have to figure it out while youre out on the trail. Bikes are put together with allen bolts, so a set of allen keys is a good idea. Riding rough trails over long distances can sometimes cause bolts to loosen. You may also want to make an adjustment (brake lever positioning, for example). Allen keys are inexpensive and dont take much room at all. More mechanically inclined types may want to take along a chain tool as well, in case your chain breaks or an adjustment is needed. Make sure you bring enough food and water for your mountain bike ride. A great compact snack to bring along are powerbars, as they prevent you from running out of steam. If you ride when you are tired your risk of becoming injured is greater due to lack of attention. A good supply of water is critical to keep yourself properly hydrated. You can carry frame mount water bottles or use a bladder setup like a Camelbak. In addition to carrying your water, a Camelbak has storage space for tools and spare tubes. Finally, dress appropriately for your ride. Consider that you will always be warmer after you start riding, so avoid the temptation to wear a jacket, just to shed it after 15 minutes. If its cold or wet, remember that your hands and feet will feel the coldest. Wear good riding gloves and socks that are riding-specific. Develop a relationship with your local bike store. They are a great resource and can help you choose the right gear for the type of riding you want to do, and the area you want to do it in. If you follow these suggestions you will have a much more enjoyable time on your mountain bike. You wont have to worry about flat tires if you are prepared and know how to do it ahead of time. Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard |