Essential items needed when Mountain Biking:- Fitting helmet
- Gloves
- Elbow/ knee guards
- Good working brakes and suspensions
- Light and bright clothing
- Bell
- Reflector
~ Fitting Helmet
It is very important because it protects us from getting head injuries when fallen off the bike. One example of serious head injury will be concussion. Helmet bought should be recognised as safety standards for bicycle helmets. Helmet should also be worn through the mountain biking activity. Retention strap of the helmet should be correctly fastened at all times.
~ Gloves
Gloves are important to protect your hands, keep your grip secure and keep them warm in winter. You definitely want to think about gloves if you are riding any considerable distance since you will get to a sudden point where your skin becomes painful and very uncomfortable, normally when you don't expect it due to constant pressure and vibrations from the ride. It also protects your hand from getting hurt or abrasions when crashed.
~ Good working brakes and suspensions
The main purpose of mountain bike suspensions is to absorb any shocks that the bike may endure whilst you are riding it. For example if you are riding along a rocky terrain then you are likely to find that your bike will bounce a lot more as it goes over he rocky surface. Without suspension, the bike could be extremely uncomfortable to ride and it could also be damaged because of the shocks absorbed by the bike. With suspension it tends to absorb the shock and therefore there is less chance of the bike becoming damaged and you will also not find it as uncomfortable either. It also allows you to have a better control of the bike and reduces the chances of you falling off the bike due to uneven grounds.
~Light and Bright clothing
By wearing light clothing, it will be more comfortable when biking. And by wearing bright clothing, others will be able to notice you, especially when it is dark. This reduces the chances of bikes colliding and hence, reduces the possibility of getting injured.
~ Bell and Reflector
A bell help warn and signal others of your presence and incoming danger. This will help avoid accidents between bikes and people. Reflector also help to signal others of your presence, hence people will be more alert and aware of and accidents are greatly reduced.
Hot Weather
- Wear protective clothing such as sunglasses to protect the eyes and caps.
- Hydrate yourself more often, preferably get a push-pull cap bottles for convenience and safety as you can still keep on hand on the handlebar to control the bike.
Wet Weather
- Avoid biking in the rain if possible.
- Stop all activities if there is lightning.
- When cornering, keep bike upright and turn slowly.
- Avoid puddles of water, may conceal potholes and other hazards.
- Try biking slower when grounds are wet. Prevent you from falling off the bike.
Surface hazards
- Ride over holes and depressions slowly or riding around them. This prevent the bike from getting 'tripped' by the holes and you being threw out from the seat of your bike.
- Avoid sharp objects as they might puncture the tyres of your bike.
And of course, Be ALERT at all times!
You can spend some time to go through the PAR-Q designed by the Singapore Sports Council to help assess your level of readiness for physical activity at this link:
Video credits to: http://www.youtube.com/user/expertvillage
