Whether you are a new or an experienced motor mountain biker, following general safety tips can help to ensure that you are able to enjoy this activity for a long period of time with minimal injury chances. Whether you intend to bike alone or out in a group, the basics will help keep your cycling experience an enjoyable one. Some of the most important things you can do have to do with the gear you have on hand before heading out on a trail.
Take the Right Clothing and Gear with You
First of all, you have to have a helmet and any additional gear that will assist you over the course of your day. Gloves are very beneficial for preventing blisters and minimizing injuries from knocks and falls. Your shoes should have laces that are tucked in so they never get caught up in the chain set of the bike.
Appropriate clothing like lycra and padded shorts can make your experience all the more enjoyable. It might be hot outside but you should never skip wearing your helmet while mountain biking. The job of your helmet is to protect your brain, which can suffer critical injuries if you do not have the appropriate gear on. Your helmet should always be fitted to your head with the appropriate strap link. The chin strap needs to be tight enough and not worn too far forward.
Never Go on Trails Outside Your Comfort Level
Another way to minimize your chances of an accident or an injury on a mountain biking trip is to understand your individual body and your fitness level. If you are unsure of your comfort level, you may increase your chances of tipping the bike, hitting somebody else or suffering injuries that could make it hard for you to enjoy the remainder of your summer.
Know Where You’re Headed
Finally, before heading out on any mountain bike trip, you should know where you’re headed and how you intend to get there.
Make sure you have looked at any map trails and carry an extra copy with you so that in the event you get lost, having a compass with you can also assist you if you find yourself off the trail. Being aware of other individuals on the trail as well as the chances running into wild life can make it easier for you to navigate around these issues.
Learning these skills and pushing yourself is certainly important as a mountain biker who intends to enjoy challenges, but you should always be aware of your own individual fitness levels, the gear you need to have with you before you head out on the mountain bike ride and any steps you can take to decrease of chances of a serious injury.
What to Do If You’re In a Mountain Biking Accident
A crash can derail your entire day, but you need to react quickly in order to protect yourself in the event of an accident. No one wants to find themselves on or near the side of the road after being sideswiped by someone else or suffering a serious injury, but often getting help right away could decrease your chances of further injuries.
If someone else was responsible for the accident, your ability to respond quickly and to get help from an experienced lawyer in British Columbia may be the only way for you to recover compensation for the injuries sustained in the accident. Make sure you keep any evidence from the accident, including the damaged bike or your torn clothing. It could prove important in a legal case.