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Biking through the great outdoors can be enthralling, calming, and an ideal way to see new sights. If you’re thinking about taking a mountain biking trip when it’s safe to do so, you’ll need to make a few necessary preparations.
Obviously, certain regions, terrains, and towns are more conducive to mountain biking, so if your mind is set on hitting the trails on two wheels, choose your destination wisely. Once you know where you want to go, preparing your mind and body for the mental and physical rigors of the sport is the next step. And last but not least, packing gear and taking precautions to stay safe during the trip will ensure your trip is nothing but good times.
When planning your next great mountain biking adventure, use these tips as a guide.
Choosing a Destination
America offers several stunning and bike-ready cities with ample trails. You just have to do some research to decide which one is most appealing to you. National Geographic compiled a list of America’s best mountain biking towns, and it is chock full of locations that span sea-to-sea. Outside.com offers a list that gets even more specific, listing certain trails that are known for their beauty and mountain-biking readiness. After you pick your destination, you’ll need to make sure you are prepared by getting the right gear, focusing on gaining more physical endurance, and building mental toughness, in order to help you overcome potential challenges on the trip.
Make Sure Your Mind and Body are Ready
Mountain biking is undeniably fun, but it is significantly less fun when it results in an injury. Begin by familiarizing yourself with your own body. Spend plenty of time riding your bike on different terrains, and push yourself to the limit in order to gain realistic expectations and build mental toughness. Pushing your limits during the training process can create mental toughness that will serve you well on the trail. Learning how to embrace adrenaline and fear are just two of the vital components in remaining mentally stable and avoiding psyche-related accidents.
Do research on trails before deciding on a destination with your own fitness level in mind. Bicycling.com offers a cheat sheet for beginner or first-time riders on how to take full advantage of concepts like momentum, shifting, and body support. Learning how to work with your bike, not against it, is one step in becoming a safe and more experienced rider.
Gear Up
You’ll also need to make sure your bike is in top condition for the trip, or you risk sustaining an injury. Check the wheels, brakes, and air pressure, and wipe your bike down with an organic cleaner and a sponge. If you don’t own a bike or are looking to replace your old one, look up the best mountain bikes that are available today.
In terms of other gear, safety should be your first priority. First and foremost, make sure you have a well-fitted helmet. You’ll also need proper shoes, sunglasses/goggles, and sunscreen. Elbow and knee pads are a must-have—like with your head, these areas of your body are prone to injury in a fall. Bring layers of clothing as the weather can change at any point.
Mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating activities that Americans can engage in. However, the mental and physical rigors of mountain biking should not be taken lightly, and each biker should know their own limits when choosing a destination and trail. This way, they can ensure that a mountain biking trip is all gain and no pain.