| Mountainbiking is an exhilarating sport where you ride | | | | avoid being stranded. Many people bike in groups, but |
| rugged bicycles on rough terrain. There are lots of | | | | others prefer to go alone. If you choose to do a solo |
| different kinds of bikes, but all share a few common | | | | trip, make sure you have handle yourself so you do |
| characteristics. The tires are wide with large knobs. | | | | not get lost miles away from help. Besides being able |
| The frame is particular large and solid. Shock | | | | to take care of any mechanical problems, there are |
| absorbers are usually installed for additional | | | | some other essential pieces of equipment that you will |
| maneuvering and comfort. Mountain bikes are very | | | | need when mountainbiking. |
| durable, and they also weigh a lot of more than most | | | | A helmet is key to prevent head injuries. Some heavy |
| road bikes. This is a tough sport that requires a lot of | | | | biking gloves are good to have too. Glasses can help |
| endurance and coordination. | | | | to keep debris from the trail out of your eyes. You |
| It is an individual sport, so you really have to rely on | | | | need good vision to see ruts and crevices on the trail, |
| yourself in order to have success. You can start by | | | | so this is important. Never wear sandals or loose |
| practicing in your yard or on a gravel road. After you | | | | shoes. Sturdy athletic shoes or boots are best for |
| are ready to take on more challenges, you can look | | | | comfort and durability. Bring along a pump for flat tires, |
| for back roads in the woods as well as specialty trails | | | | an extra bike tube, and tool kit to fix any equipment |
| that cut through deserts, mountains, and forests. Each | | | | problems. A GPS system is never a bad idea. You |
| setting presents a different type of terrain and new | | | | can navigate better, and if you get lost then others will |
| challenges for the rider. Mountainbiking often takes you | | | | be able to locate you. Lastly, make sure to take along |
| off the beaten track. As you head off on your trek, it | | | | plenty of water. Dehydration can be dangerous, so |
| is important to be prepared for everything. | | | | drinking lots of fluids is a good idea. Follow these basic |
| You will be heading away from civilization in most | | | | rules and you will be all set for any mountainbiking |
| cases, so it is important to know how to repair flat | | | | adventure. |
| tires and other equipment malfunctions in order to | | | | |