| So the warm weather has finally arrived and it is time | | | | trip no matter how long you are gone for, but a small |
| to start organizing your summer ride outs. With a huge | | | | tool kit and any extra parts you could fit in your bag |
| variety of trails to choose from you may be staying | | | | may be a good idea if you are planning a longer trip. |
| local or booking a trip further afield. Whichever you | | | | Planning your journey - When it comes to planning a |
| choose, you will still need to do some planning and | | | | trial ride, organisation is vital. Evidently you do not need |
| preparation before embarking on the journey. | | | | to extensively plan if you are going on a day trip, but if |
| Bike maintenance - It is important to make sure your | | | | you are traveling further afield, it would be a good idea |
| bike is in tip top condition before you start. The last | | | | to plan it out. There are hundreds of websites available |
| thing you want to be doing is stopping every five | | | | which detail maps of trails others have ridden and |
| minutes because something is loose or broken and | | | | enjoyed and they will usually come with tips from the |
| you weren't sensible enough to fix it before you left. If | | | | previous riders of where to go and what to do. |
| you are in a group this may also mean that you are | | | | Alternatively, you could make your own bespoke trail |
| left behind and do not get to enjoy the experience as | | | | traveling wherever you feel you want to explore. |
| much as the others do. | | | | This would include supplying all participants with a map, |
| You need to ensure all components of your bike are in | | | | stating which trial you are following and the noted |
| good working order and it is important to carry out | | | | stop-offs. It would also include planning where you are |
| checks, as you would with your car if you were going | | | | going to stay along the way and any points of interest |
| on a long drive. You also need to make sure you have | | | | you may wish to visit. If stopping overnight, you should |
| a high quality bike which is suitable for the journey, for | | | | book somewhere in advance to save the rush and the |
| example, Whyte bikes are particularly good for bike | | | | end of a long day riding, trying to find somewhere to fit |
| trails due to their light-weight setup. However, even | | | | everyone in. In order to make the most out of your |
| though you may have been riding your high quality and | | | | journey, you should highlight the places you want to |
| sturdy Whyte mountain bike for months, there may be | | | | visit for example beaches you want to spend the day |
| a few tweaks you need to make in order to prepare it | | | | at or particular parts of trails you want to ride. That |
| for the open road. Testing your brakes, chain, chain | | | | way you will make sure you you're not missing out. |
| links, tyres and suspension would be the obvious ones | | | | Just before you leave you should write a quick |
| but it is a good idea to have a good clean up and re-oil | | | | checklist of all the things you need to remember and |
| of all parts on your bike. | | | | make note of any telephone numbers you may need |
| When actually leaving for a trip, it is essential to take | | | | along the way. And last but not least, go out and enjoy |
| your own mini repair kit. Obviously, every mountain | | | | the summer sun! |
| biker will realize a puncture repair kit is essential to any | | | | |