If you are a fan of mountain biking, you have probably injured yourself a couple of times, it is normal for it to happen as a lot of incidents may happen during the ride that can cause injuries. So we as riders must be prepared to avoid this injuries and minimize accidents and today we are going to give some advice and tips for you to be prepared. First we have to understand that there are two causes for injuries while mountain biking, deterioration (usually caused by lack of preparation and overextending) and crashes, both can be dangerous and can lead to big injuries.
1. Make sure you bike is in good state: Any minor problem with your bike, from your tires, the frame or the wheels, can cause major problems during the ride. Make sure every part of your bike is in perfect state and everything is in order with your bike, as bad bike conditions can cause major injuries. Also make sure it is tuned for you, by doing this you will have better control of your bike and this will help you reduce injuries and accidents.
2. Plan your ride: Plan your ride according to how much you can ride without getting fatigued, fatigue can lead to accidents and crashes. So make sure you do not overextend by planning a route that is long enough for you.
1. Make sure you bike is in good state: Any minor problem with your bike, from your tires, the frame or the wheels, can cause major problems during the ride. Make sure every part of your bike is in perfect state and everything is in order with your bike, as bad bike conditions can cause major injuries. Also make sure it is tuned for you, by doing this you will have better control of your bike and this will help you reduce injuries and accidents.
2. Plan your ride: Plan your ride according to how much you can ride without getting fatigued, fatigue can lead to accidents and crashes. So make sure you do not overextend by planning a route that is long enough for you.
Image courtesy of gkmediadesign at Flickr.com
3. Be fit: To avoid deterioration injuries it is good for you to be in a good physical state, taking special care of your back. Our back tends to get injured due to the hunching position we usually have during the rides, so make sure you include exercises that prepare you for the kind of movements and positions we make while riding our bikes, like lateral rises and bicycle crunches.
4. Be agile: Be sure to add flexibility exercises to your routines, as this will help you avoid injuries in your muscles and tendons. Yoga is a perfect solutions to this as it will help with both strength and flexibility.
5. Warm up before riding: Remember to always warm up and stretch before riding your bike. Not warming up and stretching is an easy way of getting injured, as your muscles will not be in a good state for violent and extreme movements that you may have to do during your ride.
6. Wear the security equipment: Remember to always use all the security equipment, specially a helmet. Many people don’t use helmets and by doing so they are exposing themselves to major head injury. Another piece of equipment that is extremely helpful are cycling glasses, they will help you keep stuff that should not be in your eyes like branches, dust or even insects, and they will help you having better visibility. Body armor will also help you avoid scratches and scrapes during the ride, so it is better to use them as you will avoid ending with a leg or arm full of blood.
7. Stay hydrated: Always carry water, more than you think you will need, it is better to have too much that not enough when it comes to water and sports. If you are not well hydrated you will tire faster and, like we said before, you will start to feel fatigued and this leads easily to injuries.
8. Change your weight distribution: When riding your bike it is important for you to keep changing your center of gravity as it will make it easier and safer to go around curves. Keep getting off your saddle when it’s necessary, as the weight distribution will change from the saddle to the pedals.
4. Be agile: Be sure to add flexibility exercises to your routines, as this will help you avoid injuries in your muscles and tendons. Yoga is a perfect solutions to this as it will help with both strength and flexibility.
5. Warm up before riding: Remember to always warm up and stretch before riding your bike. Not warming up and stretching is an easy way of getting injured, as your muscles will not be in a good state for violent and extreme movements that you may have to do during your ride.
6. Wear the security equipment: Remember to always use all the security equipment, specially a helmet. Many people don’t use helmets and by doing so they are exposing themselves to major head injury. Another piece of equipment that is extremely helpful are cycling glasses, they will help you keep stuff that should not be in your eyes like branches, dust or even insects, and they will help you having better visibility. Body armor will also help you avoid scratches and scrapes during the ride, so it is better to use them as you will avoid ending with a leg or arm full of blood.
7. Stay hydrated: Always carry water, more than you think you will need, it is better to have too much that not enough when it comes to water and sports. If you are not well hydrated you will tire faster and, like we said before, you will start to feel fatigued and this leads easily to injuries.
8. Change your weight distribution: When riding your bike it is important for you to keep changing your center of gravity as it will make it easier and safer to go around curves. Keep getting off your saddle when it’s necessary, as the weight distribution will change from the saddle to the pedals.
Image courtesy of David French at Flickr.com
9. Don’t be overconfident: Even if you are an expert in mountain biking, you should not let your guard down. Always keep in mind your limitations, don’t go through courses and trails that may be too hard for you, as you may be underestimating the course or overestimating your ability. Always keep in mind your expertise level and how well you know both the trail and mountain biking in general, having a big crash for being cocky can really be a low blow for both your confidence and your body.
10. Learn through courses and instructors: And important part of mountain biking is having the knowledge necessary to handle the bike and the road, and excellent way of honing your skills and learning is going through a course as they can greatly improve your skills. A good instructor will teach you everything you need to know and give you safety tips for the trail you are planning on making, they are experienced and know a lot that can be useful to you.
So, to summarize it is really important for both your body and your bike to be in good conditions, as well as having the knowledge necessary for practicing mountain biking. Try following this tips and you will probably avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and blood.
10. Learn through courses and instructors: And important part of mountain biking is having the knowledge necessary to handle the bike and the road, and excellent way of honing your skills and learning is going through a course as they can greatly improve your skills. A good instructor will teach you everything you need to know and give you safety tips for the trail you are planning on making, they are experienced and know a lot that can be useful to you.
So, to summarize it is really important for both your body and your bike to be in good conditions, as well as having the knowledge necessary for practicing mountain biking. Try following this tips and you will probably avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and blood.