Here’s a guide offering tips about what essentials to pack in a kitbag on a mountain bike and riding safely when outdoors.
One of the most inclusive outdoor sports in British Columbia, Colarado, the Alps and Scotland, cross-country mountain biking welcomes all ages and riding competencies.
Independent riders and groups of travelling companions, who may have limited time available to roam or full-days free to mountain bike, are welcomed, around the world, to the constructed trails, tracks and roads of cross-country mountain biking.
Mountain Bike Riding on Trails, Tracks and Roads
Dedicated trail-builders have designed and made trails, tracks and roads with all mountain biker riders in mind. Routes labelled as suitable for beginners will have hardened surfaces including forest roads and pathways and a fairly consistent level terrain with some shallow climbs and descents. Intermediate courses will involve moderate gradients in the riding and require some off-road skills on mountain bikes. Such courses introduce obstacles to mountain bike riders such as slippery tree roots and rocks embedded in the ground for body-jarring.
Before setting out pack the list of kitbag essentials for the journey and review how to ride mountain bike safely around a cross-country course.
Essential kitbag items
What to pack in your kitbag – attached to a mountain bike – is important to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cross-country ride. Quality of the mountain bike, weather and emergency all need to be considered in a small amount kit. Building on Richard Moore and Andy McCandlish’s list in Bike Scotland Trails Guide (pocket mountains ltd, 2006), pack at least the following:
- Camelbak or water bottle with 500 ml of fluid for every hour of the ride
- Food high in carbohydrates such as cereal bars, candies, bananas
- Glucose drink for additional refreshment
- Chain link extractor on a bike multi-tool – a gadget that can save hours walking
- Elastic bands, string and cable ties for temporary repairs
- Pump, Tyre levers, two spare tubes plus a puncture repair kit
- Mobile Phone – with best possible coverage
- Lightweight wind resistant waterproof
- Beanie Hat – if not worn under cycle helmet
- Gloves if biking for more than an hour
- Sunglasses – protection from insects, wind and sun
- Map – Ordnance Survey quality
- Compass – if any hills on route
- First aid kit including antiseptic wipes, plasters, bandage, temporary sling, sun protection, change of socks
Riding safely
Helmets are essential to wear all the time on the ride. Good helmets will be approved by ANSI and SNELL and have a lifespan of three to six years. Body armour can offer some additional superficial protection so riders should stay within the limits of their competencies for the cross-country course.
Do read as much as possible about the countryside and if riding in a group talk through the course together before setting out. In a group of companion mountain bike riders, never allow a top and tail to occur where the stronger cyclist and the most inexperienced rider becomes disconnected from the main group.
If taking owned mountain bikes, do online research about possible risks on the journey. If hiring, the mountain bike shop will warn you of local hazards. On the tracks in Whistler, British Columbia, mountain bike riders are advised to fix a bear bell. A bicycle bell will be helpful in Scotland on the trail of the Darn Walk where a llama, domestic dogs and wild deer are common sights.
Everyone can enjoy cross-country mountain bike riding – guaranteed by a green beginner’s route or a blue intermediate course – that plans for the next mountain bike outing will effervesce on dismounting and decanting to an interesting place to discuss the ride.
