| Prior to heading out on the trail on your mountain | | | | gear levers to come out of adjustment. Another |
| bike, make sure you have some essential items with | | | | item to consider is a chain tool, in case your chain |
| you such as food, water, tools and supplies. Be | | | | breaks or requires an adjustment. |
| careful to only take what you need or you will be | | | | Mountain biking is much more enjoyable and safe if |
| carrying more weight than you want. If you plan | | | | you have adequate water and food. Powerbars or |
| correctly, a minimum of items will be all you need to | | | | breakfast bars are good choices for maintaining your |
| be well prepared. | | | | energy level. Nothing is worse than a long ride home |
| Of paramount importance is to have a spare inner | | | | when you are exhausted, as this can increase your |
| tube along with a bike pump and three tire irons to | | | | risk of becoming injured. Carry a frame mounted |
| facilitate removing the tire. Flat tires are a downer no | | | | water bottle or if you are so inclined, strap on a |
| matter when they happen, especially when you have | | | | Camelbak, a wearable backpack bladder system. The |
| a long walk back home, possibly running out of | | | | advantage of the Camelbak is that it has storage for |
| daylight. Make sure your spare tube has the correct | | | | spare bike tubes and tools. |
| valve type - either a presta or a schraeder. In the | | | | Be sure to dress appropriately for your ride. |
| rare event that you suffer 2 flat tires, it's a good | | | | Remember that you will warm quickly soon after |
| idea to carry a tire repair kit, or simply carry 2 spare | | | | starting your ride, so wearing a heavy jacket just |
| tubes with you. It's always best if you do a dry run | | | | doesn't make sense. Light layers will work much |
| at home. It's much easier to learn to change a tire at | | | | better. If you're riding in cold temperatures, wear |
| home rather than on a muddy trail with daylight | | | | good quality riding gloves and riding specific socks as |
| fading. | | | | your hands and feet will feel the cold the most. Your |
| Mountain bikes are assembled with allen bolts, so it's | | | | local bike shop is a gold mine of information. They |
| important that you carry a set of allen wrenches. If | | | | can suggest the best and most suitable gear for the |
| you're concerned about weight they even come in | | | | area you will be biking in and the type of riding you |
| durable plastic versions these days. Riding over rough | | | | plan to do. |
| trails all day can cause bolts to loosen or brake and | | | | |