| We take a lot of things for granted. The luxury of | | | | very important because biking can dehydrate you |
| being in doors whenever we choose, access to food, | | | | easily. When I can get away with it, I bring two |
| energy and light. What many people don't realize is | | | | water bottles and take out the hydration bladder as I |
| that when you go mountain biking, these things are | | | | don't need it. On very long rides, it will be necessary |
| no longer close at hand. Your not playing on your | | | | however. A hydration pack with extra pockets is a |
| own terms anymore because lets face it, weather | | | | great investment to carry all of the gear and it will be |
| changes. Rain, wind, instant loss of light, temperature | | | | made to give you the highest degree of balance and |
| change, and getting lost are all obstacles that people | | | | comfort to handle it. |
| face on the trails. Outdoor sports are a challenge and | | | | Moisture wicking clothing has come a long way in |
| we love them because of it. Planning ahead for a big | | | | recent years and dries quickly after being soaked |
| mountain bike ride will make the difference between | | | | with rain or sweat. Clothing that holds moisture like |
| a great one and one you wish you could forget. | | | | cotton will be a disgusting hindrance and if its cold, it |
| Its a good idea to do a bit of preparation depending | | | | will make you colder. Gross clothes are tough to fix |
| on the type of trip that you will embarking on to | | | | once they get that way. Although I didn't believe I |
| determine the mountain bike accessories that you'll | | | | needed them at first, I have found bike gloves to be |
| need. Checking the weather before a long trip is | | | | a great addition to the mountain bike gear collection. |
| essential and reports are not always correct. A small | | | | They lessen the impact from your handle bars from |
| folding poncho is a must have for any trip in the | | | | jarring trails and if you fall off, the heavy nylon or |
| woods because sometimes getting wet can ruin | | | | leather surface will minimize abrasion from the fall. |
| things instantly. A recent trip where my pack got | | | | Each time I go out for a ride I learn something new |
| soaked in the back of the truck before I could get | | | | that I didn't know before and that will make the |
| to it resulted in a wet pillow and some soggy gear. | | | | experience better. I find a lighter way to pack, a |
| Luckily, all important items were in plastic ziploc bags | | | | safer or more efficient way to ride, or a new piece |
| and the pack was lined with three tied garbage bags. | | | | of gear that will make things so much easier. |
| None the less, next time the entire bundle is getting | | | | Research is key and mine borders on obsession. I |
| a pack cover because wet gear stinks. | | | | review all the latest mountain bike gear on my blog |
| Its important to bring the right mountain bike | | | | and love to talk with others about how they ride and |
| accessories with you so nothing will throw a wrench | | | | what they find works. Sharing is important in this |
| in your gears so to speak. Bring a hydration pack | | | | sport and I love telling everyone all the little secrets |
| with extra room for the poncho, bike tools, bike | | | | to a great journey whenever I find them. Stop by |
| pump, extra tire tube, trail mix or granola bars, a | | | | for a visit! |
| compass and maps, flashlight, and shades. Water is | | | | |