| Before you go mountain biking, be sure to bring along | | | | the trail. |
| some standard items each time to avoid problems. It | | | | Mountain bikes are put together with allen bolts so |
| is essential that you have tools, supplies, food and | | | | make sure you carry a folding set of allen wrenches. |
| water. Since you won't want to carry any extra | | | | Extended rides over bumpy trails can tend to make |
| weight, only take what you need. With careful | | | | bolts loosen up. You also may want to make |
| planning you can be prepared with a minimum of | | | | adjustments while on the trail to your brake or gear |
| items. | | | | levers. Allen keys sets are quite small and |
| Most important is to have a spare bike tube along | | | | inexpensive. If you know how to use a chain tool it |
| with the tools required to change it. There is nothing | | | | wouldn't hurt to bring one along in case your chain |
| worse than a flat tire, especially if you are well into | | | | let's go or requires adjusting. |
| your trail ride as it can make for a extended walk | | | | Be sure to take adequate food and water for your |
| back. You could run out of daylight if your flat occurs | | | | ride. Powerbars are great bang for the buck. They |
| in the late afternoon. Nobody likes getting stuck in | | | | work very well and prevent you from running out of |
| the dark, especially when a bit of prevention and | | | | energy. Riding when you are exhausted is no fun and |
| planning can avoid this. Bring along a spare inner tube | | | | risk of injury increases because of lack of focus. |
| with the proper valve type, either the schraeder or | | | | Water is critical. You can use water bottles if you |
| the presta. Make sure you also have 3 tire levers to | | | | bike frame has the mounts or a popular alternative is |
| remove the tire and a bike pump. To really be on the | | | | a Camelbak backpack bladder system. It also has |
| safe side you could also carry a tire patch kit in the | | | | ample room for tools and tubes. Or you can use an |
| event of a second flat tire. Change a tire at home so | | | | under-seat pouch. |
| you don't have to figure it out while you're out on | | | | |