Things to Bring for a Good Day of Mountain Biking

When striking out for a day of mountain biking, it’s important to remember the boy scouts’ motto, “Be Prepared”.  Hopping on your bike for a ride around your neighborhood doesn’t take much planning, but if you’re mountain biking, there are some essentials that you need to take with you.

Spence Mountain

Food and Water

Proper hydration is important for any sport, including mountain biking. Since you don’t want to wear yourself out with a heavy backpack, take a water bottle that attaches directly to your bike. In addition to water, pack an energy bar for yourself and one for a friend, so you don’t run out of steam far from home.

Patch Kit

Flat tires happen to everyone from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to carry extra tubes, an air pump, and just in case, a patch kit. No one expects to have more than one flat on a day trip, but it can happen. Make sure you carry a small multi-tool to help you handle the unexpected.

First Aid Kit

Speaking of the unexpected, be prepared for any accidents with a first aid kit. If you’re just going out for the day, you can probably get by with a few band aids and some ibuprofen, but if you’re going for a longer trip, you’ll need a complete kit including bandages, compresses, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and even a snake bite kit.

Sunscreen

Dermatologists tell us to always, always use sunscreen when we’re outside. Pack some high SPF sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day to ensure the best protection from sunburn.

Means of Communication

A fully charged cell phone can be your lifeboat in an emergency. If you have room in your backpack, an external battery is also a good idea. If your ride carries you outside normal cell service areas, you may want to purchase a personal locator beacon, radio, or other emergency communication device. If you’re lucky, you’ll never need any of this gear, but it’s better to have it handy!

Where to Go

Klamath County boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in North America. These trails allow you to enjoy the beautiful ever changing scenery along with crisp, fresh mountain air, while leaving the confines of the city to drink in the beauty of the forests, lakes, and streams. For more information about the adventures awaiting you in Klamath County, order a free visitor’s guide.  Better yet, come see us and experience all that Klamath County has to offer!