There’s not a much better way to spend the day and get the heart pumping than doing something you enjoy amongst nature. Whether you’re new to backcountry cycling or a veteran, we have a few tips that we hope will help you make you more comfortable, the next time you hit the trail.
1. Communicating on the Trail
If you’ve spent some time cycling in the country you probably already know this, but you’re likely to get separated and it’s been to keep a certain distance between the bikers you’re with to maintain safety.
Say for example you’re leading the pack on the trail and you spot a dangerous snake. Rather than stop and hope the pack in tow realize and also stop in time if you had a way to communicate, this sort of circumstance becomes a non-issue.
Two-Way Radios Specifically for Biking
While there are lots of options on the market, if you’re looking for the best two-way radio for cycling, it must be hands-free. This will narrow down your options considerably, but the last thing you want to worry about while both of your hands are gripping the handlebars is pressing a button to speak.
2. Check The Weather
So this might sound overly obvious, but checking the weather forecast before you hit the trail can make all the difference between a beautiful day in the backcountry and a trail day cut short. If the weather calls for just a bit of rain, make the best of it!
One of my favorite ways to beat the rain is to find a nice tree that offers some cover and enjoy some food and nature. Just because it’s supposed to rain, doesn’t mean you need to cancel.
3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
We could easily write an entire article about preparation before leaving civilization as you hit the trail. Here we’ll briefly cover what we believe to be the most important, being first-aid and encountering malfunctions on the mountain bike.
First-Aid in the Country
Scrapes, bumps and bruises are the most common ailments bikers have as they enjoy the trails. Not encountered as often, but insect or snake bites can also occur. For these reasons we absolutely recommend a small first-aid kit. Each terrain and environment will be a bit different, so please tweak this as needed;
- Bandages
- Bug Spray
- Sanitizing Agent (Hydrogen peroxide)
- Tunicate (Or wear a belt)
Malfunctions on the Trail
The unexpected can happen at any time and tends to be at the most inopportune times. What do you do if your bike chain pops off or need to make an adjustment to a gear tensioner? Carrying just a few dollars worth of tools can provide a little insurance that if something does break on the bike, you’ll be able to make it back to the trailhead.
- Electrical Tape
- Multitool
- Zip Ties
Wrapping Up
Having fun in the country can be a wonderful, relaxing experience. We hope that these tips help instill some extra confidence that should you encounter something unexpected, that with a little preparation, you’ll still be just fine.
Have a great time out there.
