To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Summer can be the best and most challenging time of year to mountain bike. The days are longer, giving you more time to complete loops before the sun goes down, but warm weather draws bigger crowds, and extreme heat can cramp your style on the trail. From investing in the best mountain biking gear to planning your route, learn how to prepare for the busiest riding season of the year.
Inspect Your Bike
Give your bike and accessories a thorough once-over before your first trek to see how they fared during the off-season. Spring showers can also lead to oxidation.
Look for signs of rust on the bearings, chain and gears, and replace worn components with freshly lubricated parts. Replace the brake pads if they’re less than a quarter-inch thick. Check the brake lines for fraying, loose connections and exposed wires. Get on the bike and adjust the seat height to equal 109 percent of your inseam. You should be able to touch the ground comfortably with your foot arched.
Try on Your Gear
Your gear might fit or look differently after months of storage. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your helmet after five to 10 years. Check your helmet and pads for dents, cracks and loose pads to see if it can handle another season. The strap should fit securely around your chin without pulling against the skin. Lean forward and back with the helmet on to ensure it doesn’t slide out of place. Always swap out your gear after it’s been in an accident.
Use Wireless Communication
Nothing passes the time like engaging in conversation. Summer is a great time to get your significant other, friends and loved ones interested in mountain biking. You can also join a local mountain biking group to make new friends who share your passion.
Pair your helmets with a bicycle intercom to talk hands-free while riding. When in range, the device connects automatically to your companion’s headset to help you focus on the trail. It’s perfect for coaching novices through inclines and descents, navigating the GPS and commenting on the scenery.
Build Lean Muscle
Your first ride of the season will leave you aching in pain if you haven’t been active for the past eight months. Not conditioning your body for a long workout also limits how far you can climb. If you don’t want to get left behind, do cardiovascular exercises like running, rowing and biking to build endurance. Stretch your legs, arms and core daily to increase flexibility. Do squats, deadlifts and lunges to build leg muscles. Work your back, abs and posture to avoid relying on your arms when riding.
Pack a Travel Pouch
There’s nothing like taking off on a long ride at a moment’s notice. Prepare for sudden departures so you’re ready to go whenever you or your riding buddy gets the urge to ride. Keep a biking pack well stocked with water, snacks, medications, sunscreen, bug spray, repair tools and first aid supplies. You can grab it and go, knowing you have everything to tackle the outdoors.
Avoid the Hottest Times of the Day
2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 is on track to be even hotter. Extreme heat impairs athletic performance, increases fatigue and dehydration and limits cognitive reasoning, resulting in delayed response times.
The good news is that cyclists can handle extreme heat better than runners, thanks to the built-in breeze, but taking off on a long ride in temperatures over 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to heat stroke. You also don’t want to get stranded mid-loop during a medical emergency. Do most of your riding before 11 a.m. and after 2 p.m. to reduce your risk of overexertion.
Plan Your Route
Extreme weather, erosion and increased traffic are upending trail systems nationwide. Conditions can change at the drop of a hat as more people get involved with the sport. Some parks have strict occupancy limits to reduce accidents, which means waiting in line. Research your destination to find the best (quietest) times and days to ride.
Invest in Moisture-Wicking Layers
Expect to sweat more than usual as temperatures increase. You can’t rely on the breeze to cool you down when climbing steep hills. Wear moisture-wicking clothing made of synthetic materials like rayon, nylon and polyester that let air pass through to reduce perspiration. The water evaporates quickly even if you’re wearing multiple layers like rain protection to keep you dry. The clothing should fit snugly without limiting your range of motion.
Ready, Set, Ride!
Planning for a busy mountain biking season will help you pack more fun into the next few months. Wear the proper safety gear, maintain your bike and avoid the hottest days and times to make it through another record-hot summer.
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