Mountain Biking Safety Tips

Mountain biking is a thrilling and challenging activity that can provide a sense of adventure and accomplishment. However, it is also important to be aware of the risks involved and to take steps to minimise them.

Here are some common risks associated with mountain biking and a few tips to stay safe:

Falls and crashes

Mountain biking involves riding over rough terrain and can be physically demanding, which increases the risks of falls and crashes. To reduce the likelihood of falling, be sure to use proper body positioning and maintain control of your bike at all times. Wearing a helmet and protective gear can also help to mitigate the severity of injuries in the event of a fall.

Weather-related hazards

Mountain biking can be affected by a range of weather conditions, including rain wind and extreme heat. Make sure to check the forecast before setting out and be prepared for weather changes. Bring a light rain jacket if there’s a chance of rain and pack plenty of water to stay hydrated if it’s going to be hot.

Mechanical issues

Mountain bikes are subject to wear and tear, and mechanical issues can arise while out on the trail. To reduce the risk of mechanical issues, make sure to regularly maintain your bike and carry basic tools and supplies like a spare inner tube and multi-tool.

Trail hazards

The trails used for mountain biking can be rough and uneven and may contain obstacles such as roots, rocks and drops. To stay safe, pay attention to the trail and be prepared for unexpected hazards. Ride within your skill level and be mindful of your surroundings.

Encountering wildlife

Mountain biking can take you into areas where you may encounter wildlife, at Lake Mountain be particularly aware of snakes. To reduce the risk of a bad encounter with wildlife, be sure to follow proper safety protocols and be conscious and respectful of the animals’ habits.

Snakes

Snakes are cold-blooded, and you are unlikely to come across them in the southern parts of Australia during winter. In the summer months, however, they are often sighted out in the open warming themselves in the sun. It is not uncommon to come across snakes on the trails of Lake Mountain. Snakes are very aware of human presence and they will most often stay clear of the trails, so stick to the trails and there will be less chance of any encounters. That said, you should always be prepared and understand what to do if you do come across a snake.

Pay attention to your surroundings, and be conscious that you are in the snake’s environment. Don’t just assume that a stick is simply a stick. Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear can also help avoid a negative encounter with a snake. Long pants in areas where snakes are present can be a good idea.

Here’s what to do if you come across the snake on the trail:

• Stand still and try to determine what the snake is doing.
• Once you have worked out what the snake is doing, move away slowly in the opposite direction, or let the snake pass while you stay still.
• Don’t try to touch, handle or be aggressive towards the snake. This is how many snake bites occur.

Here’s what to do if you do get bitten by a snake:

• Don’t wash or clean the wound or try to suck the poison out like they do in the movies.
• Call for help using your mobile phone or by using a personal homing beacon if you have one.
• Stay calm and wait until help arrives. Moving around too much will only help spread the venom throughout your body.
• Apply pressure immobilisation to the bite area. This means bandaging the bite area as tightly as you would a sprained ankle and continue the bandaging up the affected limb.
• Get a photo of the snake if you can. If this is unrealistic, try to take note of the snakes defining features; colour, appearance, etc. This can help to quickly identify the type of snake and speed up the provision of anti-venom.

We should all respect that when we are in the bush, we are in a snake’s natural habitat. To manage our encounters with them, preparation and education is the most important factor. It is recommended that if you spend time out enjoying the bush, you and your friends should be up to date with a first aid certificate. This will ensure that in the unlikely event of first aid being required, you are all prepared.

Mountain biking is a fun and exciting activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the sport and to take steps to minimise them. By staying alert, following proper safety protocols and being prepared, you can enjoy your day out riding while minimising any possible risks. There are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself safe while mountain biking. Forming and practising safe habits will not only keep you out of any trouble, but it will also mean you always have a great experience out on the trail. The following are some of the things you can do to stay safe on the trail.

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while mountain biking is to wear the proper protective gear. A helmet is an absolute must-have for any mountain bike ride. It may seem like a hassle to put on, but it can save your life in the event of a crash or fall. Look for a helmet that fits well and is certified to meet safety standards. Gloves are another important piece of protective gear. They can help protect your hands in the event of a fall and can also provide a more comfortable grip on the handlebars. Knee and elbow pads are also worth considering, especially if you’re an aggressive rider or if you’re tackling more technical trails. These pads can help protect your joints in the event of a crash or fall, and can also provide additional comfort on longer rides.

Check out our article on what to wear mountain biking if you want to be across all the right safety gear.

Mountain biking can be physically demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated and nourished during your rides. Make sure to bring a water bottle or hydration pack with you on the trails, and drink plenty of fluids to keep your body properly hydrated. It’s also a good idea to bring along snacks, such as energy bars or fruit, to keep your energy levels up. A good backpack is ideal for storing all these items. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit and some basic maintenance tools, which brings us to our next point.

In the event of an accident or injury, it’s important to know basic first aid and bike maintenance skills. This includes knowing how to properly care for cuts and scrapes, and how to fix a flat tire or make other basic repairs on the trail. There are plenty of create bike maintenance videos you can find online and many first aid courses you can enrol in.

One of the first steps to safety on the trails is to be sure your bike is in good working order. Proper maintenance is key to minimising your risk of accidents or breakdowns on the trails. Be sure to regularly inspect your bike for any signs of wear or damage, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Check your brakes, tires, and chain regularly to ensure they are in good working order. It’s also a good idea to keep a basic repair kit with you on the trails, including a spare inner tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool.

Mountain biking can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to follow proper trail etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. This includes respecting other riders and pedestrians, as well as the environment. When passing other riders, be sure to let them know you’re coming and give them plenty of space. It’s also a good idea to yield to uphill riders, as they have the right of way. Be mindful of the environment and leave no trace behind. This means packing out any trash you bring with you and not disturbing wildlife or vegetation.

• Stay visible: Make sure that you remain visible to other riders and people using the trails, especially at night or if there is low visibility.
• Use hand signals: Use hand signals to indicate your intention to other riders. This will help prevent accidents and make it easier for other riders and trail users to predict your movements.
• Stay alert: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of other riders and trail users. Avoid distractions and focus on the trail ahead.
• Choose safe routes: It’s always great to challenge yourself, however, be realistic about your level of experience and choose trails that align with your riding competency. Mountain biking is great fun, and the more experience you gain, the more you can level up to harder trails. At Lake Mountain, we have a variety of different trails with different degrees of difficulty.

Now that you are across all the ins and outs of mountain bike safety, you can hit the trails and ride with more confidence. By following these rules, you can reduce the risk of accidents or injury and stay safe while riding. If you’re just starting, check out our basic guide to mountain biking to learn a little more about this fun and exciting activity. Lake Mountain also offers mountain bike hire, so you can come up for the day, grab all the gear and see what all the fuss is about. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, follow etiquette and have a safe and enjoyable ride.