| Suggestions The
mountain bike, like every object made of wheels and metallic tubes, can
be very dangerous. For instance you could fall, slip, capsize, wear out,
crash or smash. But the risks can be significantly
reduced by following some simple rules. So here's some hints, derived from
my personal experience, to avoid falling, slipping, capsizing, wearing out,
crashing and smashing... |
|
|
|
1. Planning
|
|
|
Chüebodenhorn,
3070 m
With
a MTB you can go to many places, but not everywhere. Before flinging
yourself into mad expeditions, inquire about the conditions of the roads
and of the tracks, the mountain refuges and the alternative ways. Avoid
going on blindly, 'cause you could find yourself in unwelcoming places...
|
|
|
|
2. Style |
|
|
On the rocks of
Sasso Nero Pass
Being
able to turn the handlebar is not enough if you're driving your MTB on
harsh ground. Learn how to manage the brakes and to move your body forth and
back to face the steepest climbs and the toughest descents.
|
|
|
|
3. Concentration |
|
|
Flying men over Pernice Peak...
The
secret for survival is to always be attentive. While you're pedaling, don't get distracted by the stunning landscape and by any object
you might see on earth or in the sky. Your eyes must always be fixed on the
road, 'cause if you don't see an obstacles, you won't be able to skip it.
|
|
|
|
4. Determination |
|
|
The Gana Negra Pass, a good training center for
MTbikers...
When
you're facing a challenging descent, decide in advance what you're going
to do, and don't change your mind anymore. Your bike isn't as charitable
as Jesus, and it won't forgive you for you don't know what you're doing.
|
|
|
|
5. Humility |
|
|
The one who
wants to much...
The fact that
everyone is looking at you doesn't automatically increase your skills.
Stop and get down of your bicycle when the road gets too hard for you.
That might be a dishonor, but it's still better than falling...
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. Never
alone |
|
|
Harry and Nala
Men
aren't made for being alone. Find a reliable friend that will always
follow you without complaining. In case you'll be in troubles, he'll be
there to help you out. If he won't be in a worse situation...
And
if you don't even find a dog that wants to come with you, tell someone
where you're going to and what time you're supposed to be back.
|
| |
|
|
|
7. Maintenance |
|
|
On the steep
slopes of Vogorno Peak
Always check your
MTB before leaving, especially the brakes and the main screws. If the
handlebar comes loose while your going down at 60 mph, you'll regret not
having looked at it before.
|
| |
|
|
|
8. Helmet |
|
|
|
| |
Easy, a careful cat |
|
|
|
There's
no way you can foresee when and how you're going to fall. That's the
reason why you should always wear an helmet. |
| |
|
|
|
9. Equipment |
|
|
...???
In
your saddle bag there should always be a portable phone and the kit to
repair a flat tire. If you're going to a place that you don't know well,
you should also take care to bring a detailed map, a compass and an
altimeter. And to be able to use them...
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. Fun |
|
|
Morena is sinking into the leaves in the wood of the Colla
Valley
The reason people go mountain
biking is 'cause they want to have fun. If you easily loose your patience,
or starve if you don't continuously eat junk food, or have a fit every
time you see a pebble on the road, maybe mountain biking is not the sport
for you...
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. Always
on your feet |
|
|
Harry tastes the snow under the Cristallina Pass
(watch the movie - 610 KB)
Never
to fall is impossible. The most important rule is thus very simple:
learn to fall on your feet... A rule that is very helpful everywhere, not
only in mountain biking!
|
|
|
