While mountain biking in frosty temperatures can be exhilarating, it can also be dangerous for someone who does not take the proper precautions. Regardless if you are going out for a casual or extreme ride, the rush is there, and it can often overpower your safety, health and well-being.
Studies have shown that biking in semi-cool weather (40 to 45 degrees F) is actually more dangerous than biking in colder weather. Most people act with caution when it is freezing outside, but are less concerned if the weather seems modestly chilly or moderate.
Simply put, do not assume that just because it feels cool and wonderful outside now, that it will not drop below freezing and leave you stone-cold and uncomfortable on your bike.
Extreme Mountain Biking Tips
- If you decide to pursue extreme mountain biking, the first step is to learn how to interpret the weather forecast. Temperature outside is not always indicative of how it will feel. Make sure you look at the wind chill before you suit up and roll out. Wind is capable of dropping the mercury by more than twenty four degrees, so be sure you pay attention to the weather and forecast conditions.
- A great practice to keep your insides and outsides warm while extreme mountain biking is to fill your Camelback bag with warm drinks instead of cold ones. You could heat up some of your favorite energy drink or performance beverage in the microwave to give you a bit of warmth. You will feel the heat in your pack against your back, as well as in your stomach. Remember, your wrists, back, and neck are three places that need to stay warm, or you get cold quick!
- Mountain bikers that consider a more extreme mountain biking approach often neglect their fingers and toes. Even if you are wearing insulated shoes and gloves, air can penetrate like a knife! Purchase either a chemical heater at your local drug-store or pharmacy, which will automatically warm when exposed to air. This is a good way to ensure you do not get frost bite on those extremities.
- I would definitely recommend wearing a few layers of clothing for extreme mountain biking in the frosty cold temperatures. You can pickup some wonderful performance items to keep you warm at a local sporting goods franchise. At times, performance gear can get expensive.. but it is worth every penny! First, your body which should be warm but not sweaty. You want something that will absorb as to not have sweat against your skin (we know where that leads!) The next layer should be insulation, thermals, sweats, etc to keep you warm. Third and final layer could be something as simple as a wind breaker or vest to block the frosty wind chill.
Most types of mountain biking or extreme mountain biking can typically be granulized into three main styles: downhill, free-riding, and cross country. Even though there are many similarities between these three styles, each contains its own elements and require set of specialized skills and equipment.
We want you to be safe, we want you to have fun, but you definitely need to be informed. We have many articles about bike safety, picking a bike, and other component reviews that can help you get on your way! Bike on!
Article by Justin Shattuck
Image by James De Vile