Kamis, 13 Desember 2012

Taking The Family On A Biking Excursion

Unless you've been living in a particularly remote cave for the last couple of months, you can't have failed to notice that two-wheeled transport seems to be all the rage at the moment. Bradley Wiggins' triumph in the Tour de France and the successes of Britain's cycling teams in the Olympic and Paralympic Games put what is usually a minority sport on the front pages for the first time in years. But while road and track cycling appears to be in fashion at present, there's also plenty to recommend mountain biking. Getting on your bike and exploring the rugged terrain of the countryside can be a rewarding way to spend a weekend. But before you pack up your tent and head for the hills, here are a few things you should remember.

According to eHow.com, one thing you should think about before you head off in search of some top-quality mountain bike is precisely which trail would be best suited to your particular level of ability. If you're planning on taking your family with you, you'll also need to consider whether there are trails which are suitable for the younger or less experienced members of your group. However seasoned a mountain biker you are personally, you don't want to push the rest of the family too hard. For one thing, doing so might result in some sort of accident - and it seems unlikely that your family would be too keen on going mountain biking with you again after that.

Make sure you think carefully about the trail you intend to take - if the trail doesn't loop back to its starting point, it may be a good idea to arrange to be picked up once you get to the end. Some trails are rocky and challenging, while others are wider and easier for the whole family to ride on. Changes in elevation also have a major bearing on the overall difficulty of the trail, so that's something else you'll need to ponder. Some trails also allow riders to take their dogs with them, but others don't. Of course, the scenery is a major draw of mountain biking, so make sure you choose somewhere that offers some truly spectacular sights.

An article at Wanderlust.co.uk, meanwhile, points out that mountain biking is a pursuit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages - although it helps, of course, to be in good physical condition before you set out. The author also recommends familiarising yourself with basic bike repair techniques first, so that you're able to patch your bike up should you suffer a puncture, for example. In addition, you should also think carefully about whether your own abilities are up to the challenge of the trail you've chosen - you need to be careful not to inadvertently overdo things.

Another piece from the American Adventure Cycling Association recommends checking to ensure that your bike's suspension and frame are sufficiently robust to withstand the pressures they're likely to have to endure when you're out and about. Of course, if you feel the need to upgrade your bike or you have any nagging concerns you're not quite sure about, you can find the equipment you need, whether a a 6-man tent or a foot pump - along with expert advice - at bike shops.

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