When you go out for a mountain biking route, it is quite common to encounter some unforeseen event, whether it's a mechanical breakdown, heatstroke, or physical discomfort caused by exertion. The truth is that, whether you ride on trails with mountain bikes or on asphalt with road bikes, prior planning makes the difference between an enjoyable outing or a frustrating day.
Having your bike checked and well tuned is the first step to prevent mechanical failures. In the case of MTB, for example, improper suspension pressure or a poorly adjusted derailleur can complicate your ride in technical areas. For road bikes, not keeping the drivetrain clean or the tires properly inflated can turn a simple ride into an ordeal.
In addition, planning your route well and bringing enough food and drink is essential, especially if you are facing demanding routes or high temperatures. This is key to avoid dizziness, cramps, or discomfort from dehydration, something that can happen both on dirt tracks and mountain passes.
These are the five most common incidents when you go out cycling in the countryside or on the road, and how to prevent them so you can enjoy your bike ride to the fullest.
How to fix a flat tire
The most common breakdown on trails and tracks is a flat tire. And that's why the accessories and tools you will always need in your backpack are to solve this problem. If your wheels have an inner tube, a good tip is to bring at least one spare tube, new, that hasn't been repaired. Also, a puncture repair kit, tire levers, and a lightweight, comfortable air pump. To prevent them you can use anti-puncture strips, made of kevlar, which are tapes you place at the base of the tire to act as a separator with the tire itself. Anti-puncture sprays are also becoming popular, which are as useful for preventing as for repairing punctures, as long as the hole is less than 2 or 3 millimeters. To repair a basic puncture with patches, the first thing is to read the instructions for your repair kit. With few exceptions, the usual procedure will be as follows:
- Remove the wheel from the bike and take off the tire with the appropriate tool.
- Remove the inner tube or tire and carefully inspect it until you find the puncture. The best way is to inflate it and see where the air escapes.
- Check the tire very carefully. Sometimes the cause of the puncture remains stuck, which means you'll get another flat in the first few meters.
- Sand the puncture and then spread glue over an area slightly larger than where the patch will go. Let it dry and then apply the patch on top. Apply pressure and wait a few minutes.
- Inflate the tire to check that it has been properly repaired and that no air is escaping due to poor patch placement. If everything is fine, assemble and start pedaling.
What to do if the chain breaks
A breakdown that is not common, but that has happened to all mountain bikers at some point, is a broken chain. Whether due to years of wear, a mechanical problem, or any other cause.
To fix it and get by, avoiding having to walk back and drag the bike, you need to carry a chain tool and spare links in your backpack.
Ideally, before the ride you would have seen how to repair this issue or at least tried it, but this is usually not the case. The first time a cyclist breaks a chain, they feel lost. That's why going out on a ride with company is undoubtedly the best medicine at that moment. In these types of emergency repairs, you should:
- Using the chain tool, push out the pin from one end of the broken link.
- With the chain already off the bike, remove the second pin.
- Attach one end of a spare individual link you have with you.
- Put the chain back in place and insert the second pin. Be patient, it's not a simple operation.
- If you don't have spare links, you'll need to remove a second link from the chain and reassemble it. But you will have shortened the length, so it's very likely that the shifting system won't work properly. If that's the case, you will have no choice but to return and abandon the ride.
We're lost!
Sometimes it happens. Planning a mountain bike route is essential to know the route, alternatives, possible rest stops, intersections, distances, and any other useful information that allows you to anticipate any unforeseen events. Even so, the desire for adventure and enthusiasm sometimes lead you to head out without knowing the route. That's why it's important to go with company. Find a group of cyclists that's already formed or create your own with a few friends. And keep the following tips in mind:
- Before starting the route, share the information you have. And during the ride, the cyclist who is guiding, because they know the way or have prepared it, should update the group with the information.
- Keep the group together, in a pack. If you're not racing and are cycling for fun, the pace of the group should be set by the slowest cyclist.
- If the group splits up, those who go ahead should stop at any intersection that could cause confusion. Ideally at all of them. Waiting to regroup. This usually happens especially in downhill areas with long distances.
- Of course, if there is coverage in the area, everyone should carry their mobile phones and everyone should share their numbers. Using Whatsapp is recommended. However, keep in mind that in the mountains it is common not to have coverage.
Preventing Dehydration
When you plan the route, especially the first one, knowing the distance you are going to cover, checking the weather forecast, and finding out where you can refill your water are three vital aspects. On a very hot day, on routes through dry areas, it is necessary to carry a good amount of water. Riding in a group gives you the security of sharing when someone runs out. If the situation is serious, stop the route, everyone goes home. While riding, don't wait until you're thirsty—drink water frequently, in small amounts, to avoid dehydration. A good alternative is to carry some isotonic drink instead of water, because besides hydrating you it will provide salts, minerals, and other compounds that will help your body keep up the pace and finish the route in good condition.
Food Supplies on an MTB Route
Yes, a bad calculation of your physical condition can end up with a bonk. This is the nickname for the fatigue caused by your muscles lacking energy. It is advisable to make a stop to eat. A banana, some cookies, some nuts or an energy bar will help you maintain your pace and energy. There are bars, gels, and nutritional supplements on the market
specifically designed for cycling. If you still have a crash, stop immediately. Rest. Rehydrate. Consume sugars. And if necessary, it is always better to suspend the route and wait for a companion to pick you up in a vehicle if possible. Remember, in the mountains and on a bike, it is always better to go in a group than alone.
