Even though exists a greater cycling infrastructure in the city, we can’t deny that cycling on trails is a unique experience. The contact with nature, and the mental escape that pedaling provides you, is the perfect combination if you want to relax.
Of course, that, circulating within a separated bikeway in the city, also allow to ride more relaxed, due confibicis work as a physical barrier that maintain vehicles separated from you.
However, cycling on a trail is totally different, due, even though are certain zones where cars don’t circulate, there are certain precautions you must follow to pedal safely. In today’s ride we will tell you these measures.
Wear your helmet, don’t forget your emergency kit and prepare for this road full of slopes.
Cycling on trails, what should I consider?
Cycling on trails is a unique experience. It is an activity that combines excitement, adrenaline, mystery and fun. In one hand, there’s the excitement of covering new roads. On the other hand, the suspense of not knowing where they will take you and everything that you will find.
From beautiful landscapes to the top of your senses and abilities, these are some of the experiences you will find with flat, irregular, ascents, descents, rocky or water bodies, fallen leaves, sun, rain, cold, heat, day, night, etc.
For that, the main thing to know is that even though it isn’t obligatory, the best is to cover the trails with a mountain or gravel bike. These have physical and technical features that will make you a more comfortable and easier way, in comparison to a road bike; besides, these won’t suffer many damages.
The second is having the necessary equipment, by being irregular surfaces, you are exposed to flat tires or any mechanic fail, so, don’t forget your basic tool kit. In addition, you should carry your rear and front lights, because even during day, there are certain zones with little sunlight.
Finally, your tires are key, as wider and better grip these have, you will be less exposed to falls and slips. The humidity of the field cause rocks, roots and ground are more slippery. By knowing this, we give you the recommendation of cycling on trails in the different paths you might find in the way.
Flat ground
Even though is difficult to find a flat ground, you surely will pass for a flat area. In these cases, be careful with holes, these might be hidden by puddles or fallen leaves.
It doesn’t matter if you already know the field that you pass by, try to follow the route that has been marked by other tires. If you decide to adventure yourself for other way, try to pass in perpendicular way the obstacles, such as rocks or roots. Avoid to circulate in zones with vegetation.
Climbing
When climbing is important to use your speeds. If you are going by a very inclined slope, is important to perform the changes to a lighter speed before starting to climb, doing it when you are on it will difficult pedalling on the first moments.
Now, the key is to achieve a correct traction, for that, we recommend you to ascend seated. If you stand up of your seat to pedal, you are distributing your weight in both tires. On the other hand, if seated, you generate greater traction in the rear tire, which is the one that generates the advance.
Try to overtake in the way, meaning, observe what you will have to pass in some meters, that will help you to decide the route and speed.
Descent
When going down, the most dangerous moments will be the curves, reduce the speed when taking one.
Now, if performed in fields full of leaves with mud, your bike will take longer to stop, for that, you will have to calculate the braking time and distance.
Consider that you can last more standing for complete depending in the field conditions.
Having this in mind, if going in group or with a companion, maintain a greater distance among you to don’t cause a collision.
Now you have a better idea of how to cycling on trails, enjoy your rides and new adventures. Remember that your safety is first.
