Preparing for your mountain bike ride
Check the ABC's
If you don't know how to ✓ any of the ABC's, contact the ride leader before the ride to review this with you.
Air
Check the air in your tires and rear shock. Your front fork can usually be checked once a quarter and be fine.
Let's elaborate:
Tires: If tubeless: suggestion: 25 PSI in the rear and 22 PSI in the front. For tubeless, you can still go way lower, it just depends on the ride you want. With Tubes you need to run a wee bit higher: 28 in the rear and 25 in the front
Rear Shock: (you need a shock pump for this): figure out what pressure works best for you with your bike shop or a rider educated on suspension set up. Once you figure out the proper pressure, write that number down using a Sharpie and a piece of tape. Place tape on frame near the shock. Or, put a note in your phone.
Brakes
Make sure they work! Test the front and rear brake independently to make sure they are both working properly. Spin each wheel, with it lifted off the ground, to ensure that the tires spin freely.
Chain
Lube your chain.
Suggested items for all rides
Helmet, full finger gloves, biking shoes
Water, water, water!
Sunglasses
Sunblock
At least 1 tube, tire lever, pump or CO2, & a patch kit
Garmin (if applicable)
Additional items to carry for shorter rides under 2 hours
1 tube & a patch kit
Air pump and or C02
Tire levers
Multi Tool
2 Gu's or energy equivalent
Snacks
Hydration with electrolytes
Cell phone & charger
2 Way radio: GGR station is 5.25
Cash/Credit Card/ID/Road ID/Copy of your health insurance card
Additional items to carry for longer rides from about 2.5 to 4 hours
2 tubes & a patch kit
Air pump and or C02
Tire levers
Multi Tool
Zip Ties
Chain Breaker
Derailer hanger
Mini scissors
1st aid kit
Chain links
Duct tape
Extra Chamois Cream
Cell phone & charger
2 Way radio: GGR station is 5.25
1 Gu's per hour of riding or energy equivalent
Snacks that equal about 240 calories per hour
Hydration with electrolytes
Sport Legs/Electrolyte Pills/Kramp Krushers (I highly suggest these for longer rides!)
Cash/Credit Card/ID/Road ID/Copy of your health insurance card
Helmet, full finger gloves, biking shoes
Water, water, water!
Sunglasses
Sunblock
At least 1 tube, tire lever, pump or CO2, & a patch kit
Garmin (if applicable)
Additional items to carry for shorter rides under 2 hours
1 tube & a patch kit
Air pump and or C02
Tire levers
Multi Tool
2 Gu's or energy equivalent
Snacks
Hydration with electrolytes
Cell phone & charger
2 Way radio: GGR station is 5.25
Cash/Credit Card/ID/Road ID/Copy of your health insurance card
Additional items to carry for longer rides from about 2.5 to 4 hours
2 tubes & a patch kit
Air pump and or C02
Tire levers
Multi Tool
Zip Ties
Chain Breaker
Derailer hanger
Mini scissors
1st aid kit
Chain links
Duct tape
Extra Chamois Cream
Cell phone & charger
2 Way radio: GGR station is 5.25
1 Gu's per hour of riding or energy equivalent
Snacks that equal about 240 calories per hour
Hydration with electrolytes
Sport Legs/Electrolyte Pills/Kramp Krushers (I highly suggest these for longer rides!)
Cash/Credit Card/ID/Road ID/Copy of your health insurance card