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Aotearoa has some of the best mountain bike trails in the world that take mountain bikers to some of the most remote and breathtaking parts of the country.
Before heading out, you need to plan a successful trip by making sure you have a well-packed and balanced bike, you’re prepared for all weather conditions, have packed the right equipment and shared your plans with a trusted contact.
The NZ Mountain Safety Council has prepared a check list for mountain bikers planning to hit the trails.
1.Choose the right trip for you
Consider your ability, skills and fitness of everyone in your group.
Some questions to consider are:
- How long will it take to complete your trip? Will you be able to finish it during daylight? Remember to add extra time for travel, lunch and rest stops.
- How hard is the trip? Will everyone in the group be able to do it?
- Do you know which way to go? Will it be easy to follow the track and not get lost? Packing a map and track description will help.
- What is the landscape like? Are there any dangerous parts or difficult sections?
- Waterproof Jacket (shop men’s, women’s, youth)
- Helmet
- Tool Kit
- Headtorch and Lights
- Cell phone or Emergency Communications device
- Warm Clothing (Not Cotton)
- Small survival kit + First Aid Kit
- Map and compass/GPS
- Hat and Gloves
- Water and Food
- Share your plans with someone you trust. Tell them where you are going and when you will be back. If they don’t hear from you by an agreed time, they should call 111 and ask for the police. There are lots of ways to share your plans such as Plan My Walk. You can also write down the information on paper for your trusted person, email or text them.
- Think about how you would call for help if you needed to. Cell phone reception can be patchy or non-existent outside towns and cities, so consider taking a distress beacon.
- Stay in control
- Give way to walkers
- Signal your approach and pass with care
- Ride shared use tracks in small groups
- Ride only where permitted
- Obtain permission from private land owners
- Leave gates as your found them
- Be prepared – take food, first aid, tools, water, and warm clothes
- Don’t skid, cut corners or make new lines
- Avoid riding muddy tracks
- Take home rubbish
- Clean your bike to prevent spreading weeds