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Hints & Tips We know you will love your experience of southern Scotland's outstanding mountain biking, however there are some essentials that we make no apology for mentioning here, to ensure you have as safe and enjoyable ride as possible. Always fully inspect your bike before every ride, particularly if you are hiring. Take a little extra time before you set out to make sure that everything is adjusted and functioning properly and check that you have a few extra bits with you. Essential equipment: Cycle helmet. A full face type is recommended but never attempt any trail without a MB helmet. Gloves. Protective eye-wear. First Aid kit including insect repellant (we recommend Stop Bite) and/or midge head net (we recommend The Stopper) plus something for bites and stings (we recommend Itch Ease and Sting Ease). Water in an appropriate container. Inner tubes. At least two tubes for each rider Tyre lever. Patch kit. Pump. Multi tool inc.chain tool. (SRAM quick links are a good idea). Map of trail (available as a downloadable PDF in Route Maps section) stored in a waterproof device or OS landranger series for non marked routes. Compass Mobile Phone - We recommend that, where possible a number of phones each using a different network be taken as a precaution against signal problems. Extra stuff for longer days out: Food. Survival blanket/mountain shelter. Extra clothing. Spare replaceable drop out. Plastic from a tooth paste tube (to patch a torn tyre). Gaffer tape. Zip ties. Any special tool your bike may require. We also recommend you consider the following for Downhill: Full face helmet Full Gloves Long Sleeves Full Body armour Elbow guards Knee and shin pads Backguard Chainguard (to protect your bike) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Code of Conduct - Common sense really, but we urge everyone to project a positive and polite image for the sport at all times. Always check the weather and let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return. Practice low impact riding at all times. Ride within your limits both physically and technically. Always give way to faster riders on DH. On XC, give way to riders coming uphill. When stopping on the trail make sure your bike and equipment are kept well “off the line”. You could endanger other riders and yourself. Do not litter and leave no trace of your visit. Never scare animals. Always leave gates as you find them or as marked. Respect local residents and take care on approach roads to trail centres. In an emergency - If after all your preparation and precautions someone in your party has a 'big off' , then all that extra stuff you are carrying will come in handy and you should be able to patch up both rider and bike to get you back. However in the event of a more serious situation and it is not possible for everyone to get back under their own steam, then you will require to call for help. In preparation for this, please refer to the Medical Facilities section for full details of all the services you might need. Courtesy of Clive Forth & Bikefax |
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