(or who) is coming round a bend, slow down. Likewise, if you’ve never ridden a particular downhill before and don’t know what to anticipate, moderate your speed.
Make sure that your brakes are working efficiently and that your tyres are inflated properly (30–40psi depending on terrain, conditions, your weight and so on). Under-inflated tyres are more vulnerable to ‘pinch’ punctures. Check that all quick release levers are tight and wheels are secure.
Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water, some high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS as well as a mobile phone, and wear some sun block in summer. Carry waterproofs in wet weather (see below). Carry spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit, a pump and basic tool kit. Carry lights if there’s any chance you’ll be returning after dusk (equipment is covered in more detail below). If you go riding on your own, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. In the event of a serious accident requiring urgent assistance, dial 999 and ask for the police or ambulance. Be ready to give a map grid reference.
Hospital accident and emergency departments in the region are listed in Appendix B.
Equipment
Retro mountain bike? There’s no bike Carl at Bike Love in Glasgow can’t fix
Your bike
Out on the hills, glens and forests of central and southern Scotland you’ll encounter mountain bikers riding machines costing between a few hundred pounds and a few thousand. Your choice of bike is contingent on a number of factors, but is generally the sum of disposable income divided by degree of enthusiasm. There’s no doubt that a top-of-the-range, lightweight bike with high-specification components can only add to the enjoyment of off-road cycling. However, there’s little point spending thousands on a bike that only sees action a few times a year. For those who are serious about their sport a good quality machine is essential, but choosing the right type of mountain bike for you is a far more important business than the relative cost alone, and it’s best to seek advice from reputable bike retailers before buying.
Choosing the right frame size is a crucial factor, bearing in mind that a smaller frame than you would need for a road bike is better suited for off-road riding. An increasing number of mountain bikers ride full-suspension bikes, which take the edge off the bone-jarring sensations experienced on rougher terrain; a smoother ride also means greater control, especially on downhills and ‘technical’ terrain. Many of the trails encountered at the trail centres throughout southern and central Scotland are as appropriate terrain for full-suspension bikes as anywhere, although many people still prefer to ride ‘hardtail’ machines – that is, front suspension only – which are lighter and faster uphill. This is a matter of personal preference, dictated in part by the kind of riding you do.
Helmet
Looking over to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs from the Campsie Fells (Route 18)
The vast majority of mountain bikers wear a helmet with very good reason. The nature of the activity means that taking a tumble is a likelihood at some point. If this happens when you’re travelling downhill at speed, you’re at risk of serious injury. As well as injuries such as broken bones and serious gashes, a head injury can be fatal or cause permanent disability or paralysis. A helmet may not prevent such serious injuries in some cases, but in others it might.
Body armour
Some of the region’s trail centres are popular venues for downhilling and freeriding – highly technical riding that involves negotiating jumps and various obstacles (both natural and those made by ‘trail builders’), preferably at high speed. Unsurprisingly, enthusiasts often wear full-face helmets, neck braces and body armour – with good reason.
Body armour is cumbersome and unnecessary for the less death-defying activity of cross-country (or XC, as some style it) mountain biking, but if you like to take on a few jumps here and there, then shin, knee and elbow pads are a consideration.
First aid kit
Through the forestry on Windy Standard in the Glenkens (Route 6)
Taking a tumble at speed in rocky or wooded terrain can result in broken bones or nasty gashes – all the more reason to wear a helmet. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many mountain bikers don’t carry a first aid kit with them. If you break a collarbone – a not uncommon injury among mountain bikers – a triangular bandage can be used to make a sling. Wound dressings, plasters, antiseptic wipes, latex gloves and painkillers can also be very useful.
Gloves
These improve grip on your handlebars, keep your hands warm in winter and provide protection when you fall off – which is inevitable on occasion.
Eyewear
Many riders wear sunglasses to reduce glare on bright days, but also as protection from mud, debris and flying insects – especially on fast descents. There are many bike-specific sunglasses on the market, some of which have interchangeable lenses with different colours for different light conditions. Downhillers and free-riders sometimes wear ski goggles.
Clothing
There is no shortage of biking-specific clothing on the market, and specialised off-road gear comprises a significant part of this. With the funds and inclination, many hundreds of pounds can be spent on equipping yourself for mountain biking, and for dedicated enthusiasts it may constitute money well spent. However, there are some essentials worth considering even for infrequent mountain bikers. Wickable base layers, underwear, mid-layers and top layers can make what is often a sweaty activity much more comfortable. Stopping for a breather in a sweat-drenched cotton top is asking for trouble even in a light breeze. Shorts or wickable undershorts with a padded seat ensure a more comfortable relationship with your saddle, especially on longer rides.
Biking-specific waterproofs are designed for a close fit and freedom of movement so as to avoid drag or getting caught up in your bike’s moving parts. Waterproofs should be a ‘breathable’ material, such as Gore-Tex.
Many mountain bikers use the SPD pedal system with shoes that clip onto the pedal using cleats, which provides greater stability and makes pedalling more efficient by engaging the ‘backstroke’. Whether using SPDs, ‘platform’ pedals or other systems, waterproof overshoes and/or waterproof socks can be useful in wet conditions.
Tools and maintenance
Heather in bloom in the Lammermuir Hills (Route 12)
Whatever choices you make about the type of bike you ride, the more use it gets the more maintenance it will require. However expensive or inexpensive your bike, it needs to be looked after. Off-road riding can take it out of a bike, especially in wet and muddy conditions. It’s important to keep your bike at least reasonably clean and keep its moving parts lubricated. A well-maintained bike performs better and its components will last longer.
In dry periods during the summer months – even in Scotland! – some paths and tracks can develop a layer of fine dust, which combined with ordinary chain oil produces a highly effective grinding paste that will punish your bike’s drive-train.
