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?
2.Understand the weather
Weather can make or break a trip. It’s one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors. As it can change fast, you should always check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3.Pack warm clothes and extra food
A key part of your preparation is having a well-packed and balanced bike. If you’re heading out for a longer day ride or overnight, there are plenty of options for carrying your gear.
If you’re wearing a backpack, keep it light and try and limit it to items you will use throughout the day. Warm clothes and food should definitely go in here.
If you’re heading out overnight, such as on the Timber Trail, Old Ghost Road or Paparoa Track, you’ll need more than just a backpack. We recommend only putting lighter items on the front of your bike, such as your sleeping bag. You can store heavier items in a frame bag or on the back of the bike where it will have less influence on your bike’s handling.
Mountain Biking Essentials Gear List:
- 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
For a full gear list for epic missions, including what tools and spares you should carry with you, check the Backcountry Mountain Biking Guide
4.Share your plans
We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you got hurt or lost on your trip, or came across someone who was, how would you get help?
- 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.
Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council can help those planning to tackle a mountain biking adventure. They can make a customisable route, then check the weather forecast and alerts, and use the My Gear List feature to create a trip plan to share with a trusted contact.
5.Take care of yourself and each other
Follow the official Mountain Bikers Code:
Respect Others
- Stay in control
- Give way to walkers
- Signal your approach and pass with care
- Ride shared use tracks in small groups
Respect the Rules
- 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
Respect the Track
- Don’t skid, cut corners or make new lines
- Avoid riding muddy tracks
- Take home rubbish
- Clean your bike to prevent spreading weeds
This blog was written by the NZ Mountain Safety Council.
