
"Your Apprenticeship to Mountain Biking"
by Sir Nagsalot
Welcome to another of Sir Nagsalot's cyberchats. Admittedly, chats with Sir Nagsalot are often very one-sided and, not surprisingly, he tends to nag... a lot! Try not to get too offended. He's a good hearted fellow and only cares about your well being and, yes, the sound of his own nag-hole. So, why not pull up your chair and see what pearls of wisdom Sir Nagsalot has for us today...
Introduction
Mountain biking is a relatively recent phenomenon. While I insist that I alone invented mountain biking when I nailed wheels onto my first horse, more "sensible" people continue to debate about when and where the first mountain bike was invented. It is generally agreed that the sport began in the late 1970’s when creative folks began adapting bikes to mountainous terrain by building lighter, sturdier frames, using large knobby tires, incorporating gears and derailleurs and developing front and rear suspension components. Today’s modern mountain bike can traverse terrain that would have been totally unrideable just two decades ago. As mountain biking has grown in popularity and more sophisticated equipment has been invented, the sport has developed specialized segments. Currently, mountain bikes are categorized as race, cross-country, all-mountain, downhill, and freeride. The vast majority of our riders fit in the cross-country riding group.
Protecting Your Noggin
Always, always, always wear a helmet! On the trail, on the bike, on your head. A mountain biker's helmet is often changed out when cracked, not when unfashionable. The Black Knight may fight on as a dismembered torso ("It's just a flesh wound!" he says). You and I are not as hardy. And if you're the type who likes to kiss Mother Earth often and hard, you may want to consider a full-face helmet or one with a chin guard.
Your Steed
Get ye, young squire, a worthy steed! While bikes with no suspension are some of the lightest and most dependable, those with front suspension forks and rear shocks provide a more comfortable and stable ride. For many years now, disc brakes have come on the scene, giving added stopping power for those who like to ride fast and steep. The latest innovation is the introduction of bikes with 29" or 27.5" wheels. Mark my words: I predict future bike wheels shall evolve into, as my peasants call me, a total square with one huge knob!
Proper Attire
While any shirt and pair of shorts will do, most bikers wear clothes specially designed for the sport. Polypro and spandex fabrics wick moisture away from the skin, chafe less, and are warmer than cotton when wet and won't rust like chain mail. For fashion, practicality, and decency for others, most mountain bikers prefer baggy shorts instead of the skin-fitting variety. Because the weather in Colorado’s high country can change at a moment's notice, it is always wise to carry a windbreaker and rain gear. And while nothing slaps the face of an opponent as well as a full metal gauntlet, most padded gloves are sufficient for mountain biking. Leather, neoprene, cotton, gel, half-fingered, full-fingered, six-fingered(!)... Gloves come in many forms. All will protect your hands against numbing while riding and more serious injuries should you decide (voluntarily, of course) to fly like Superman off your bike. As for your feet, most athletic shoes will do well enough on platform or toe-clip pedals. However, most riders prefer true bike shoes and clipless pedals for added stability and control.
Accessories
Sun protection and hydration are especially important in Colorado's high altitude. Many rides may last for hours in the blazing sun without access to drinkable water or significant shade. Always wear sunglasses. In addition to UV protection, they'll shield your eyes from stray branches, rocks, or mud splatters. Ye olde skin doctor recommends applying sunblock with an SPF of 30+ at least half an hour before you go outdoors. A lip balm with an SPF of 15 or above is also a good idea. While you should always tailor your water needs for each specific ride, we highly recommend carrying at least 2 quarts of water for rides into the wilds. Water bottles tend to have limited capacity, get splattered with mud and be difficult to access while riding. A backpack with a large water reservoir (i.e. Camelbak) addresses all these concerns and provides space to carry additional items. A basic first aid kit (leeches optional) is also recommended.
Tools of thy Trade
Dragons, insolent peasants, flaming chasms, Rodents Of Unusual Size, lustful cougars... Off-road riding poses many inherent risks which may prove especially dangerous when encountered in the great outdoors far from civilization. While mechanical problems can crop up on any ride, the frequency and severity may be reduced by keeping one’s bike in good condition. Backcountry bikers should carry at least a tire patch kit, a spare tube, a multi-purpose tool (with allen wrenches, chain tool, screw drivers, etc.), and tire pump. Many experienced riders also carry a bit of wire and duct tape to patch things together when things go seriously wrong. If you are riding with a group, check to see that others have the tools you don't. Carrying a cell phone, GPS unit, and maps is also a good idea. That or, do like me: always travel with your trusty village crier and scrying stone.
Trail Guides
While your trusty bar wench may know where to go for a "fun time," mountain bikers often must consult the written tomes. In the wild, it's always good to know where you are and where you're going. Happily, there are many excellent trail maps and guide books available to lead you out into unexplored territory and get you safely back. Please check out the Links page for some suggested reads. If you are brand new to mountain biking, feel free to download and print out a copy of our "Trail Guide for Novice Bikers." Newer bikers should ride within their own comfort level. Inevitably, we all fall. We all crash. We all learn from our mistakes. That's the trick to the sport and love of mountain biking.
Returning to Bike Another Day
Know ahead of time what level of skill and stamina the trail will demand of you. If possible, don’t ride alone. I did mention lustful cougars, didn't I? Always let someone (an heir to your kingdom, perhaps?) know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Carry a copy of your driver’s license, health insurance card, and a short list of people (NOT a list of short people!) to contact in an emergency. If you spend much time way out yonder, it is a good idea to have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search And Rescue (CORSAR) card, too - available for just $3 per year (or $12 for 5 years).
"The Gentleman and Lady Biker"
by Sir Nagsalot
If you're here, there is no doubt you are enjoying your quality time with Sir Nagsalot. Here he offers some proper rules of conduct for the gentleman or lady mountain biker. Take heed his nags (I mean advice), since you won't likely be able to call for his aid in the great outdoors.
The Unfortunate Truth
Mountain bikers are relative newcomers to the trail systems that grace our parks and Colorado’s high country. Often bikers are viewed as unwelcomed interlopers by hikers and equestrians. Perhaps they fear our speed, rebellious stereotype, or lame medieval references. Whatever the reason, it benefits you and other riders to always be chivalrous and treat other trail users with respect. As an IMBA affliated club, the Rocky Mountain Bicycle Boys actively encourages safe and responsible trail riding. Riders who exhibit bad manners or threaten the safety of other trail users give all bikers a bad reputation and sometimes precipitate the closure of trails to biking. Aggressive riding also takes a toll on the trail itself and can damage the ecology. The unfortunate truth is that there's a bitter war over the trails. If we can't win over our enemies, we'll only have ourselves to blame!
Right of Way
Always be considerate and polite to others. Hikers and horsemen have the right of way. While we bikers often outnumber other trail users, we do not own the trail. Bikers should slow down and announce their presence when overtaking others on the trail, including other bikers. Downhill riders should yield to those going uphill. Offer special deference to elderly hikers and families with children. Remember that horses can be easily spooked and dogs don’t always know to get out of the way. Inconsiderate riding is one of the fastest ways to close off a trail, so your choice is simple: yield once now or yield forever later.
The Gentle Tread
You know the old hiking advice: “Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures.” The same should be true of mountain bikers. Ride so as not to damage the trail. Stay on the trail. Do not widen the tread by getting off the trail - even if that means riding through mud. Do not create shortcuts, ride around water bars, or skid your rear tire around corners, all of which damage the trail. Be careful not to litter. Avoid injuring trees and shrubs, flowers, and grasses. Remember that high altitude tundra and cryptobiotic soil in the desert are very fragile and take decades to recover from even modest impact. Go out of your way to pick up items discarded or lost by other trail users. Be a friend to Mother Earth.
Creatures Great and None too Small
While rare, mountain bikers may occasionally encounter some of nature's woodland critters. If you happen to come across a giant winged lizard which spits fire, you should bend back and try to kiss your arse good-bye! Any creature less than that, follow these rules:
- Try not to alarm wildlife. Do not chase or threaten animals. Do not make empty promises or unwanted friendly advances. Remember, you are riding in the animals' homes. Be a courteous neighbor.
- If you encounter a bear, back away slowly and hide your pic-a-nic basket. If attacked, curl into a ball. A ball, NOT a cube!! If that fails, pretend it's a dragon (i.e. kiss your arse...).
- Should you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, use your bike as a shield, and make loud noises. Raise your arms to appear larger. Do not turn or run away, as this may trigger the cat’s hunting instinct. Do not lie on the ground. Do NOT then proceed to pour barbecue sauce and catnip all over yourself.
- And if all else fails, grab your bike pump or multi-tool and FIGHT BACK!
Lend a Hand
If you come across anyone in distress (damsel, repentant rogue, wayward hobbits...), please stop to offer help.
Where to Show off Your Good Manners
Now that you know how to act like a "proper" biker, you may feel ready to hit the trails. Please check out our trails library under the "Trails" page for some ideas or, if you're really new to off-road biking, please feel free to download and print out a copy of our "Trail Guide for Novice Bikers."
For the Hoity-Toity Bookshelves
Even if you don't really ride or know how to read, you may still fool your friends on both counts with a collection of these books in your genuine Hoity-Toity Brand bookshelf or on your matching Oooo-La-La Brand nightstand (many have lots of pretty pictures!):
Bicycle Routes on Public Lands of Southwest Colorado, 3rd Edition
Bill Manning & Tom Harris / San Juan Mountains Association / Durango, CO
BLM Colorado: Mountain Biking Adventures
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Colorado Gonzo Rides: A Mountain Bikers’ Guide to Colorado’s Best Single Track Trails
Michael Merrifield / Blue Clover Press / Monument, CO
Front Range Rider: A Mountain Biking Guide to Northern Colorado & Southern Wyoming
Anne Childers / Poudre Canyon Press / Ft. Collins, CO
Front Range Single Tracks: The Best Single-Track Trails Near Denver & Boulder
Tom Barnhart / Fat Tire Press / Littleton, CO
Front Range Single Tracks 2: The Best Single-Track Trails Near Denver & Boulder
Tom Barnhart / Fat Tire Press / Littleton, CO
Moutain Bike Crested Butte, Gunnison & Salida Singletrack
Holly Annala / B & B Printers / Gunnison, CO
Mountain Biking Colorado, 2nd Edition
Stephen Hlawaty / Falcon Guide / The Globe Pequot Press / Guilford, CT
Mountain Biking Colorado’s Front Range from Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs
Stephen Hlawaty / Falcon Guide / The Globe Pequot Press / Guilford, CT
Mountain Biking Denver & Boulder
Bob D’Antonio / Falcon Guide / The Globe Pequot Press / Guilford, CT
Mountain Biking Grand Junction and Fruita
Bob D’Antonio / Falcon Guide / The Globe Pequot Press / Guilford, CT
Mountain Biking the Roaring Fork Valley
Richard Compton / WHO Press / Basalt, CO
Singletrack & Tarmac: Mountain Bike Trails & Road Rides in the Upper Arkansas River Valley
Nathan Ward / Ice Mountain Publishing / Salida, CO
(This is an updated version of “Salida Singletrack” by the same author.)
Tellurides: The Mountain Biking Guide to Telluride, Colorado
Dave Rich / Wayfinder Press / Ridgway, CO
The Best of Colorado Biking Trails
Staff / Outdoor Books & Maps / Adler Publishing Co. / Castle Rock, CO
The Mountain Biker’s Guide to Colorado
Linda Gong & Gregg Bromka / Menasha Ridge Press / Birmingham, AL
For the Pretentious Coffee Tables
We mountain bikers take our coffee like our legs: strong, bloody, and hairy!! (That's right, you sissy not-too-hot-chocolate-sipping roadies!) Make sure your morning brew has some worthy company on your genuine Pretentious Brand coffee table with these select rags:
Bicycling Magazine Bike Magazine Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Action Magazine Mountain Flyer Magazine
Online Resources
"What? You mean there're things on the internet besides... y-know?" Yes, my friend, as the modern-day library, the web holds an immense wealth of knowledge just a few mouse clicks away. And all without that crazy Dewey Decimal nonsense or crusty old librarian always shushing you.
Makers of that thingy you sit on with two circles that go round and round:
Cannondale Ellsworth Giant GT Kona Marin Moots Pivot Rocky Mountain Santa Cruz Specialized Trek Yeti
Folks who'll give you pretty, shiny things but make you move closer to the poor house:
adrenalinebikes.com blueskycycling.com cambriabike.com jensonusa.com nashbar.com performancebike.com universalcycles.com wheelworld.com
Other fun and cool places on the web (hopefully more serious than here):
Bicycle Colorado: An advocacy organization dedicated to encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for cyclists in Colorado.
Bicycle Site: A site created to provide information and resources to cyclists of all types and ability levels.
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance: BMA exists to serve as a positive voice for mountain biking by making the trails in Boulder County a better place for all users.
Colorado Mountain Bike Association: COMBA is dedicated to protecting and improving mountain biking on the Colorado Front Range.
Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association: COPMOBA acts as a positive voice for mountain biking through volunteer trail construction and maintenance projects, advocacy efforts, riding clinics, group rides and fundraising efforts.
Community Cycles: a non-profit organization founded to educate and advocate for the safe use of bicycles as affordable, sustainable means for transportation and enjoyment.
Dérailleurs: A French gay and lesbian cycling club, both mountain and road, that is based in Paris and has over 150 members all around France.
GoI70: A handy website to learn the latest and current traffic situation along I-70, the busiest highway into the mountains.
International Gay and Lesbian Outdoor Organization: IGLOO is an informal affiliation of all-volunteer organizations promoting non-competitive outdoor activities within the larger GLBT community.
International Mountain Bicycling Association: IMBA is founded to advocate for the rights of responsible mountain bikers around the world.
Mountain Bike Review: MtBR is an invaluable resource for trails and gear reviews, biker discussion forums, and other informative and fun features.
OUTspokin': A group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied cyclists in Colorado promoting positive gay and lesbian visibility and philanthropy by bicycle. Our road biking sister club.
Outsports: When gays and sports finally mix, there's the Outsports website to handle it all. Info on gay athletes, groups, and events.
Singletracks: An invaluable resource for information on trails, gears, news, maps, and other useful features.
Southern Colorado Trail Builders: The nice, hard-working folks who built most of the singletrack trails in Lake Pueblo State Park.
Two Spoke: Bicycle forum and reviews for all types of bikes: road, mountain, BMX, recumbent, and more.
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