STAYING SAFE WHILE MOUNTAIN BIKING By Robert Rankin, Robbinsville, NC

Introduction A resident of Robbinsville, NC, Robert Rankin has been

leading Snowbird Mountain Lodge in North Carolina as president for over 15 years. Throughout this time, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a relaxing environment that brings guests closer to nature. A fan of the outdoors himself, Robert Rankin enjoys mountain biking near his Robbinsville, NC, home.

As with any sport, mountain biking can be dangerous if riders are not properly prepared. Beyond wearing a helmet, there are several additional safety items that are suggested for mountain bikers, such as gloves, padded shorts, and good shoes. However, just buying safety gear does not guarantee safety.

Mountain Biking Riders must also know how to wear and use their

gear properly, as improper use of some clothing items may actually increase the risk of injury.

Another key element of safety while mountain biking is familiarity with one’s own body. Feeling sick or tired at any point during the ride increases the risk of injury. While riders may feel embarrassed about skipping certain areas of the trail, it is not something to feel ashamed of. If a rider feels uncomfortable with any part of the trail for any reason, skipping it is better than getting injured.

Conclusion Similarly, knowing the trail improves

overall safety. Riders who are familiar with the trail they are on are able to ride at faster speeds since they are used to the different obstacles. If the trail is unfamiliar, riding at a slower speed gives riders plenty of time to react. Further, regardless of how familiar a trail is, riders should go around blind corners slowly to ensure they do not run into anyone.