Mountain Biking Tips And Techniques

"For Safe Biking And Fun Riding"

Whether riding jungle trails or urban parks, take heed of these mountain biking tips that give you some basic rules and techniques for a good day on two wheels.

Mountain biking trails around Kuala Lumpur can either be solitary singletrack adventures or a busy day on a multi-use trail full of bikers, hikers, exercise walkers and horse riders.

The best way to avoid crashing out and keeping the peace for all outdoor enthusiasts is to know the basic rules of the off-road. Be considerate of other trail users and always protect the trail environment.

Kuala Lumpur Mountain Biking Guide

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Mountain Biking Tips: Trail Rules

Mountain bikers in Kuala Lumpur come from many different countries. The International Mountain Bicycling Association promotes friendly relationships among all trail users for a safe riding environment.

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. The IMBA offers these mountain biking trail rules for everyone to follow to foster harmony among mountain biking and local communities.

Tip 1: Ride On Open Trails Only

Respect trail and road closures and avoid trespassing on private land or obtain permits if required. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

Tip 2: Leave No Trace

Know your environment and recognize different types of soil and trail conditions. Try to practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft stay on existing trails and do not create new ones. Follow old switchbacks and avoid cutting new ones.

Tip 3: Control Your Bicycle

Always be in control of your mountain bike, never the reverse. Pay attention to the trail ahead by keeping your head up, not staring at the ground. Know and obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

Tip 4: Always Yield Trail

Trail traffic can be a hassle. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming with a friendly shout out or bell ring without startling others. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. And respect the rights of other trail users out for birding, walking or horse riding.

Tip 5: Never Scare Animals

Rainforest animals are wild. Sudden approaches or movements can startle them into unpredictable behavior. Never harass an animal, just give them space and time to figure out an escape route. Use caution when passing horses on cramped paths. Avoid messing with long-tailed macaques, who can be very aggressive, not playful.

Tip 6: Plan Ahead and Ride Smart

Know your equipment, your ability, and the trial riding conditions - and prepare for them all. Make sure your bike and gear are in top-notch shape. Carry supplies for weather changes and extra energy needs and be an asset not a burden on the trail.

Mountain Biking Tips: Bike Check

Take time to check your mountain bike for common mechanical miscues and save yourself some downtime on the trail. Perform a one-minute maintenance check for bike safety to prevent spills and ensure more thrills.

Get in the habit of checking out these simple and quick inspections before heading out on the trail:

Tires and Wheels - Inflate your tires properly to handle terrain and weather conditions and look for rubber fatigue or cracks. Always check your quick release bar for secure wheels to avoid loose hubs and dangerous full-speed falls.

Brakes - For safe rides check your cables and connections for a tight, secure fit and make sure levers apply the right amount of pressure for controlled stops. Brake pads should rub the rims, not the tires, for a smooth stop. Too much rubber on rubber flings you over the handlebars.

Seat Post and Handlebar Stem - Correct seat height keeps body parts in the right position. Lower your seat to be able to shift your body over the back wheel for challenging descents. Secure the handlebar stem to avoid shaky handling or total loss of control.

Chain and Gears - Take a quick test ride before leaving for the trail. Check the chain for clean motion over the sprockets and derailleurs. Run through your gears to check for smooth shifting and no slippage that signals good lubrication and dirt-free conditions.

Helmet - It's simple, protect your head. Make sure your helmet can take a beating. Check the outer and inner shell for cracks and tighten up all straps for a snug fit that holds firm on your forehead. A loose, high-headed helmet offers less protection when wiping out. Don't leave home without head gear ... and anyway helmets are funky cool too.

Mountain Biking Tips: Protect the Environment

All outdoor activities, whether hiking, camping, horse riding or mountain biking, cause some damage to trails and surrounding flora and fauna. Each rider needs to be aware of their own impacts and decide to change bad habits into good practices.

Keep the environment in mind with these off-road rules for low impact rides:

• Low impact means staying off sensitive areas or new trails to avoid soil erosion and excess runoff after tropical rains.
• Never cut tree saplings or remove live vegetation that holds soil together. Remove only dead branches and fallen trees from the trail.
• Never cut new trails unless necessary for passage or to allow worn out trails to recover. Try to avoid disrupting natural water flow and find high, flat ground for new paths.
• Ride on the main trail system and avoid wandering off or taking shortcuts.
• On slippery trails or descents take it slow and avoid causing deeper ruts and gullies that make riding difficult.