For your own safety, read this article through to the end.
It’s a little nerve-wracking, isn’t it? But it’s true! (If you listen to me) everything’s going to be fine 🙂 Let me remind you of a bunch of tips you already know, but we all keep forgetting!
So I’ll resume:
1/ EQUIPMENT
Before any outing, even if you can’t wait to go riding… check that your equipment is in good condition and functional, and that it won’t snap between your fingers in the middle of the mountain with you in the process.
2 / PROTECT YOURSELF
Helmets are compulsory for children under 12, but strongly recommended for those over that age. The better equipped you are, the better, so we also recommend gloves, knee and elbow pads.
You don’t have to, but you’re grown-up – at your own risk!
3 / SELF CARE
Take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and don’t skip the warm-up at the beginning of the session, or the stretching at the end.
Don’t take on a course if you don’t feel up to it; be cautious and start with easier courses before taking the plunge. Don’t hesitate to tell someone you know about the route you’re taking – you can never be too careful.
4 / PRIORITY TO…
You can’t say we didn’t try to warn you.
It’s your responsibility to avoid them, as well as any objects in your path.
Avoid stopping outside the field of vision of others.
5 / BE WISE
Nature belongs to everyone, but everywhere, you’re in someone’s home. That’s why it’s important to ride only on marked trails, and to respect and not alter the signs on the routes.
There’s probably no need to tell you to take your garbage with you… However, if you notice any debris on the trails that could cause an accident, please remove it or notify the piste service, the tourist office or the town hall.
So, okay, “nobody’s perfect”, but now you’ve got all the keys you need to be the perfect mountain biker!