Mountain Biking is a Dangerous Sport and you need to take the time to learn how to ride, tune your bike, and have the right protective gear.
I have personally had multiple major crashes resulting in major head trauma, broken bones, and endless cuts and scarring since I started riding in the mid-80s.
lol Got to love the bear claw peddles to your shins drawing blood over the years. One accident I had resulted in a helicopter ride off the side of Mountain Waterman after doing an endo face plant on the service road downhill.
The other major head trauma happened on a mellow trail in Bishop, California. I could have died in both of those incidents, but God had other plans for me.
The reason I mention those events is to show you yes you need to know what you’re doing and learn more about the sport.
In the 80s I learned from my own stupidity and when I crashed last year it was a fluke accident on a mellow trail. It can happen to anyone, if you are better prepared and take safety precautions you can save yourself some injury time or even your life.
If you’re watching one of our videos please take into account that the footage makes the trails look tamer than they really are. I had one person send me a message saying the Mid Town Trail looked so easy but when they rode it they were terrified.
The riders you see here on the website are all long-time mountain bikers and many of them are full-time in the industry. All of them have spent years riding and improving their skill levels.
Learn your limits, where the right gear, and ride ride ride and you will gain the skills and confidence to step up to the harder trails. Following others who are more skilled is one of the best ways to get better.
The other thing to take into account is the Eastern Sierra is sitting well above sea level. Bishop is at 4100 feet while Mammoth Lakes is at 8000 Feet. At the Bike Park, the Main Lodge is at 9000 feet.
So even if you’re in shape you at first will feel a bit winded at these elevations. Take it slow at first and drink lots of water and avoid all beer and hard drinks.
Last but not least You a need to take responsibility for your own actions when you come up to Mountain Bike. If you’re reading one of our trail or trip reports and get all excited and then over ride your skill set and get hurt that’s on you.
Ok, that’s it for this Disclaimer, Be Safe and Have Fun on our local Mountain Bike Trails and Roads
Steve Taylor – The Snowman
