A lot of really good pointers here. Giving yourself plenty of time is a lot more important than people might think it is. I went on a ride in the Black Hills of South Dakota once with 3 other friends many years ago. We had all the tools we needed, spare tubes, water and so on. But what happened was we did have a couple of mechanicals and flats over the 25 plus mile ride and because of that, it got dark before we could finish and none of us had lights. Thankfully it was a loop and we knew if we just stayed on the trail we would get back to where we started. But it was extremely sketchy and we walked some parts because we simply couldn't see the trail.
Great point. I like to break up the ride with intermittent trail clearing sessions. We break fallen logs and throw egregious rocks off the trail. It makes the next ride better and we get a squatting and twisting workout when throwing the stones.
Awesome watching you guys ride my home trails. Super cool but also sad to see you all not struggle on things I have been working up to for years though...
Hey Rich, did you bingle the fingers? I noticed the tape. Hope they're OK nothing too serious. Solid advice throughout that video. I have a handy tip, if you're in an unfamiliar location and you have your phone, take a picture of your starting location and where you parked your car and sign markers in that spot. This will help you on a really long ride and you might forget the starting point. I even do this when I go to unfamiliar locations with friends for parties or work functions. It gives visual markers to jog your memory.
Rich covered most things perfectly. My personal ones for Japan. Always keep some cash 4 vending machines in a pocket of your MTB rucksack. Pack a small towel so you can cold plunge in any waterfalls you find. It's an incredible refresher. Be aware of snakes on the trail, monkeys and wild boar. Ride with other folk if possible. I often bump in to these creatures on my own and rarely when I'm with others.
Totally agree with all you said. I love trail riding and exploring, seeing animals and just getting out there. Like a lot of guys we have been fast and crashed and don't need that anymore. We want to ride tomorrow as well. Maybe a bit more detail on the tools you take.
Always take lights with you, a good headlamp in your bag with a front and rear light on it makes no difference in your bag, and can save you a lot of hassle, as I recently found out when I forgot mine…😖
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to just get out on the trail and learn what you do and don’t need through practice. If you run into an issue and you can’t fix it on the trail, make an effort to remember the thing you need next time. And if you do forget it, ride with a friend and maybe they will have it.
I can’t see the point of having a chain break if you don’t have a spare master link or piece of chain to replace what you’re taking off. A pair of small pliers is also good to have if you have to fix a flat to remove the retaining nut on your valve stem.
Ill be honest. I live and ride in Arizona. I just bring water and thats pretty much it. Maybe Ill bring a snack or a multitool if Im going more than like 15 miles. To be fair I know exactly where I am in any trail system arpund here.
What are your top tips for having an enjoyable trail ride? Please share them in the comments below! 👇
Leave people and bring water.
I always take a lifestraw so I can drink from the water sources outside. Then I can carry less as well
A lot of really good pointers here. Giving yourself plenty of time is a lot more important than people might think it is. I went on a ride in the Black Hills of South Dakota once with 3 other friends many years ago. We had all the tools we needed, spare tubes, water and so on. But what happened was we did have a couple of mechanicals and flats over the 25 plus mile ride and because of that, it got dark before we could finish and none of us had lights. Thankfully it was a loop and we knew if we just stayed on the trail we would get back to where we started. But it was extremely sketchy and we walked some parts because we simply couldn't see the trail.
Been there, done that… that’s when I found out how rubbish the iPhone torch is
Don't forget a First Aid Kit.....!!!
I take a small folding saw on all my trail rides, at the very least I can clear the trail for the next rider.
Get yourself one of Silky's Outdoor Saws, its crazy how good they cut. With the more rough blades u can cut down trees easily.
Great point. I like to break up the ride with intermittent trail clearing sessions. We break fallen logs and throw egregious rocks off the trail. It makes the next ride better and we get a squatting and twisting workout when throwing the stones.
Same here. Its light and easy to carry and very helpful to clear trails
Awesome watching you guys ride my home trails. Super cool but also sad to see you all not struggle on things I have been working up to for years though...
Indeed. . It sure looks easier than it is.They inspire me to try and learn a bit more technique though
Great video. The point about safety is important, especially when we go for solo ride.
Hey Rich, did you bingle the fingers? I noticed the tape. Hope they're OK nothing too serious. Solid advice throughout that video. I have a handy tip, if you're in an unfamiliar location and you have your phone, take a picture of your starting location and where you parked your car and sign markers in that spot. This will help you on a really long ride and you might forget the starting point. I even do this when I go to unfamiliar locations with friends for parties or work functions. It gives visual markers to jog your memory.
Rich covered most things perfectly.
My personal ones for Japan. Always keep some cash 4 vending machines in a pocket of your MTB rucksack. Pack a small towel so you can cold plunge in any waterfalls you find. It's an incredible refresher. Be aware of snakes on the trail, monkeys and wild boar. Ride with other folk if possible. I often bump in to these creatures on my own and rarely when I'm with others.
Great video Rich, thank you for putting this out in the world!
Excellent Rich, Thanks
Like maps because they have more info, zoom works by moving the paper closer to your nose and the batteries don’t go flat
Totally agree with all you said. I love trail riding and exploring, seeing animals and just getting out there. Like a lot of guys we have been fast and crashed and don't need that anymore. We want to ride tomorrow as well. Maybe a bit more detail on the tools you take.
If you’re still in Phoenix be sure to hit up Hawes Trail system. You’ll love it.
Hawes is where I ride 99percent of the time. Love Hawes. I'd love to run into Rich out there or SoMo
I saw Rich at the 24HOP, all these Arizona videos are making me stoked to see your Old Pueblo video! Great stuff!!!
Always take lights with you, a good headlamp in your bag with a front and rear light on it makes no difference in your bag, and can save you a lot of hassle, as I recently found out when I forgot mine…😖
Trailforks, plenty of water, and snacks can save your life here in Phoenix during the summer months.
Another great way to carry more water without the weight - get a Sawyer Squeeze mini water filter (or something similar).
Water puritabs weigh next to nothing
Are y'all going to be in Bentonville for Bike Fest??
welcome to the Southwest of the US. Where you need sun screen year round, haha!
Awsome tips i use a bike computer and a hydration back pack with a multi tool need to buy another chain breaker to keep in it.
It wasn't mentioned, but if you have a chain breaker then take a quick link...
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to just get out on the trail and learn what you do and don’t need through practice. If you run into an issue and you can’t fix it on the trail, make an effort to remember the thing you need next time. And if you do forget it, ride with a friend and maybe they will have it.
I can’t see the point of having a chain break if you don’t have a spare master link or piece of chain to replace what you’re taking off. A pair of small pliers is also good to have if you have to fix a flat to remove the retaining nut on your valve stem.
A quick link or two should be standard if you carry a tool with a chain breaker with you
I probably should buy a bacon kit and a small pump for the longer rides, chainless i can usually get home easy since its all descend to go home.
Dynaplug or something similar if you can afford one.
Howdy, have you tried any of the cactus cup trails?
Ill be honest. I live and ride in Arizona. I just bring water and thats pretty much it. Maybe Ill bring a snack or a multitool if Im going more than like 15 miles. To be fair I know exactly where I am in any trail system arpund here.
Any tips for what to look at when upgrading bikes?
Only change what you don’t like first grips, saddle etc
@@woduk yeah but meant when changing bike
It really depends on your budget and what you have now vs what you want and what type of riding you predominantly do.
This filmed in Sedona??
That's Phoenix. South mountain
I bring a baggy of little white rocks and I plant them as I go along. 😮
Like in Hansel and Gretel, what were u thinking?
Are you guys based in AZ cuz you guys are here quite a bit lol
What’s happened with Isaac, not seen him on a video in a while
Mid 20 degrees?!?!!? I’ll be wearing a coat! Mid 40 degrees is what we expect from a casual summer day to be, here in Cyprus
Ya it's still spring summer is 115 F
He was referring to 20 degrees celsius which most of the rest of the world uses. That's 68 fahrenheit.
@@JeffMTBinVA I am aware of that. I was talking about Celsius.
Top tip: keep bike in reasonably good working order saves the day 9 days out of 10.
What happened to Rich's hand? The Unexpected?
What are you doing on this side of the pond, amigo???
Make sure to have eaten before or during been caught out before and end up eating rubbish from a shop I can find
I guess you broke your fingers on the trail, cause they are taped at the start but not at the car.