Expert Answers
Prep for Problems on the Trail
Holly's Question:
Ok, what happens if you get a flat and you don't have a spare? Then what do you do? What if you get sick and black out and there is no one around to help you?
Steve Jones's Answer:
Holly,
I detect a bit of insecurity in your second question, but that's okay. It's really a good question, and some of us go off half-cocked without ever having thought about it.
Let's look at the easy question, the one about the flat. First of all, a good mountain biker always goes prepared to fix most of the common ailments bikes get, like flats. If you aren't prepared to do that, then you should be prepared to walk out. I confess I had to walk out once to convince me I never wanted to do that again. If you're smarter than I was, you'll practice fixing flats and always go prepared to do at least this relatively simple repair.
There is, however, an alternatives to walking out if you have a flat and no way to repair it. What I tried was stuffing the tire with grass. It was time consuming and not very effective, but in places it gave me an opportunity to cover some ground quicker than I could have otherwise. If you have to try this, stuff it very, very full.
Your next concern is more serious. Obviously, if you ride by yourself, you need to let someone know where you've gone and when you expect to be back — if you expect help if you get in trouble.
Carrying a cell phone has its advantages, but it is never to be considered a device that will work in all situations. Many trails just don't afford good access to cell-tower signals. And even a working cell phone does no good on the other side of consciousness. When your lights go out, you're in the hands of the biking gods.
The best remedy is prevention. If you're not feeling good, don't go any farther away from the vehicle or the trailhead. Turn around and ride as quickly as you are able. If you are dizzy, get off and walk back (with your helmet on).
Of course, it could happen that you get sick while riding, but most of the time mountain biking makes you feel so good, it's only when you don't get to ride that you get sick.
Thanks for the question!
