How To Fall Off A Mountain Bike

Falling off a mountain bike is an inevitable part of the sport. Taking a few steps to prepare for and reduce the chances of hurting yourself and having an accident, can help you stay safe while still enjoying the ride. Before hopping onto your bike, make sure you have all the proper safety gear like a helmet, gloves, and elbow pads - this equipment is more important when riding downhill mountain bike trails.

It's also important to inspect your bike in advance to ensure that it is in good condition with no potential maintenance issues that could lead to an accident, such as having loose bar ends or pedals.

When riding, focus on keeping both hands on the handlebars at all times and shift your weight to adjust around obstacles. You should also be mindful of sudden terrain shifts or changes in speed, as they could surprise you and cause you to lose balance.

If you are about to crash, try and bail off the bike before the crash gets too bad - if you do crash, tuck your body into a ball, try to roll and relax as you hit the ground - minimising the chances of breaking any bones. Keep your arms close to your body, and try to refrain from falling on an outstretched hand/arm.

In the case that you do find yourself on the ground, take a few moments to assess yourself and check for any potential injuries. If any major ones are present, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Examine your bike to make sure it is still safe to ride, and if so, get back up and enjoy the rest of your ride!

Remember that safety should be the top priority when hitting the trails - with a bit of caution and preparation, you can have an enjoyable ride without risking too much danger.