Introduction

To make the most of your mountain biking course, it's essential to prepare properly.
Here are a few recommendations to ensure your safety and comfort during the session.

Wear protection:

To avoid scratches and minor injuries, we strongly recommend wearing knee protectors. Gloves, goggles and elbow protection are also recommended. Of course, a helmet is essential - ideally one specifically designed for mountain biking. For advanced courses, consider a full-face helmet, as well as front and back protectors, although the latter are not compulsory.

Check the weather forecast:

As the course takes place outdoors and has no indoor facilities, it's important to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Bring snacks and water:

Be sure to bring enough water and snacks to maintain your energy level during the mountain bike course. It is the responsibility of each participant to bring his or her own provisions.

Follow these tips to prepare for your mountain bike course and enjoy this outdoor experience.

To be ready to take part in a mountain bike course, it's essential to prepare your equipment properly.
Here's a simplified list of items to bring along.

Mountain bike helmet :

Choose the right helmet for your riding style. This could be an enduro helmet, a helmet with a removable chin strap for more challenging trails, or a full-face helmet for downhill courses. Make sure your helmet is in good condition, with no visible scratches or impact marks, and is less than 5 years old. It should fit your head snugly.

Clothing :

For beginners, sports clothing and closed shoes with flat gripping soles are sufficient. For intermediate and advanced levels, specific cycling shorts and chamois are recommended. Depending on the weather, you may need a windbreaker, rain jacket, pants and underlay.

Knee protectors :

These protections are strongly recommended for all lessons, without exception.

Other protection :

Depending on your level, you may want to consider elbow, hip, tailbone and back protectors. For downhill courses, full-body protection is recommended.

Gloves :

Full-length gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands.

Goggles :

Highly recommended to protect your eyes from UV rays, but also from branches and debris.

Repair kit :

Ideally, you'll need a repair kit comprising a tube, a pump and a multi-tool.

Hydration and nutrition :

Bring enough water and food to keep you hydrated and energetic.

Bicycle pedals and shoes :

We recommend platform pedals for all novice, beginner and intermediate sessions, as well as flat-soled shoes (such as Vans or skateboard shoes). Plastic pedals are not recommended, nor are automatic pedals.

With the right preparation, you'll be ready to make the most of your mountain bike course.

The "M" check method for preparing your bike before riding

The "M" check method is a simple and effective technique for inspecting your bike and making sure it's in good condition before you ride. This method follows a logical order, starting with the front wheel, moving up to the stem, down to the crankset, up to the saddle and finishing with the rear wheel, thus forming an "M".

Here are the steps to follow to perform this check:

1. Check front axle, wheel side play and tire pressure, retighten axle if necessary.
2. Check your front brake for rubbing and wear.
3. Check steering and retighten bolts if necessary.
4. Assess brake lever position and operation.
5. Go down to the bottom bracket and check for lateral play, retightening if necessary.
6. Rotate the crankset backwards to avoid derailing.
7. Check the action of the telescopic saddle and retighten its fasteners if necessary.
8. Move down to the rear hub to check the rear axle and tire pressure.
9. Check the rear derailleur for tightness and lateral play, and assess whether it is perpendicular to the ground.
10. Finish the "M" by checking rear derailleur operation, limits and cable tightness.

These additional steps are highly recommended for all suspension bikes.

• Evaluate suspension and shock absorber air pressure (sag).
• Check suspension and shock absorber rebound and compression.
• Assess the tightness and lateral play of the suspension pivots.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bike is ready for a ride with complete peace of mind. Don't hesitate to consult your local bike shop if you have any doubts about the condition of your bike.

• Mountain bike helmet - MANDATORY
• Knee protectors
• Elbow protectors* for
• Long* gloves
• Weather-appropriate sportswear
• Mountain-bike shoes (or Vans-style flat-soled shoes)
• Flat pedals with metal cleats or automatic pedals (clip-on) for mountain bikes
• Water and a portable snack (bars, gels, etc.)

*With the exception of helmets, protective equipment is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended.

The importance of a repair kit for mountain bikers

For mountain bikers, a repair kit is a must. Not only does it help you deal with the unexpected, it also gives you peace of mind during your excursions into the wilderness.

A well-equipped bicycle repair kit contains everything you need to deal with most common mechanical problems.

Here are the key elements to include:

• Replacement tube: Choose according to the diameter of your wheels. Note that a 27.5" tube will fit a 26" or 29" wheel.
• Puncture repair kit: Patches and plugs to repair punctures without having to replace the whole tube.
• Tire levers: For easy removal and installation of tires.
• Portable pump for Presta and Schrader valves: To adjust tire pressure
• Suspension pump: adjusts suspension pressure (optional but recommended).
• Pressure gauge : To accurately check tire pressure (optional but recommended).
• Multi-tool: This tool generally contains hexagonal wrenches (2 to 8 mm), a Torx 25, a chain drift, a radius wrench and a valve tool.
• Presta valve core tool: For adjusting or repairing Presta valves on your tires.
• Quick links: Have SRAM and Shimano 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-speed links on hand to quickly repair a broken chain.
• Small pliers and adjustable wrench: These versatile tools are useful for many repairs.
• Zip ties/tie-wraps and duct tape: These supplies can be used to temporarily repair a variety of problems.

With these tools at hand, you'll be ready for any mechanical situation in the field, so you can enjoy your mountain biking outings to the full.