By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_A_Richards]Andrew A Richards

Top of the list of mountain bike safety tips is to always wear a helmet and other safety equipment that is appropriate for the riding conditions that you anticipate encountering. Always make sure that your bike is in good working order. Always carry a repair and first aid kit with you.

Some bikes are manufactured for different conditions and situations. So just because you see tire tracks on an unfamiliar trail it does not mean that it will be suitable for your bike. There is no shame if you have to walk a section of a trail when you do not feel confident enough to be able ride it, it is much better to be safe than sorry and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

For the best mountain bike safety always maintain your speed at a level that will allow you to adjust or even stop abruptly for any unforeseen difficulties, obstacles or change in trail condition. Even on a familiar trail you never know who or what can be around a blind corner.

On an unfamiliar trail never try to push yourself beyond the limit. You need to become acquainted with the trail you are riding at slower speeds before you can ride it like the more familiar trails that you are used to.

Be cautious always stop and look at sections of a trail that looks more challenging than normal. Always consider the consequences of crashing on a particular section before trying to ride it. A section can look easy to ride but can have deadly consequences if you were to crash. Be aware of mountain bike safety rules at all times.

When at all possible try to ride in a group or at least with one other mountain biker. Mishaps when biking alone can turn in to a major catastrophe.

The very nature of mountain biking makes it a dangerous sport not only because of the speed involved but also because of the environment. A mountain bike safety plan allows a rider to be not only mindful of safe riding but also the need to be prepared should an accident occur. Accidents can range from a simple slip and fall causing minor body injury to a major catastrophe involving falling many feet in to a ravine or being stranded on a mountainside with poor weather closing in.

Cell phone signals in mountainous areas tend to be spasmodic at best and relying on this type of communication in the case of an accident would be foolhardy. A new safety device is now available that is probably the best mountain bike safety device available it, will give all mountain bikers increased confidence in the wilderness. It is called the SPOT tracker which is an acronym for a Satellite Personal Tracker. As the title implies the device does not rely on cell phone signals as it transmits through satellite signals, making it very useful in the outdoor environment.

The SPOT tracker has 4 main functions, but first it is prudent to say that the device is sturdy and waterproof, remaining functional even after getting wet and battery life is 14 days for fresh batteries in monitoring mode.

The functions :

1) An ‘OK’ button allows the SPOT tracker user to send frequent text or email messages to family or friends saying “I am fine” complete with a GPS coordinate location. Allowing the messaged person to follow your progress on Google maps.

2) A’HELP’ button, this again sends an alert to the designated family member or friend indicating that assistance (not an emergency) is required.

3) A ‘911′ button summons emergency crews that are deployed from the SPOT command center in a matter of minutes.

4) By pushing and holding the ‘HELP’ button for 5 seconds turns the device in to a perpetual signaling device so even if the injury is such that unconsciousness occurs then the rescue team is still able to monitor your position to find you.

At a cost of around $150 and a similar monitoring fee the SPOT tracker when used as a mountain bike safety device is a must have for any person venturing in to the great outdoors not only for their own protection but for the peace of mind of friends and family.

The SPOT personal messenger should be in every moutain bag, ready to summon assistance at a moments notice. Ready to relay a message to loved ones at regular intervals that you are fine and this is where I am. For such a reasonable cost the [http://www.ourhonestreview.com/SPOT.html]SPOT PERSONAL LOCATOR is invaluable, what price can you put on a device that could save your life ?

Many mountain goers are ready to say “well I have my cell phone”. How many times does your cell phone search for a signal in the wilderness with little success, does it work if it gets wet? Why take a chance? Why not take a [http://www.ourhonestreview.com/SPOT.html]SPOT PERSONAL LOCATOR with you on every trip? It’s tough, waterproof and it floats. One day you will be so glad that you did.

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