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Trails | Links | Events | MMC Team | Contact Us Located at 941 b Esquimalt Road Victoria, B.C. (250)383-3337 Welcome to Marty's home on the web! This site is currently under construction. Need to know the weather?! For an up-to-date forecast of Victoria and British Columbia, click the graphic link below! 
Plan ahead for long trips - Because a mountain bike allows you get far from the immediate reach of civilization in a surprisingly short time. If something goes wrong - an accident, a broken bike, hypothermia - all those miles that were covered so quickly and effortlessly can suddenly turn into a major barrier between you and safety. What Preparations are required? - Tools, pump, tubes, patches, good glue, appropriate spare parts, clothes for weather changes, first aid, food, water, and, if you're really getting far out on the fringe, some sort of minimal bivvy equipment. And something to carry all this in. Plus you want to leave word behind with someone about your route and estimated time of return. And don't lock your keys in your car - a guaranteed major bummer after an epic ride through the back-country. Extra clothes, just in case - At a minimum, you ought to have a rain suit - a waterproof rain suit, not a water resistant rain suit. (Water resistant just means it takes slightly longer to become soaking wet than with nothing at all.) Also a jersey made out of either wool or a synthetic that continues to insulate even when wet. Tights in a similar material can be appreciated too. Same with gloves and a warm hat. Whether more than that is needed can be determined by paying attention to weather forecasts. Always carry a First Aid Kit - Including a small first aid book in the kit isn't a bad idea either. This doesn't have to be one of those huge plastic boxes they sell for home and car. Mine fits in a very small stuff sack. Take a first aid course to learn what you need to learn. After that you'll know what your kit requires. Including a small headlight is wise in case you come in late or have to spend the night out. The comfort a light can provide during a bivvy is considerable. Be sure to include matches in a waterproof container. Lots of water, and food if necessary - Take a filter along if you don't want to haul too many bottles and you know you're going to be crossing streams. I use a Katydin filter. It's heavy and expensive but also effective and lasts forever - so far. Don't forget to drink the water. No sense carrying it if you're not going to drink it. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Drink regularly. Bring food, real food, not junk food. Stuff that will keep you going long after you're ready to quit. Food to keep you warm when you're exhausted, the temperature has plunged, the wind is blowing, it's starting to rain, and you're still miles from your car. Forget any gourmet instincts you might have. Go for efficiency. Maximum energy for minimum weight and bulk This site was Designed by Barry Corlazzoli, 1999. |