Risks and Benefits of Mountain Biking

By HelloLife

Thrilling, adventurous, and dangerous are all words that could be used to describe the idea of mountain biking. For some, riding up and down a mountain at top speeds might seem like an exciting way to spend an afternoon. But for others, it sounds more like a suicidal endeavor that would only end tragically. As both sides line up their lists of benefits and risks, there are certain things to be aware of if you are considering participating in any form of mountain biking.

The Benefits

Aerobically speaking, the workout you will receive from bicycle riding is excellent for endurance and cardiovascular health. A key factor is the constant motion and adrenaline generated. The main effects of riding a bike will be felt in the leg muscles, including quadriceps, leg biceps, and calves. However, people might be surprised to know that the back and shoulders can also be strengthened from riding through the use of a particular technique. The next time you are traveling up a hill, try standing on the pedals with your back straight and you should notice the results fairly quickly. With mountain biking, there is an increased amount of pulling, pushing, and bracing from your arms, so they will receive a workout as well.

The Risks

Perhaps the scariest aspect of mountain biking is that a helmet offers little protection for some of the risks associated with the activity. Serious and long-term spinal injuries have been reported for mountain bikers, and in some cases, paralysis. Being propelled over the handlebars or falling from tremendous heights seem to be the cause of many injuries in general. When either occurs, the head is met with devastating trauma that is then transferred to the spine. Helmets are effective at protecting the head during normal falls and collisions. The problem is that mountain bikers fall from great heights and the helmet does not adequately protect the neck or spine. Plus, many bikers ride in remote locations that make it more difficult for a rescue team to locate them. In addition to spinal injuries, other risks include wrist fractures and facial fractures.

Safety

No matter how physically or mentally prepared a person is for mountain biking, the unpredictable terrain will always present a huge safety concern. There is no way to know when or how your bike will react to running over a rock or branch the wrong way. All it takes is one unlucky twist and you could be thrown off of the bike and seriously injured. This is especially true for downhill riding or racing, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of mountain biking. In order to have the maximum protection, take the necessary precautions and always ride in groups. Mountain biking alone is extremely unsafe and should never be attempted. Also, wear all of the proper equipment, such as helmets and pads, to ensure that you are protected as much as possible in case of an accident. Use a bicycle that is designed for mountains and features a sturdy construction. Pay attention to the terrain and know where you are going at all times. If a road or path looks unsafe, or you are not sure about its conditions, avoid it. Another option in preventing a mountain biking injury is to stick with the less risky cycling routes. Riding on a bike route or path can allow you to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and still stay safe. They are even and paved to remove many of the dangers associated with a mountain. Or, you can just stay home and spend some quality time on the stationary bike. Try watching videos of the mountains on television while exercising to enhance the workout and your sense of adventure. Whichever option you select, put your health first, and be careful.

Sources: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65352D20100604

http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/24/1/88.abstract?sid=84a671ab-0e69-4ec6-acbc-5173f9bdaeea

http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/38/8/1647.abstract?sid=84a671ab-0e69-4ec6-acbc-5173f9bdaeea