At an absolute minimum, you need to have a high-quality helmet. If there’s one item to splurge on, it’s this. Helmets are not optional in mountain biking– regardless of your experience or skill level. Your local bike shop is the best place to find a helmet that fits well and will protect your noggin. Beyond the necessities of a good helmet and a reliable bike, here are a few basics that make a big difference:

• High-quality helmet If there is anything to “splurge” on with bike gear, this is it. Expect to spend upwards of $150 on a mountain bike helmet and make sure that your helmet is (at a minimum) CPSC and/or DOT certified. Many helmets have technology like MIPS or Fluid Inside that protect against torsional impacts, which we highly recommend as well. It’s also important that your helmet is relatively new (as of the last three or four years) and that you replace your helmet after any significant crash.
• Sturdy pedals (Get some with proper metal pins to prevent your feet from slipping. You’ll feel more secure right away, trust us!)
• Proper riding shoes (Just like pedals, you’ll learn right away that mountain biking shoes with firm soles and sticky rubber will do wonders for keeping your feet on the bike)
• Hydration pack (while its easy to make do with a pack you already have, you’ll need something to carry your essentials comfortably)

Before you venture out onto a trail, make sure you’re familiar with how your bike works, and that everything is in working order. The more time you spend on your bike, the more natural the movements of turning and navigating obstacles out on the trail will feel.

• Spend time pedaling around your neighborhood and experiment with shifting and braking.
• If your bike has suspension, bounce around on it. 
• If your bike has a dropper seatpost, practice dropping it down by pressing the lever on your handlebar with your weight on the seat, and then letting it back up by standing.

In addition to feeling comfortable on the bike, you also want to make sure that your bike is running well and has no mechanical issues. 

• Make sure that you’ve got air in your tires.
• Do your brakes feel strong?
• Does it shift properly?
• Any loose bolts, screws, axles, etc?
• Check out this video by one of Evergreen’s skills instructors on how to do a proper bike check

If you have any doubts about the integrity of your bike, take it to your local bike shop to have a professional mechanic do a safety check.

• Always stay in control and be attentive.
• Leave no trace and respect wildlife. Never leave anything behind– on the trail, at the trailhead, or in the parking area.
• When on two-way trails, yield to uphill riders if you’re the downhill rider. 
• See a stopped rider? Always check to see if a stopped rider is okay before passing and continuing your ride.
• Be prepared! Never rely on other riders for spare tubes, pumps, water, food and other essentials.
• Know your local region’s etiquette. In many regions, riding in the wet is a surefire way to damage your trails, in others, a healthy serving of mud is just fine! Reach out to your local Evergreen chapter or trail association to learn the etiquette for your area.
• Finally, be positive! Mountain biking is fun. Excitement and a good attitude are contagious– the more you spread them, the more people like you will be out on the trail.

Right of Way

• With many trails being two-way and multi-use, this is a key to safety and getting along!
• Our Trail Etiquette 101 guide has all the information you need to get started.
• A quick wave and a friendly greeting goes a long way in making all trail users feel welcome.

Looking for more tips and tricks? Check out the invaluable Essential Guide for Beginner Mountain Bikers in Washington--it’s full of resources and links.