Top Tips For Alpine Mountain Biking

For avid fans of cycling, Alpine mountain biking is arguably as close to perfection as it gets. The very same slopes and trails that make the region such a haven for winter-sports enthusiasts can provide pedal junkies with the very same thrills during the summer months, and it comes as no surprise to find out that France’s foremost mountain chain plays a significant part in the Tour de France route each year.

Still, for all the raw, unfiltered thrills and spills it offers, Alpine mountain biking is not something that should be approached lightly. The region’s trails are as famous as they are infamous, and neophytes to the sport might want to approach the steep descents and hairpin bends with care. Even seasoned cyclists would do well to be on the lookout and equip themselves as well as possible before attacking any of these slopes. Below are just a few of the ways in which they can pre-empt and avoid any accidents on their French mountain biking outing.

Know your terrain

One of the cardinal rules of mountain biking is to know which sort of terrain you are dealing with before setting off on your cycle. In Alpine mountain biking, this aspect acquires particular importance, due to the rocky, uneven nature of most of the trails, especially when compared to the UK’s flatter, muddier MTB paths.

This is why specialists recommend that cyclists seeking to try their luck at these descents and roads fine-tune their bike to something like a 140/160mm suspension front and back and equip it with wide, sturdy tyres (between 2.3 and 2.4 inches is the recommended width) in a tubeless set-up. Cyclists are also strongly encouraged to check the brakes regularly, as any of these tracks will entail a large amount of slowing down, and riders will want to prevent potential accidents. A thorough check-up on the bike is also recommended before departure, and riders should remember to take a toolkit with them as well, just in case.

Protect yourself

It is not enough, however, to know what type of terrain to expect and prepare the bike accordingly. Riders wishing to have a stab at Alpine mountain biking should remember, most importantly, to protect themselves as well. ‘Body armour’ is considered by most specialists to be extremely important when attempting these trails, and it is also recommended that riders wear adequate protective goggles, to reduce the risk of sun-glare. Hydration, suntan lotion, and a supply of painkillers are the other precautions advised by specialists when packing for a biking trip to the Alps.

In short, then, it is important to be well-prepared when planning to take on the world-renowned French mountain roads and passes. These are extremely challenging routes, and even an experienced rider must be prepared to avoid any accidents.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a tour operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. If you're looking for a thrilling holiday, Alpine mountain biking could be the sport for you. Morzine is the perfect location from which to explore the French Alps on a mountain bike, so for a great-value Alpine holiday, call us.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.