6 Tips for Riding over Rough Terrain

Most road cycling takes place on well-paved bike paths. However, there are times when a touring cyclist must be prepared to handle terrain that is not exactly accommodating. He/she must be able to handle the drop in speed and the greater demand for control that such conditions call for. Thus, to help you handle the parts of your trek that will not be smooth sailing (or cycling at it were), we’ve assembled some tips for riding over rough terrain.

• Don’t drag your breaks: Don’t drag your breaks over rough terrain. It will be much harder to control your bike because your wheels will begin to bounce around.
• Pick a good line: Obviously, you will have greater control of your bike as you travel over straight lines and smooth surfaces. Therefore, it is good idea to scan the road ahead of you for sections that are smoother – relatively speaking – than the rest of the road. Try to avoid rough patches, cracks, potholes, etc. as much as possible
• Try using wide tires: If you know in the advance that the route you are will be traveling is going to have rough spots, try purchasing wide tires for your bike. Studies show that 25 and 27mm tires help cyclists negotiate rough roads much better than thinner tires.
• Decrease the air pressure in your tires: Decrease the air pressure in your tires. In addition to selecting the right saddle, this will make a difference on your overall comfort by dampening road vibration. Also, bike tires that have lower air pressure also help prevent flats which rough terrain can cause.
• Relax: Don’t tense up when you see rough terrain ahead. If you cannot avoid it, choose this moment to loosen the grips on your handlebars. Why? A tight grip will cause your shoulders and hands to tire. This can make you overseer as you begin to travel over those rough patches.
• Try riding in a higher gear: Try riding in a higher gear when you encounter bumper sections. This will help you maintain greater control over your bike as you pedal.

To summarize, it takes practice, good judgment and some experience to be able to traverse rough terrain without it negatively impacting your speed and control. However, even the most well-paved roads can contain rough patches. Thus, it is good idea to follow the above tips when taking one of our adventure vacations. We also have Yellowstone National Park hiking for people who desire to connect with nature in an even more intimate and leisurely pace.