One of the most dangerous things that can happen when you are mountain biking is getting lost. It can take hours before someone comes by on deserted trails, that is if you are lucky. In such situations, being safe comes down to using your common sense or resourcefulness.  Your safety is also dependent on the preparation you have done before your trip.

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Take the following tips into consideration especially if you ride alone.

1. Prepare properly.

To have stronger chances of being unscathed when you get lost, you should have prepared the following essential survival items and brought them with you:

• Phone GPS-activated or satellite
• List of emergency contacts
• Spare parts, tube, and pump or tubeless repair kit
• Water
• Food
• Light
• GPS
• First aid kits
• Money
• Right tools

2. Inform relatives about your ride.

You should have also informed your family where and how long you expect to be out for your ride so they can act when something gets amiss.

3. Stick to familiar tracks or take it easy.

If you’re familiar with the territory, stick to it or if you decide to take a new course, take it easy.

4. Keep your brain focused and stay hydrated.

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Eat and drink. You need the energy to keep your muscles working. Take breaks.

5. Use the GPS.

The GPS in your phone or watch can tell you where you are and the direction you need to go. You can also opt to go back to the place you started.

6. Beware of local wildlife.

Stay away from wild animals especially those that become aggressive during mating season or those that are protective of their offspring.

7. Prepare to leave your bike behind.

If you have no means to carry your bike around, leave it in a marked position. You can always come back for it.

8. Plan ahead.

Better be prepared when things break down. If anything goes wrong, remain calm, be alert, and think clearly.

Stop if you feel lost. Breathe. Assess your surroundings. Regardless of whether or not you are lost, panicking is always the worst thing to do. The chances are good that if you followed your waypoints or landmarks along the way, you only think you don’t know where you are. Check your location with your GPS and confirm your location.

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STOP, created by the U.S. Forest Service, is a useful tool for reorienting yourself:

Stop: Stop, stay calm, do not panic. Take your time before you go in the wrong direction.

Think: Make a plan after you retrace your steps. If you don’t have a good reason to relocate, don’t do it. When in doubt, don’t move.

Observe: Take out your GPS and find the direction you need to go. Avoid wandering aimlessly or going off-trail.

Plan: Determine how you will return to the trailhead. You should stay put if you’re unsure or injured.

If you make the right preparation ahead of your mountain biking trip, you’ve won half the battle even if you get lost. Have a presence of mind, be ready for any eventuality and you’ll most likely come out of your challenging situation more experienced and a lot wiser.

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