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In dry periods during the summer months, many paths on the North Downs develop a thick layer of fine chalk or earth dust; loose, dry sand is also a feature in some areas. Combined with ordinary chain oil, dust and sand produce a highly effective grinding paste that will punish your bike’s drive-train. Wet sand (a problem after substantial rainfall) has the same effect. Using a ‘dry’ teflon chain lubricant reduces this phenomenon.

Learning the basics of bike maintenance and equipping yourself with elementary tools is a good idea. You should carry a small tool-kit and pump with you while out riding and, at the very least, be able to repair a puncture, fix a broken chain and adjust your brakes and gears when necessary. A basic tool-kit including a puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, tyre levers, allen key set, spoke key and chain link extractor can be carried in a saddlepack or backpack.

Navigation

Many walkers and cyclists now use GPS (global positioning system) for navigation: a number of biking-specific GPS are now on the market. A GPS can make navigation easy and accurate and dispense with the need to carry maps. On the down side, they are not cheap and they are not infallible. For those without a GPS, a map and compass are just as useful for mountain bikers in unfamiliar territory as they are for walkers, although very few of the former seem to carry compasses. Although waymarking on the North Downs is extensive, it is still possible to lose your way – especially in wooded areas, and a compass can help prevent you heading miles off course.