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In dry periods during the summer months, many paths on the South Downs develop a thick layer of fine chalk or earth dust. Combined with ordinary chain oil this dust produces a highly effective grinding paste that will punish your bike’s drive-train. Using a ‘dry’ teflon chain lubricant reduces this phenomenon.

Learning the basics of bike maintenance and equipping yourself with elementary bike tools is a good idea. You should carry a small toolkit 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 toolkit including a puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, tyre levers, allen key set, spoke key and chain link extractor can be carried in a saddle pack or backpack.

Negotiating the woodland track tree roots (Route 13)

Helmet

Most mountain bikers wear a helmet with very good reason. The nature of the activity means that taking a tumble is a likelihood at some point. If this occurs at speed you are at risk of serious injury. As well as injuries such as broken bones and serious gashes, a head injury can be fatal or cause permanent disability or paralysis. A helmet may not prevent such serious injuries in some cases, but in others it might.