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First aid kit

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many mountain bikers don’t carry a first aid kit with them. Granted that a first aid kit isn’t much use if you break a collarbone – a not uncommon injury among mountain bikers – but there are plenty of occasions where a dressing and antiseptic wipes can be very useful. Downland chalk is full of hard, sharp flints that can cause nasty gashes. All the more reason to wear a helmet. The accident and emergency departments of most Sussex and East Hampshire hospitals are no strangers to casualties with mountain biking related injuries: these are at Winchester, Chichester, Worthing, Brighton and Eastbourne.

Clothing

There is no shortage of biking-specific clothing on the market and specialised off-road gear comprises a significant part of this. With the funds and inclination hundreds of pounds can be spent on equipping yourself for mountain biking, and for the dedicated enthusiast this may be money well spent. However, there are some essentials worth considering even for infrequent off-roaders. Wickable base layers, underwear, mid-layers and top layers can make what is often a sweaty activity much more comfortable. Stopping for a breather in a sweat-drenched cotton top is asking for trouble even in a light breeze. Shorts or wickable undershorts with a padded seat ensure a more comfortable relationship with your saddle, especially on longer rides.