Читать книгу Mountain Biking on the South Downs онлайн

18 страница из 30

Climbing towards Bignor Hill (Route 12)

Biking-specific waterproofs are designed for a close fit and freedom of movement so as to avoid drag or getting caught up in your bike’s moving parts. Waterproofs should be a ‘breathable’ material – such as Gore-Tex.

Many mountain bikers use the SPD pedal system with shoes that clip on to the pedal using cleats, which provides greater stability and makes pedalling more efficient by engaging the ‘backstroke’. Whether using SPDs, ‘platform’ pedals or other systems, waterproof overshoes or waterproof socks can be useful in wet conditions.

Navigation

Many walkers and mountain bikers now use GPS (global positioning systems) for navigation: a number of biking-specific GPS are now on the market. 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 South 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.