Читать книгу Mountain Biking on the South Downs онлайн

19 страница из 30

Hydration

There are a number of dedicated water points for walkers and mountain bikers to use at points along the SDW (see Appendix B), but always make sure you have plenty of water with you, especially during the summer and on longer rides. Many mountain bikers use hydration packs – a water reservoir, usually with one to two litre capacities, with a drinking tube usually carried in a purpose-designed, small backpack. Hydration packs allow you to carry more water than water bottles carried in frame-mounted bottle cages – which are more popular with road cyclists, and can easily be dislodged when riding off-road. Be sure to be adequately hydrated before setting off on your ride.

Poppy field above South Heighton (Route 24; photo: James Stevenson)

Biking-specific backpacks, which are designed to carry water reservoirs, come in various capacities and are usually designed to carry the essentials in internal pockets: tools, pump, waterproofs, snacks, mobile phone, first aid kit, map and compass. They are also designed for a comfortable and stable fit for riding. If you are thinking about acquiring one, consider how much capacity you will need for the kind of riding you do.