Precautions from the Rim Cyclery site (sounds just like SE PA riding).
FALL - The second great riding season. September and October bring back the perfect riding weather with milder days and cool nights. This usually lasts into early November and often later. It’s not uncommon to see a 45 degree temperature difference between mid-day and mid-night so plan accordingly. Even though it’s not too hot, the humidity is very low so dehydration is still a threat.
WATER - This is a big one. Plan on drinking about a gallon a day if you’re active here in the desert. This means thinking ahead, pre-hydrating before your ride, and having the means to carry a lot with you. Partying hard the night before dehydrates you so take that into consideration as well. To plagiarize a popular ad, “Hydrate or Die” - believe it.
SHADE - Getting out of the sun can be challenging at times, so make the best of it when the opportunity arises. Mid-day sun and dry wind can cause rapid dehydration. Wear protective clothing & headwear, and use sunscreen.
HELMETS - Slickrock is a hard surface and unprotected heads don’t fare too well on impact with it. Wear your helmet and live to ride another day.
FOOD - These days there are tons of energy foods on the market that are easy to pack and effective to use. That said, fig bars, fruit, sandwiches, or even Snickers bars are also very useful for those who “don’t eat astronaut food”. Bonking twenty miles out in the desert backcountry with just a couple empty Powerbar wrappers in the bottom of your pack is not good - plan ahead.
FIRST AID - Carrying a basic first aid kit is a good idea, but knowing how to use it is even more important. Don’t count on someone else having what you need and coming to your rescue. Red Cross Online Course
TOOLS - At the very least, carry a pump and patch kit. Goathead thorns and cactus needles mean that flats are part of the riding experience in the desert and walking your bike out just ain’t fun. Consider carrying (and knowing how to use) other tools as well. A sensible tool kit might include a chain tool, allen keys, tire levers, wrenches, screwdrivers, shock pump, and zip ties. If this sounds like a lot to carry, take a look at the multi-tools available on the market these days and also consider the weight of your bike when it needs to be carried back out to the trailhead.
LOST & (hopefully) FOUND - Getting lost can be fun - as long as you can get yourself unlost. Getting lost can also be dangerous and even deadly. There are lots of great guidebooks & maps available for the Moab area. Get one, carry it, and use it. Learn how to navigate or hire a guide. The canyon country can be a confusing place, and an unplanned night out might be cooler than you’d think. Don’t just prepare yourself with the idea that everything will go perfectly; bring extra clothes, extra water, and matches on your ride and hopefully you won’t have to use them. Our local Search & Rescue team is very good at finding adventurers “ lost in the desert” but all too often what they find is a body - don’t be one of them
FALL - The second great riding season. September and October bring back the perfect riding weather with milder days and cool nights. This usually lasts into early November and often later. It’s not uncommon to see a 45 degree temperature difference between mid-day and mid-night so plan accordingly. Even though it’s not too hot, the humidity is very low so dehydration is still a threat.
WATER - This is a big one. Plan on drinking about a gallon a day if you’re active here in the desert. This means thinking ahead, pre-hydrating before your ride, and having the means to carry a lot with you. Partying hard the night before dehydrates you so take that into consideration as well. To plagiarize a popular ad, “Hydrate or Die” - believe it.
SHADE - Getting out of the sun can be challenging at times, so make the best of it when the opportunity arises. Mid-day sun and dry wind can cause rapid dehydration. Wear protective clothing & headwear, and use sunscreen.
HELMETS - Slickrock is a hard surface and unprotected heads don’t fare too well on impact with it. Wear your helmet and live to ride another day.
FOOD - These days there are tons of energy foods on the market that are easy to pack and effective to use. That said, fig bars, fruit, sandwiches, or even Snickers bars are also very useful for those who “don’t eat astronaut food”. Bonking twenty miles out in the desert backcountry with just a couple empty Powerbar wrappers in the bottom of your pack is not good - plan ahead.
FIRST AID - Carrying a basic first aid kit is a good idea, but knowing how to use it is even more important. Don’t count on someone else having what you need and coming to your rescue. Red Cross Online Course
TOOLS - At the very least, carry a pump and patch kit. Goathead thorns and cactus needles mean that flats are part of the riding experience in the desert and walking your bike out just ain’t fun. Consider carrying (and knowing how to use) other tools as well. A sensible tool kit might include a chain tool, allen keys, tire levers, wrenches, screwdrivers, shock pump, and zip ties. If this sounds like a lot to carry, take a look at the multi-tools available on the market these days and also consider the weight of your bike when it needs to be carried back out to the trailhead.
LOST & (hopefully) FOUND - Getting lost can be fun - as long as you can get yourself unlost. Getting lost can also be dangerous and even deadly. There are lots of great guidebooks & maps available for the Moab area. Get one, carry it, and use it. Learn how to navigate or hire a guide. The canyon country can be a confusing place, and an unplanned night out might be cooler than you’d think. Don’t just prepare yourself with the idea that everything will go perfectly; bring extra clothes, extra water, and matches on your ride and hopefully you won’t have to use them. Our local Search & Rescue team is very good at finding adventurers “ lost in the desert” but all too often what they find is a body - don’t be one of them
SE PA Riding???
ReplyDeleteI hope you aren't the one reading the map - or we is some serious trouble.
Anybody got a GPS?
Map? We don't need no stinkin' map! Didn't you read, they have a search and rescue team that can recover our bodies. Vegas odds are currently 17 to 3 that I will die in Moab.
ReplyDeleteOn the bright side, no map? No way John can draw a "shortcut" to anywhere...
ReplyDeleteI am sofa king we Todd did!
ReplyDelete