Tips to a great mountain biking ride for people with MS

There is little that I enjoy more than a goo bike ride, which is why I have felt the need to share my secrets to a good ride with multiple sclerosis.

Tip number one

Always wear a helmet. This can protect your head in the case that you fall off your bike. People with multiple sclerosis know the importance of protecting their heads since MS attacks their brain. It is important to protect your skull no matter your health conditions though. Hitting your head on a rock can cause problems for anybody, whether you have MS or not.

Tip number two

Always ride with bright colors such as orange, or ride with a construction vest on so that people are able see you more easily. Make sure that you take the precautions to protect yourself while cycling.

Tip number three

Always ensure that your bike has reflectors in case you go for a ride at night. This ensures that the cars out there are able to see you at night. Having reflectors also helps drivers see you helping them to share the road with you.

Tip number four

Make sure you have a first aid kit in case you fall and injure yourself. You can carry this in a backpack so that you do not have object dangling off your bike. This is a light item, but is probably one of the most important items you can carry on you at all times. Remember you never know if you are going to a long distance from the nearest hospital or clinic. Better to be prepared than to be sorry.

Tip number five

Never cycle alone. This allows for somebody to go retrieve help if somebody in your buddy system gets hurt. This allows means that you have somebody to talk to while you cycle. Your partner may know the area that you are biking better than you do, which will mean you will have a more enjoyable ride.

Tip number six

Cycle after 3 p.m. since this is the coolest time of the day during the summer months. It is easy to get dehydrated if you cycle between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is easy for somebody with MS to become dehydrated, which can further complicate their MS.

Tip number seven

Make sure you have plenty of water. The best way to ensure that you have plenty of water is to have a water bottle and a camel pack. This will allow you plenty of water as you cycle. Water is very important even if you don’t have MS this is why I’m glad that companies have come out with ways to carry more water.

Tip number eight

Never push yourself further than recommended by your doctor. The old saying of “no pain, no gain "is no way for a person with multiple sclerosis to live. This type of physical exertion is actually damaging to people with MS. This is one of those philosophies that is great for anybody to remember though. The reason I say this is that pushing yourself while it can be good it can be detrimental to your health as well.

Tip number nine

Never go on a cycling event that is long without building your way up to that point first. If you think you can go on a serious biking trip without working your way up to that point you will be in for a major surprise.

Tip number ten

As always, have fun, but remember to be prepared for the unpredictable.