By Mohamad Khairi Alwi
The outbreak of an extremely severe pandemic known as COVID-19 has had a major effect on the implementation of various outdoor activities in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the mountain biking world too isn’t immune to such disease, and what was commonly therapeutic for stresses as people just going out and riding the bike everywhere in big groups, is no longer the ideal option. In addition to strict rules and guidelines imposed to curb the infection from spreading, there have been cancellations of all major events involving mountain biking in the country, leaving both riders and those in the bike industry in vague as to when everything will get back to what it was before.
However, based on announcement regarding several ‘relaxations’ under Malaysia’s Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) as well as latest declaration of the Recovery Movement Control Order (MCO) made by the Prime Minister, Malaysians are permitted to engage in a number of non-contact sports and exercise activities. This means that all individuals living in Malaysia can now carry out outdoor exercises every day (which also include cycling – encompassing both road and mountain bike rides), while abiding by the Standard Operating Procedures set in place, especially to always practise the recommended ‘social distancing’.
These have offered a great relief for those who enjoy cycling, including mountain bikers. After being stuck at home due to the stricter Movement Control Order (MCO), enforced since 18 March 2020, it is surely exhilarating to be able to hit the favourite riding trails/routes again. With all the concerns about health and worsening economic conditions, there is no better time to have a bike ride to ease the stress!
But it’s not life as normal in this extraordinary time. The ‘new normal’ will have to be adopted by every individual to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection until the vaccine for it is found and be made available to everyone. Listed down are some alterations to the typical riding routine as well as contemporary propositions that should be taken into account when conducting mountain biking activity amidst the COVID-19 situation:
Ensure the ABCDs
When it comes to preparing our bike prior to any rides, we need to become familiarised with the ABCD of it which includes checking on the Air, Brakes, Cranks, Chains and Derailleurs. Before riding, make sure that our bike is in perfect condition so as to avoid spending unnecessary time on the trails repairing it.
Prepare the toolkit
When riding, the majority of us usually carry along a limited choice of trailside repair equipment. However, we may now need to add some more just to be sure that we have everything to deal with the problems or situations that most likely will happen. The least we shall need are:
- One spare tube (minimum)
- A patch kit
- A mini-tool with fittings for the most crucial bolts on your bike
- A chain tool
- Spare chain link or connector pin
- Two tire levers
- A pump and/or CO2 inflator (with two cartridges)
- Zip-ties and appropriate length of duct tape
- Face mask and small bottle of hand sanitizer
Inform somebody concerning our cycling activity
Notify specific details regarding where we are going to our family members or friends. Enlighten them on what roads/trails/routes we will be taking and the estimated time of how long are we going to be away riding. For those who have a Strava account or compatible Garmin devices, it is highly recommended to sign up for the GPS-tracking options (Strava Beacon or Garmin LiveTrack). Apart from that, sharing our location via Google maps on iOS-based Iphones is also an option.
Ride with someone we knew well
For risk management reasons, it is not advisable for us to taking up mountain biking and blazing the off-road tracks alone. Nevertheless, the ideal implementation of mountain biking in big groups, is also not the best choice for the time being. In terms of the social, psychological and satisfaction point-of-views, we are so used to riding together (including meeting up with new riding friends), but this is unfortunately a safety hazard at current time. We may think it is not that hard to maintain the recommended social distancing gap, but the best thing to do is to be cautious. For that reason, the best approach is either we ride with our own family members or with a limited number of fellow mountain bikers whose their health status are known to us.
Bring all that we need by ourselves
Previously, riding in groups may provide us with various benefits. Prime among them is having the much-needed assistance when we forget to bring our own riding necessities. Right now, this kind of support network should be side-lined and we must be responsible for ourselves. Make sure that we have a sufficient supply of food and beverages (depending on the duration of our riding trip); phone and essential cards (ID, insurance, credit or debit); and a proper toolkit. Make sure we pack extra batteries for our bike component such as bike light or test the battery condition and recharge it periodically (if we have a rechargeable version).
Consider riding along shorter trails/routes within our vicinity
Even though we are not restricted in terms of how long we get to ride, do not take advantage of it. Despite spending the whole day riding, it’s better to ride not far from home. If possible, ride from home, find less common routes, or search for alternative trail access where there will not be that many people.
Right now, a short ride would be good enough. Existing studies regarding the positive effects of outdoor activities showed that even a minimum of 10 minutes being in natural settings is sufficient enough to improve our psychological well-being. In a 60-to 90-minute loop, we can still get a great workout. There will not be races or mountain bike jamborees held at this time anyway. Our target at the moment should not be on obtaining the highest fitness level, but doing it in moderate state is enough to keep our health status in check while we still have a chance to appreciate the outdoors.
Nevertheless, if we’re tempted to ride farther away from home, the best thing to do is to firstly check whether if it’s possible. Refer to the local authorities for trail openings and closures, as well as related travel advisories. It is important to respect the gateway communities that live in the vicinity of the riding trails. While we feel that we are COVID negative, the possibility of becoming an ‘unconscious carrier’ will present a certain degree of discomfort to nearby residents.
Wear face covering
It may be uncomfortable to wear a face mask during mountain biking, but face masks provide additional protection if a trail is congested with off-road cyclists, or if we suddenly need to get physically close to other people such as when we need to help an injured rider, help other riders experiencing a mechanical problem, or bump into other riders in a tight space that makes social distancing impossible. Alternatively, we can also opt for a neck gaiter or “buff” to cover our faces.
Be careful on the trails
Despite having the tendency to be totally exuberant in hitting the trails, the top priority in every mountain bike ride during this ‘extraordinary’ period is to stay healthy and arrive home safely. This is not the perfect time for ‘showing off’ or perform crazy stunts. Be chill and ride according to our skill level. This will help minimise the risk towards ourselves and others. Hospitals or any other medical facilities are busy keeping up with COVID-19 cases. They do not need a seriously injured mountain biker in there, nor do we want to be there surrounded by COVID-19 patients!
Choose the lanes wisely, consider other riders who share the trails, communicating with each other when attempting to pass, staying alert over natural obstacles along the trails, and slow down whenever necessary. Always remind ourselves that boosting our threshold strength is not the main reason of why we are here. We’re here to blow off some steam and release all the stress and anxiety. Be reminded that part of the reason we started mountain biking was because it made us feel good, beneficial to our health in many different ways, and we have been ‘gifted’ to enjoy the outdoors at this unprecedented time.
Practice decent sanitation
Once home, washing our hands is a must and it has to be done right away. Be sure to use soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. We’re also advised to take a shower and wash our cycling attire immediately upon returning home from any mountain biking trips.
Be honest to ourselves
It only makes sense that if we begin to experience some flu-like symptoms such as dry cough and high fever, it is very important that we avoid the temptation of leaving the house for any exercise and must quarantine ourselves at home. It is not a wise move to jeopardise the health of others for the sake of satisfying our own desire.
COVID-19 is extremely infectious, and can be easily transmitted. The condition that we are in at the moment is still vulnerable and we must all think about the effects of our own doing towards everyone around us. Stay safe, stay alert and be a responsible mountain biker amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.