If you are looking for a quiet and serene location to relax, the beach is one of the best places to go. At the beach, you can choose to just lay down and soak in some sunshine or you can take your mountain bike and have some fun riding on the beach. You may be wondering if it’s even possible to ride a mountain bike on the beach.
Can you ride a mountain bike on the beach?
You can certainly ride a mountain bike on a beach. However, riding a mountain bike on soft sand is not usually the best idea. The sand is fluid, so the tires of mountain bikes do not get as much traction as they should. Consequently, they are harder to control.
In this article, we discuss riding a mountain bike on a beach. We also discuss some hazards and safety tips you must remember when riding your mountain bike on the beach.
What Is the Right Mountain Bike for the Beach?
Riding your bike on the beach sounds fun, but it can be challenging. One major challenge you will experience is how slow the sand makes the bike. As a result, the bike becomes difficult to control. To avoid this, you need a tire with a good grip that won’t get stuck in the sand.
When you want to choose a mountain bike for your beach ride, choose a fat bike. Fat bikes have tubeless tires at least 4 inches wide. It prevents the mountain bike from sinking in the sand and gives you better control.
When choosing bike wheels, you can pick 27.5″ or 29″ tall bike wheels. Use 29″ bike wheels, so it is easy to navigate the beach terrain with your bike.
How to Ride Your Mountain Bike on the Beach
When you want to cycle on a beach, the best way is to visually determine the safest and smoothest path and adjust when needed. Even when you derail from your intended route due to drifting on the sand, you will be fine as long as you keep going on toward your original destination.
When you steer your mountain bike on the sand, it is best not to steer with the handlebars. It is easier to steer and turn with your hips and shoulders. It allows you to drift the bike gently towards your intended direction.
Also, it is better to cycle in a higher gear. It ensures the bicycle tries keep spinning and moving, giving you greater control in the process. As a result, your chances of getting stuck are low.
When riding your bike on the sand, alter the cycling position of your body to acquire a new center of gravity. To do this, you need to move your butt to the end of the seat and straighten your arms.
Cycling on the sand is different from cycling on pavements or roads, and as such, you need to approach it with a different mindset.
Some other tips for bikers to keep in mind include:
- Avoid cycling too slow or too fast. Try to maintain a steady and balanced pace to avoid getting stuck in the sand and falling over.
- Ensure you maintain your momentum as you ride through the dry, sandy areas of the beach to avoid any issues.
- Avoid doing stunts while riding on the beach to protect yourself and your bike. For instance, a sharp turn will leave your tire half sunk in the sand.
- Don’t apply the brakes suddenly. Before you apply the brakes, try to slow down and gradually come to a halt. If you apply the brakes instantly, your mountain bike will throw you into the sand.
- Before riding your bike on the beach, do a proper scan to find a suitable area to avoid cycling in a crowded location.
Beach Hazards to Be Aware of When Riding Mountain Bikes
As we already mentioned, the beach is a great place to relax and soak up some sun. However, when riding your mountain bike on the beach, be careful.
If you are cycling on the sand for the first time, here are some beach hazards you need to note:
- Ensure you wear closed-toed shoes to the beach. They will protect you from any sharp object in the sand, like shells or broken glass.
- The beach sand tends to hide sticks and rocks, making them difficult to avoid.
- Sand can build up in your shifters, chain, or gears and affect the functionality of these parts.
- Sand makes braking difficult.
- You may encounter people sunbathing or pedestrians on the beach. To use your bike on the beach, you need enough room and fewer people. So, if there are people on the beach, you can walk your bike for a bit.
Always ensure you are aware of your surroundings and the people on the beach when you ride your bike.
Safety Tips for Riding Mountain Bikes on Beaches
Here are some safety precautions for you to keep in mind when you go mountain biking on the beach:
- Ensure you take along a map, GPS, or compass to help you with the terrain you are about to cycle.
- Ensure you know all the exit routes on the beach. This means you can make a quick and safe exit if you encounter any difficulties.
- Plan all your cycling routes when there is still daylight. It prevents you from getting lost when night comes.
- Double-check all your accessories. Ensure you fully charge your smartphone and GPS. Also, remember to carry along a backup power source.
- Ensure you have all the emergency numbers in your smartphone, including the rescue service, local hospital, police department, or a friend.
- Ensure you inform someone close to you about your intent to go cycling on the beach and when you will return.
- Monitor the weather conditions before you go mountain biking on the beach. If you go out when it is too hot, you risk suffering a sunstroke.
- Ensure you carry along enough food and water to be safe.
- Avoid pushing yourself, so as not to use up all your energy. Always maintain a steady momentum and go with the tide.
- If you approach a section of the beach you feel you cannot cross with your bike, just walk your bike across. It is not worth wasting your energy and risking your safety.
Will Sand Ruin My Mountain Bike?
Many cyclists avoid taking their bikes to the beach because they worry the sand may damage their bikes. However, sand damaging your mountain bike depends on several factors like your riding style, your bike equipment, and the type of sand.
The sand may not damage your bike immediately. But with time, it will cause severe damage to your bike. This happens when sand gets into those places that are difficult to clean. To prevent this from happening, ensure your chain is well lubricated. It will prevent any grit from sticking to it.
Final Take
Riding a mountain bike on a beach is a fun way to relax. When mountain biking on the beach, stay close to water edges, maintain your balance, and avoid loose and dry sand. Also, ensure you take safety precautions and keep an eye out for hazards on the beach as you ride.