Interview with a mountain biker
ActivityAway.co.uk chats with mountain biking guide Nicola Weaver from Dales Bike Centre, a one-stop shop for all things cycling in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
What's your favourite thing about mountain biking?
Riding on flowing tracks and weaving through the heather with a group of friends.
What type of bike do you ride and why do you like it?
I ride an Ibis Mojo. It’s light and fast and soaks up all the bumps.
Where would be your dream mountain biking location?
Obviously riding in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. My favourite place is the Swaledale valley, in the sunshine, when all the wild flowers come out in early summer.
Can you give us three mountain biking safety tips....
1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Always give your bike a safety check before you go out riding.
3. Always take some things with you on your ride like a pump, waterproof, snacks and a drink.
What tips can you tell us about mountain biking in the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales has some of the best natural riding in the country. Here, you get to ride all manner of terrain and explore some real backcountry trails. You can ride the majority of the trails on a hardtail mountain bike, but some of the trails are steep and rocky and to get the most fun out of these, a full suspension bike is ideal.
Remember, this is the great outdoors and you need to get good route advice to suit your riding ability and fitness. Also, always take a map and know how to use it. Remember to check the weather forecast and take suitable, warm clothing with you, as the weather can change quickly. It’s always sensible to take spare inner tubes in case of a puncture and know how to fix your bike to get you home too.
What piece of mountain biking equipment (other than your bike) can't you live without?
My orange coloured DMR flat pedals and my sticky 5:10 cycle shoes.
Dales Bike Centre fact file:
Dales Bike Centre is located in North Yorkshire, they offer skills, training, qualified guides and a range of day, weekend and week long trips. They also provide bike hire, a bike shop, accommodation and a café.
