Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route- finding and navigation and Strava for performance- tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high‑protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
Trail-Ready SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
Boating excursions are a popular way to have fun in Missouri. No one heading out for a day on one of the state’s many beautiful lakes likes to think about the potential for accidents. But boating accidents are on the rise. Mishaps among Missouri boaters increased by 4.6% to 159 between 2022 and 2023, and injuries rose 15% to 89, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Some crashes have tragic effects. In 2019, two young adults died in Missouri while riding in a boat that hit a rock bluff head-on. Their families were awarded $1.6 million in a settlement. And in 2020, a Missouri man riding on a rental pontoon boat during an office outing fell over the boat’s front railing into the water and almost lost an arm to the propeller. All the passengers were inebriated at the time. Although surgeons saved the man’s arm, he accused his employer of negligence and won a $1 million settlement. Operator errors are the most common cause of accidents, including reckless driving and drinking. Failing to take account of submerged rocks or navigational markers also leads to accidents. Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports! Stay Afloat DON’T LET A BOATING ACCIDENT SINK YOUR SUMMER
The highest number of drownings among boaters occurs in July, and most victims aren’t wearing life jackets. Boaters must carry life preservers for every passenger, and children under 7 years of age must wear life jackets at all times unless they’re in a covered cabin area. Make sure your child’s life jacket fits; a child wearing a life jacket that is too big may still be pulled underwater. And set a good example by wearing a life jacket yourself. The operator of your boat should have safety training. Generally, motor boaters must cede the right of way to sailboats or vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles. Boaters also must learn the rules of navigation, including keeping right when passing oncoming motorized vessels. And avoid dangerous behavior on Jet Skis, such as jumping the wake of a passing boat.
Heeding safety rules doesn’t have to spoil your fun. Just begin with the end in mind, a safe return to shore with all your family and friends!
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