What to Pack for Mountain Biking in South Lake Tahoe
When you are planning a mountain biking trip in South Lake Tahoe, the most important piece of equipment is the bike. Whether you choose to go for a standard mountain bike or an eMTB, your bike will be responsible for getting you where you want to go.
But to ensure a comfortable and safe day out on the mountain, you will need some additional equipment as well. There are some basics anyone hitting the trails in South Lake Tahoe should bring and additional items that can be nice to have as you get more into mountain biking in the area and you will usually learn what you need as you get more familiar with your specific preferences.
South Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking Gear List
The first piece of gear you will need is always a helmet. Wherever you are biking, even on the easiest trails or pavement, you never know when a hazard will arise. Get yourself a good helmet and wear it at all times while on your bike.
Dressing correctly will also pay a big part in staying comfortable in the sometimes changeable weather of the Sierra Nevadas. You will want to be prepared for the weather while still wearing clothing you can bike in. Top options here include:
Bike Shorts - Shorts such as chamois, which are padded and close fitting, are a good base layer. Over those, you can wear looser shorts. If you are biking in cooler weather and want to cover your legs, you can wear tight fitting leggings that will not get caught in the gears or waterproof pants. There are many options specifically made for biking, and standard athletic clothing can be enough to get you started.
Tops - You can wear anything that is comfortable for your shirt. A T-shirt is always a good base layer, but consider bringing a jacket or windbreaker in case the weather turns. Many riders will wear a jersey shirt that provides extra breathability on hot days or tough climbs.
Socks - Socks are a good idea as they can give you an extra layer of protection from any flying rocks or protecting your ankles when biking through any areas of heavy vegetation.
Shoes - Wearing standard tennis shoes is often suitable as you first get into biking. Once you get more into it, you can choose shoes specific for mountain biking whether you ride clipped in or clipless.
Gloves - Gloves are another option for mountain biking. While not a requirement, they can help improve your grip on the handlebars when your hands become sweaty and will give you protection during the fall.
Glasses - Glasses can help protect your eyes from bright sunlight, flying dust, or any stray bugs. Your first few times out, a standard pair of sunglasses that are secure will be fine although you may later want to invest in biking glasses that fit under your helmet.
Now that you are dressed correctly, you will also need the right gear on the journey with you. The type of pack you will need depends on how long you will be out. For trips of a few hours, you can use a fanny pack or a backpack. For especially long trips, you will need to transition into a higher capacity pack, but at that point, you should be experienced enough to know exactly what you need on the trail.
For now pick a small pack and prepare it with:
Any Extra Clothing - If you are bringing a rain jacket or extra shirt or pair of socks, stuff those in your pack.
Flat Tire Kit - This will include a spare inner tube, a tire lever, and either a CO2 inflator or tire pump.
Multitool - You never know when you will need to tighten or loosen something on your bike. A multitool can help you get through any technical difficulties while you are out.
Water - Biking is a lot of work and the high altitude in South Lake Tahoe will dehydrate you quickly. Bring water bottles or a hydration pack for longer rides. You can also bring a water filter or water treatment tablets and refill along the way.
Food - Even if you are not going for a full picnic, having a granola bar or similar snack can help boost your energy if you are flagging during your ride.
Sunscreen - High altitude means lots of sun exposure. Wear sunscreen and reapply as needed.
Phone - Although your phone will not work in many places in the mountains around South Lake Tahoe, your phone is still valuable for photos of ourselves and mountain biking apps that can help you navigate the trails. Make sure it is fully charged before you leave.
Wallet and Keys - Keep your personal possessions on you while you bike.
If you are biking on well known trails, this may be all you need. But if you are going to be out for longer, going to less traveled areas, or simply want to be extremely prepared, a standard first aid kit and outdoor survival items can be beneficial. This includes things like band aids, gauze, first aid tape, aspirin, maps of the Lake Tahoe area, compass, toilet paper, and a knife. If there is any chance you will be out during sunset or after dark, you will also need either a helmet mounted light or bike light to help you find your way back.
When you are planning your first mountain biking trips in South Lake Tahoe, Pine Nut Cycle Cafe can provide the equipment you need, including bike and helmet, to get you on the trails. Based on where you want to go biking, our team can also provide some tips on what to bring with you. In our bike showroom, we also have a range of biking accessories that you can add to your biking equipment.
On your first trip, comfortable clothing that you can exercise in, a snack, and some water should be enough to get started. Pack these items, reserve your mountain bike rental in South Lake Tahoe on our website, and you will be ready for a great adventure in the Sierra Nevadas.
