Whether you are new to mountain biking or you have been riding the trails for years, the expenses can add up fast if you are not conscientious about your spending habits. Traveling to exotic places with your mountain bike may be a priority for you but it will certainly drain your bank account faster than you might think if you are not careful. So, can you go mountain biking for cheap? This article will describe, in detail, some tried and true tips on what you need to go mountain biking and how you can do so on a budget without having to skimp on the details.
Save Money on Mountain Bike Trails
There are an abundance of mountain bike trails in the USA that are budget-friendly. For example, one of the best and most famous mountain bike trails in the USA is located in Newark, Delaware. Middle Run mountain bike trail has an advanced course and consists of several miles throughout White Clay State Park. Not an advanced rider? Do not worry, as Middle Run offers a course for every experience level. This course is open throughout the year, however, it is closed during hunting season for safety reasons.
The cost of admission is just $4 to park! If you think that you may want to enjoy this course multiple times throughout the year, you can purchase a membership park pass for $35! Membership park passes can be purchased online or at local authorized retailers. It is important to note that if you are going to park your car without purchasing a membership, you will need to have an exact change to include in your payment envelope. You must pay for your parking. The parking lot is patrolled by police and failing to pay for your parking space could result in a costly ticket that you want to avoid at all costs to keep your expenses down.
Invest in a Good Bike
While it may seem like quite an expense upfront, investing in a good mountain bike will prove to be a smart decision in the long run. The reason for this is that a high-quality mountain bike will be made with sturdy components that are imperative for mountain biking. Durability, reliability, and longevity are all attributes that you can expect in a mountain bike that may come with a hefty price tag.
If you do not have the budget for an expensive mountain bike at this time, you can certainly purchase one that is less costly, but keep in mind that it may need to be replaced or restored in a few years’ time. However, as long as you can commit to performing routine maintenance on your bike, you should be able to keep it around for a significant period of time.
Commit to Routine Annual Bike Maintenance
When you invest in an inexpensive mountain bike it is more important than ever to commit to performing routine maintenance on an annual basis. The reason for this is that cheap mountain bikes may not have a frame that can endure the beating of an advanced mountain bike trail over and over again without being inspected. All it takes is one minor error or malfunction to cause your bike to give way, which could result in an injury. If you do not have the budget to invest in an expensive bike, not all is lost as no matter what type of bike you have, you can still explore and experience adventure.
Have an Adventurous Spirit
One of the most common attributes that mountain bike hobbyists possess is that they are adventurous at heart. Mountain biking is a sport that can spark an adrenaline rush while also fulfilling the senses. There is no cost to fulfilling your senses while you are on a mountain bike trail and the experience is unquantifiable by a monetary description. While you are mountain biking, you can take in the beauty that mother nature has created and that is priceless!
Conclusion
There is a perception that in order to enjoy mountain biking, you have to invest in the most expensive equipment on the market. However, contrary to popular belief, you can enjoy mountain biking on a budget if you invest your money wisely. It is a smart idea to put your funds towards the purchase of a good, sturdy bike, but visiting the best trails does not have to drain your bank account. You also do not need an abundance of funds to enjoy the beauty that is around you while you are taking on a trail.