At an elevation of just over 11,000 feet, Mammoth Mountain is one of the top destinations for cyclists all year long. While you’ll love pedaling through the scenic vistas and enjoying the gorgeous weather, it does take some planning to get there. Most cyclists who visit Mammoth Lakes choose to leave their bicycles at home to make traveling easier. Fortunately, rental bikes are available so you can hit the trails and enjoy an outdoor adventure. The team at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for high-quality gear and premier Mammoth Mountain bike rentals, remind you to avoid these common mistakes so you can rent your bike without having any annoyances ruin your trip.
1. Failing to Book in Advance
Mammoth is one of the go-to destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, which means you should always assume you won’t be the only person trying to rent a bike. Most rental companies have a variety of bicycles available to suit every need, but you don’t want the type you need to be completely rented out. Try to book your rental in advance or at least call ahead to make sure they have what you want to ensure a higher-than-normal tourist rate doesn’t leave you hiking on foot.
2. Overestimating Your Abilities
You’ll find trails that range from beginner to advanced. While choosing a trail that matches your skills helps, you may also find that riding a bike in these new conditions is different from riding in your hometown. This may be especially true if you ride on the trails at higher elevations or you’re already dealing with traveler’s fatigue. Ask about pedal-assist bikes that use their own power combined with yours to help you go further without feeling winded.
3. Working with an Independent Renter
As with many tourist destinations, you may find rogue people trying to make a quick buck. Independent renters may not follow the same safety standards that established rental companies do. You can avoid feeling the need to rent from someone with a handful of bikes on the side of the road by booking in advance. You should also ask rental companies about their safety policies. For instance, each bike should be carefully inspected between rentals to make sure it’s safe.
4. Getting a Bike that’s the Wrong Size
There are several different sizes of bikes available, and you need one that fits your body type and skill level. If you’re new to biking, ask the rental company for a suggestion. With a bike that’s the right size, you’ll maintain proper posture and reduce the risk of having an accident on the trails.
5. Choosing a Bike for the Wrong Terrain
Mammoth has several types of terrain for biking. If you plan to go on rustic dirt trails, let the rental agency know so they can give you a mountain bike designed for that type of activity. If you prefer to stick to concrete, having the right type of bike makes pedaling easier so you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the area.
If you decide to take advantage of the amazing biking opportunities at Mammoth Mountain, make sure to avoid these mistakes so you’ll have a great time cruising through the gorgeous landscape. If you need to rent a bike while you’re here, call on the mountain sports experts at ASO Mammoth. We can hook you up with everything you need for a fantastic biking experience. We’re your top choice for local trail information, top-quality gear, and bike rentals in Mammoth Lakes, CA, so stop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.