{"id":36162,"date":"2024-06-07T13:16:42","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T11:16:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=36162"},"modified":"2024-06-25T16:57:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T14:57:11","slug":"how-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/2024\/06\/07\/how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"How to\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
HOW TO<\/h5>\n\n

Stay safe on the trails this Summer<\/h2>\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n

We love the countryside<\/strong> \u2013 but pollen, ticks, sunburn, midges, errant livestock and rogue wildlife can all spoil our time in the fresh air. Here\u2019s some essential advice to help you stay safe when nature attacks! <\/p>\n\n

\n\n

TICKS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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TINY MITES, BUT DANGEROUS<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n

TICK-BORNE LYME <\/strong>disease has become a big issue in recent years, with the number of infections increasing. If not caught early, the effects can be severe, including nerve and heart damage, and, in extreme cases, death. Other symptoms include pain and swelling in the joints, memory problems and difficulty concentrating, and chronic pain or fatigue. It\u2019s a particular issue for mountain bikers because we often brush through the long grass, thick undergrowth and tree foliage where the tiny, spider-like creatures live, making it easy for them to climb aboard. They\u2019re found throughout the UK and in other parts of Europe and North America. <\/p>\n\n

SPOT THE SIGNS<\/strong>
Only a small proportion <\/strong>of ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, and you\u2019re unlikely to become infected if the insect is attached to your skin for less than 24 hours. However, their small size means you may not even notice you\u2019ve been bitten. Telltale signs include a red rash, which looks like a bull\u2019s eye on a dart board, and flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle\/joint pain, headaches, fever, chills and a stiff neck. Look out for these, and speak to a GP if you start to feel unwell.<\/p>\n\n

WHAT TO DO<\/strong>
Follow these tips from Lyme Disease UK to avoid getting infected <\/p>\n\n

\u2022 Apply a repellent before riding
\u2022 Wear a long-sleeve top and trousers, ideally in light colours, so you can see ticks more easily
\u2022 Try to stick to established paths. Take extra care in long grass, leaf litter and wooded areas
\u2022 Check yourself regularly and brush off any unattached ticks you spot
\u2022 Have a shower when you get home and check your body thoroughly
\u2022 Carefully remove any attached ticks, using a tick removal tool or fine-pointed tweezers. Pull straight up, without twisting, jerking or squeezing
\u2022 If bitten, wash your clothes at a high temperature and\/or tumble dry on a high heat<\/p>\n\n

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RIDER REPORT: OLLIE BLACKMORE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bristol-based Olly caught Lyme disease last year and wants to save others from the same ordeal <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI ride up in the Mendip Hills, which are full of ticks from wild deer. Last August, I discovered a tiny tick on my calf, and carefully removed it with a tick remover. I wasn\u2019t concerned \u2013 I find a couple each season, and if you remove them within 24 hours, all is generally OK. However, this one must have been on me for a while, as I developed the characteristic \u2018bull\u2019s eye\u2019 rash, plus pain in my wrists and ankles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI went to my GP, who confirmed I had Lyme disease and put me on a massive course of antibiotics. Thankfully, it was diagnosed early enough that I avoided any chronic or severe complications. However, the arthralgia (joint pain) got so bad that I couldn\u2019t ride, and I limped when I walked. Fortunately, I made a full recovery within eight months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really important that folk check for ticks and know how to remove them. I\u2019d highly recommend checking out the expert advice on sites such as Lyme Disease Action and Lyme Disease UK.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

\n\n

SUNBURN <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
(VISIBLE) RAYS NOT REQUIRED <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n

On hot days, <\/strong>it\u2019s easy to remember to slather on some sun cream, but UVA rays \u2013 the aging and skin cancer-causing ones \u2013 are as strong in December as in June, and, along with UVB rays \u2013 the ones that burn us \u2013 can bounce off puddles and other wet surfaces even when it\u2019s overcast. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it\u2019s a good idea to apply an SPF 30 moisturiser every day. Check the UV index using a weather app on your phone, and if it\u2019s three or higher, make sure to use sun cream (SPF 30 or above, reapplying every two hours, ensuring it\u2019s not old or expired). Consider covering exposed skin with clothing, too. Above level eight, spend as much time as possible in the shade and away from water and other reflective surfaces, especially between 11am and 3pm. Make sure to stay hydrated, too.<\/p>\n\n

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MIDGES <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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THE SCOURGE OF THE HIGHLANDS! <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n

Small biting insects <\/strong>may not sound like a big deal, but anyone who\u2019s been swarmed by these little blighters will know how annoying they can be. Being attacked by them is distracting and irritating, and so is the itching the next day. They\u2019re particularly prevalent in the Highlands and islands of Scotland, but found around the world. Although unlikely to bother you while riding (as they\u2019re unable to fly faster than 7mph), they\u2019re a menace when stopped for a break, camping or hanging around outdoors. <\/p>\n\n

AVOIDING MIDGE BITES<\/strong>
(many of these tips work for mosquitoes, ticks and horseflies, as well) <\/p>\n\n

\u2022 Stock up on insect repellent. Some swear by Smidge, others recommend Avon Skin So Soft and we\u2019ve had success with Jungle Formula DEET spray. According to Cycling UK, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and citronella oils are all offputting to midges, too.
\u2022 Wear a long-sleeve jersey and trousers, and keep your socks pulled up high for added protection.
\u2022 Pack a neck tube and midge net, which take up virtually no space, but will protect you when you\u2019re having a breather or setting up camp (or spectating at the Fort William World Cup!).
\u2022 Time your rides carefully. Midges are most active at dawn and dusk, in damp conditions and when there\u2019s no wind. So, pray for a sunny, breezy day and head out in the late morning or early afternoon. In Scotland, check the midge forecast at www.smidgeup.com\/midge-forecast<\/a>. <\/strong>
\u2022 Avoid hanging around bodies of water (except at the coast, where wind tends to be higher), boggy areas or dank forests.
\u2022 If all else fails, just keep moving! <\/p>\n\n

\n\n

LIVESTOCK <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
NOT FIERCE, BUT FLIGHTY <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n

In many areas <\/strong>of the world, trails pass through fields or pastures that are home to cows, sheep, goats, horses and other farm animals. Most of these pose no danger, but it\u2019s still important to avoid startling them or otherwise interfering with them. For example, if surprised, horses may kick out with their hind legs, which deliver a powerful blow that can shatter bones. Cattle, meanwhile, have a docile reputation, but can become spooked and trample or crush anyone in their path. They\u2019re responsible for around five (human) deaths per year in the UK alone, so make sure to give them space \u2013 especially bulls or cows that have calves with them. Pass them quickly and quietly, watching out for any change of mood. If they turn sideways while looking at you, lower their head, round their shoulders or paw the ground, calmly head for the nearest safe exit. Don\u2019t speed up \u2013 that\u2019ll only encourage them to chase you. Should this happen, use sudden changes of direction to slow them down.<\/p>\n\n

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POLLEN <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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A PROBLEM NOT TO BE SNIFFED AT <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n

When grass-pollen release <\/strong>peaks in June and July, it can ruin your rides if you\u2019re a hay fever sufferer. Your immune system overreacts, causing your body to create too many histamines. Usually, these chemicals keep us alert, attentive and awake. But in excess, they can cause sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy, watery, streaming or swollen eyes, and an itchy nose and throat, all of which make it difficult to enjoy your time on the trails. <\/p>\n\n

HAY FEVER \u2018HACKS\u2019 <\/strong>
\u2022 Wear riding glasses or goggles to help stop pollen getting in your eyes.
\u2022 Apply a drug-free allergen barrier balm \u2013 such as HayMax \u2013 around your nostrils and eyes to trap pollen before it\u2019s breathed or blinked in.
\u2022 Wash after riding to remove pollen from your body and hair.
\u2022 Rinse your kit in between rides, making sure to dry it indoors
\u2022 Keep bike shoes by the door so you don\u2019t bring pollen in with you.
\u2022 Avoid alcohol and chocolate (contain histamine), and dairy drinks (produce mucus). Drink ginger and green tea (natural antihistamines), or peppermint tea (reduces congestion), and eat red onions, kale, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries and apples (contain natural antihistamine).
\u2022 Check the pollen-count forecast and avoid riding at times when it reaches \u2018medium\u2019 or above, especially if the weather is hot and sunny, or there are hay meadows nearby.
\u2022 Ride in the middle of the day, as pollen levels tend to be higher in the early morning and early evening.<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

WILDLIFE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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In Britain, there\u2019s <\/strong>not much to worry about in terms of wildlife, beyond the occasional adder (venomous snake) basking on the trail or, at our local riding spot, the Forest of Dean, small groups of wild boar, known to attack dogs. Elsewhere in the world, though, you may come across fiercer creatures, which pose more of a threat.<\/p>\n\n

BOAR <\/strong>
These bristly-haired wild pigs are native to much of Europe, and also found in the Americas and Oceania. They\u2019re strong, can run fast and the males can be large, but they aren\u2019t generally dangerous, unless cornered. Give them space, and either take a different route or remain still until they pass. <\/p>\n\n

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SNAKES <\/strong>
Snakes will generally be more scared of you than you are of them. They usually avoid people, but may not equate the rumbing of tyres with human presence. Where possible, detour around them. If you need to move them off the trail, stand at a distance and stomp your foot or slam your front wheel against the ground. Alternatively, squirt water or throw dirt or stones near them. As a last resort, lift them with a (long!) stick. If bitten, seek immediate medical help.<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

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MOUNTAIN LIONS<\/strong>
Native to the Americas, and also known as cougars, pumas or panthers, you\u2019re most likely to come across these large cats when riding in the western states of the US. While attacks on humans are rare, they can be deadly. In general, you can follow the same tips as for bears (see right). However, there\u2019s one importance difference \u2013 if a cougar attacks, you mustn\u2019t play dead, but instead fight back with everything you have. Also, yelling can be an effective deterrent.<\/p>\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

BEARS <\/strong>
Bear encounters are common in Canada and other areas of North America, and there have been several instances of mountain bikers being fatally mauled by them. The animals often react defensively when surprised \u2013 such as by a fast-moving rider \u2013 so be vigilant and slow down when approaching heavily-wooded areas or blind corners. Also, shout periodically, and avoid areas with rich sources of bear food, such as berry patches in late summer. Carry bear spray if you\u2019re in an area known to be home to the creatures. Avoid riding alone, and at dawn or dusk.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

STAYING SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Follow this advice from Get Bear Smart should you encounter one<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Stop riding and assess the situation. If the bear hasn\u2019t seen you, quietly go back the way you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 In situations where you have been seen, place your bike between you and the bear (this makes you look larger, in a non-threatening way). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 If a bear charges, in a defensive situation, it\u2019s usually a bluff (especially if it\u2019s a black bear). Hold your ground and don\u2019t make direct eye contact. Do not run\/pedal away, as this may trigger it to chase you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Don\u2019t yell. Talk to the bear calmly and back away slowly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 If the bear continues to approach, draw your bear spray and aim two or three bursts at the ground in front of the animal. Spray again if the bear continues to come towards you, aiming for the nose, mouth and eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Once the bear has retreated or resumed its normal behaviour (resting, feeding, travelling), get to an area of safety, such as a car or building, making sure not to move too quickly. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

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