Mountain biking is one of the tougher adventure sports. Participants ride specially-made bikes over rough, mountainous terrain. The sport requires high levels of balance, strength, and tenacity. The potential risk factors are high, like in any adventure sport, so be sure to purchase mountain biking travel insurance before you go for it.

Mountain biking has become an increasingly popular tourist activity over the years. People travel from all over the globe to ride ride famous trails like Kokopelli or the Whole Enchilada in Colorado and Utah, Whistler bike park or the North Shore in British Columbia, and Finale Ligure in Italy. Is a mountain biking vacation in your future? If so, read on. 

Travel Insurance for Mountain Biking

Enjoying the sport in a peaceful frame of mind is your primary concern. Travel insurance for mountain biking, bikepacking, gravel cycling, and off-road riding lets you do just that. This insurance can cover your medical expenses abroad, in case an accident necessitates it. A standard travel insurance plan might not cover the risks associated with mountain biking or other hazardous sports; you might need to purchase an add-on to be sure that you have coverage. However, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll get financial assistance in case of an accident is well worth the price.

Introduction to Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an extreme sport in which participants cycle off-road through mountainous locations. Mountain biking has different categories like downhill biking, cross-country mountain biking, dirt jumping, etc. Mountain biking and downhill biking both originated in the 1970s in the U.S.

The level of technical riding is moderate to high, depending on the nature of the terrain. At times, it might be a gentle ride on a forest trail where you can absorb the beauty of the surroundings at your own pace. At other times, it can be an ascent up particularly difficult mountainous terrain, followed by a pulsating descent down the steep slopes.

Mountain bikers see the world as a challenge - and also as a playground. Steep climbs, loose rocks, streams crisscrossing the trails, and rapid descents are all factors that will put your endurance, balancing skills, and technical skills to the test. Some riders even decide to strap camping gear to their mountain bikes for multi-day trips in the wilderness known as bikepacking. 

To be able to devote full concentration to the sport, a thorough knowledge of the bike is essential. Mountain bikes are designed especially to be able to handle difficult terrain. They come with stronger suspension, hydraulic disk brakes, wider tires, and other features that help them withstand the rigors of mountain biking.

Mountain biking is a complete exercise - physical and mental. Your legs, shoulders, and hands become stronger, as do your heart and lungs. Biking also helps increase your concentration and coordination skills. Add these benefits to the wondrous scenic beauty of the mountains and the thrill of hurtling down the mountainside at a rapid pace, and you are in for a momentous experience.

There are dangers associated with sport, as well - as is the case with all extreme sports. To offset such dangers, participants who go mountain biking on vacation would be wise to purchase a travel insurance plan that covers mountain biking to protect themselves financially against any potential injuries or accidents. As a risk-averse mountain biker, you need to get mountain biking travel insurance before you participate.

Risks of Mountain Biking

In a hazardous sport like mountain biking, you can’t rule out the possibility of accidents. So, get travel insurance for mountain biking to help cover your risks.

Falls from the bike can cause injuries ranging from minor abrasions to broken bones. The impact of hitting rocks and trees, among other objects, can cause serious injury. And the fact that you are in the wilderness, where help might not be passing by anytime soon, adds to the uncertainty.

Of course, an experienced rider will take all possible precautions before setting off. But these still aren’t a guarantee against injuries. A small error can cause you serious bodily harm. Make sure to purchase mountain biking travel insurance before you hit the trail in a foreign country.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.