Four ways to be more mindful MTBers

1. Ride to the trails

If you can, why not pedal straight from the front door? It saves packing up the car and sitting in traffic, apart from anything else. And if you’re heading further afield, don’t all go in separate vans, jump in together and share a lift. That way, most of you get to enjoy a post-ride pint!

2. Buy eco-friendly

Fast fashion is a huge contributor to environmental issues, so where possible, buy quality kit that’s built to last. Look at brands like Patagonia or Vaude, who’ll repair stuff too. We know not everyone can afford organic fabrics, but pesticides from industrial-scale textile farming are very polluting. A ‘Bluesign’ certification on clothing indicates that the fabrics have been sustainably sourced, and it’s good to see brands like Troy Lee Designs and Specialized incorporating this in their production processes. Also, try to seek out biodegradable cleaners and lubes that are free from harsh chemical compounds.

3. Recycle and reuse

The bike industry are guilty of pushing everyone to buy the latest and greatest new stuff, but you don’t always need it. Repairing stuff (where possible) or buying second-hand can save you a lot of money. Donating to a bicycle charity can help get someone less fortunate out on two wheels. Don’t bin tyres and inner tubes either, as councils can often recycle these along with old car tyres.

4. Holiday on home soil

We may not be blessed with the best weather here in the UK, but what we do have is an abundance of great riding. Instead of being lured in by cheap Ryanair deals or epic shots from Whistler, why not think about planning a ‘staycation’ to a place you’ve never ridden before in your home country?