Before the cold weather arrives, it’s still possible to take part in one of the craziest and most adrenaline-filled outdoor sports: Downhill. This sport, which first took hold in France, is also loved and widely practiced in Italy and involves a rapid descent down a hill, along a pre-set route, in the shortest possible time.
A good routine to follow before a day riding Downhill is: examining your equipment for wear and tear, checking the weather conditions and putting a compass in your pocket… just in case.
Downhill involves exhilaration, speed, agility and danger, and for this reason it’s very important to use suitable equipment for the type of route, whether you’ll be competing or are only doing this sport for pleasure.
Equipment for Downhill:
1. MOUNTAIN BIKE
A normal bike isn’t enough to practice this sport, you need one that’s specifically suited to it: a Mountain Bike. A bike that’s able to withstand the shocks and impacts it will endure on the steep descents down mountain paths. Mountain Bikes are very practical and manageable, due to their light and sturdy frames, and also allow the saddle to be lowered to the full, since bikers make the descent with their feet nearly always touching the ground.
2. PROTECTION
The importance of safety can never be overstated. Shin guards, elbow guards, back guards and gloves are essential in the event of falls, to make any possible impact less violent. In addition to these types of protection there is also a type of suit with extra padding that can protect the whole body from any kind of impact.
3. HELMET
A helmet is essential when descending a natural trail at high speed, and can often be a real lifesaver. The helmet must enable good mobility as well as have an excellent capacity to absorb shocks. It’s useful to fit the helmet with a chin guard to protect the face entirely, and a mask that covers the eyes to protect them while maintaining good visibility.
4. CLOTHING
Speed and dexterity are undoubtedly essential elements for bikers who decide to try Downhill, and for this reason it’s a good idea to wear clothing that provides the best possible ease of movement. The perfect clothes for this sport are those that don’t restrict the body, allowing freedom of movement in both summer and winter.
Sources:
ohga.it/a-tutta-velocita-e-in-discesa-cose-il-downhill-e-cosa-serve-per-praticarlo/
guidaconsumatore.com/sport/che-cose-il-downhill.html
tuvalum.it/blog/modalita-mountainbike-trail-downhill-xc-enduro/
