Tips for trailing the mountains
Any person who loves the outdoors will tell you that Mother Nature has her beauty, but she also has her varied twists and turns that can cause great injury. Mountain climbing, mountain biking and hiking is a lot of fun.
Navigating through the shrubs, minding the bugs and wiping off sweat is all part of the adventure that each person experiences when they make their way up or down the mountain. it must be undertaken with caution and mindfulness. When you find yourself in the woods and faced with its volatile nature remember these tips and tricks to help you
Blisters
Blisters are one of the worst irritations for any cyclist. Fortunately these little buggers can be avoided by wearing a good pair of socks and cycling shoes. Wear moisture absorbent socks to keep your feet dry. Cotton socks will most likely be your best option as it prevent damp feet from causing friction against the shoe that causes the blister. A blister can easily be treated on-the-go by draining it, applying antibiotic cream and then covering the area with a band aid.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is known to be the gremlin of the mountain. The irritation caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, can feel like a nightmare against the skin. Within seconds of your skin being in contact with the ivy, it will begin to itch. It’s difficult not to scratch, but the moment you try to sooth the itch by scratching it, a rash will appear. The only way to clear the rash is to know which ivy plant you are dealing with. But for the most part, calamine lotion will soothe the irritation. Be sure to always have some stored away in your first aid kit. Wearing light fitted, long sleeve shirts and pants is a sure way of preventing the plants from coming in contact with your skin.
Minor abrasions and scrapes
It’s not uncommon for hikers to find scrapes and bruises on their legs from walking or riding through thorns and bushes. Fortunately these are easily treated and won’t cause long term damage. All you need is a good antibiotic cream to soothe any discomfort and kill off any infections. Ensure that you keep an eye on the cut for at least a few days, if doesn’t seem to be healing then see a doctor as soon as possible.