The Mountain Bikers Fact, One Day you Will Crash

Never-mind how experienced mountain biker you're or how careful you ride, one day you will crash. The most famous crash is probably over the handlebars.

On a downhill, your front wheel gets stuck in the dirt or you brake to intense with the front brake, or you ride into a dog running around. Whatever the reason, your mountain bike has stopped dead and you're heading over the handlebars.

Don't just hold on tight and aim your face at the ground. Instead get your leading arm towards the ground to start absorbing the impact, bow your head and tuck your chin into your chest, while protecting your head with your other arm.

As your leading arm hits the ground, let your momentum roll you over the same shoulder, a bit like a lop-sided forward roll. Keep your head tucked in and you'll end up on your back. Hopefully your feet will have clipped out of the pedals at some stage – but either way, be prepared to fend off your own flying bike, which could be falling right on top of you.