The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and our trails are getting into summer shape. That means mountain biking season is almost here! At Angel Fire Bike Park, we have everything you need to take a two-wheeled adventure with the whole family.
We’re the largest mountain biking park in the Rocky Mountains. We’ve also been named the Best in the Southwest by MTBparks.com. We offer more than 60 miles of purpose-built, lift-served terrain with all your favorite features — skinnies, jump lines, super chunk trails, and more!
As you plan your visit to Angel Fire Resort, we’re here to help you gear up. The best way to enjoy every inch of the 2,000+ vertical feet of air you can get at our acclaimed bike park is to be prepared. So read on as our experts weigh in with their tips and recommendations for picking the right gear for your next mountain biking getaway.
Choose The Right Mountain Bike
Choosing the right mountain bike is essential. But identifying the right bike depends on more than a few factors, such as your skill level and trail preference. For
example, do you want a bike that can climb better or keeps you more stable on a downhill run?
There are many different models, builds, and varieties to choose from when shopping for a mountain bike. If your frame, wheel, and suspension choices feel overwhelming, talk to the friendly and knowledgeable team at our Bike Shop. They can help you find the bike that makes the most sense for you.
Be Sure To Bring These Indispensable Mountain Biking Accessories
Once you’ve selected the right mountain bike for you, it’s time to gather the gear you’ll need with you on the trail. Make safety your top priority. We recommend cyclists ride with a complete armor kit and full-face helmet, which you can rent in our Bike Shop. This body gear minimizes injuries if you take a spill.
Safety also includes taking care of yourself on the trails. Angel Fire Resort sits 8,600 feet above sea level, meaning it’s much easier to get dehydrated and sunburned while visiting us. A full water bottle is a necessity for anyone mountain biking. The same goes for a high-grade sport sunscreen.
Anything can happen on the trails. Wearing the proper gear, staying hydrated, and protecting yourself from the sun will allow you to enjoy many hours of mountain biking — unless something happens to your bike. That’s why our experts also recommend preparing a backpack or hip pack that includes the following items.
- Multitool
- Flat kit
- Tire lever
- Inflation device
- Small first aid kit
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Nutritious snacks
Pack The Right Clothing For Your Mountain Biking Adventure
The clothes you wear also play a crucial role in how much you’ll enjoy your trip to Angel Fire Bike Park. Although a full-face helmet and body gear offer an outer layer of protection, what you wear underneath will ensure the most comfortable ride.
So, keep an eye on the weather at all times — thunderstorms can move in quickly on our mountain, especially on a summer afternoon — and pack the following for the ultimate mountain biking adventure.
- Chamois/padding. Many shorts now have integrated padding, but some cyclists prefer separate padding or a chamois.
- Mountain bike shorts. Your bike shorts should be made from sturdy fabric and provide a looser fit. After all, aerodynamic efficiency isn’t a huge concern for many mountain bikers. That said, your shorts should fit well enough to prevent chafing.
- Cold weather clothes. Bike pants and long-sleeved jerseys are easy to carry in your backpack or hip pack and allow you to add layers. Look for pants, shirts, and rain shells made from materials that are both waterproof and breathable. If you get cold easily, you may also want to add a hat, headband, arm warmers, and leg warmers.
- Jersey. Good mountain biking jerseys should wick away moisture and fit snuggly against your torso. However, your mountain biking jersey shouldn’t be as tight as a road cycling one. You may also want to look for jerseys with a ventilating front zipper.
- Cycling gloves. Select gloves with optimal finger coverage and padding. Most mountain bikes are equipped with padded grips, meaning you might not need as much padding in your gloves. But you do want gloves that cover your entire fingers to avoid sore or scraped knuckles.
- Sunglasses or goggles. Debris — sticks, pebbles, etc. — can fly from the trails unpredictably, so investing in eye protection is a must.
- Mountain bike shoes. When shopping for mountain biking shoes, you’ll want to find the right balance between pedal compatibility, walkability, pedaling efficiency, and waterproof protection.
Now that you’re geared up, it’s time to get outside with your whole family for a day filled with unforgettable fun. Purchase your Preseason Gravity Pass, Military Pass, or Four-Pack Pass to Angel Fire Bike Park before opening day, May 14th!
