Hip Protection

Disclaimer: These tips are for the blog author, pls seek professional instruction as this sport may be dangerous!


There is no absolute protection!

I learned that despite the fact that I wear padded shorts, there is no protection against hitting the hip point. All the padding happens to be below the waist line and I flew over the handlebar and acquired a spectacular bruise right where hip bone sticks out.
Interestingly, only few padded shorts manufacturers address this issue and I don't know how practical their solutions are in terms of not bothering the rider in the sitting position.
Therefore something to keep in mind: there is no absolute protection for everything.

Pinky toe and sticking roots

Disclaimer: These tips are for the blog author, pls seek professional instruction as this sport may be dangerous!


Protect your pinky toe!

I was pedalling uphill and somehow my shoe got caught under the protruding obstacle. I had no idea that I could have a huge hematoma on my pinky toe because of this.

When you are so focused on the big goal while pedalling (to make it through a tough section) don't forget about little nasty "pocket-like" obstacles that are often visible only in your peripheral vision. Try to keep track of everything that protrudes less than 90 degrees on the SIDES of the trail and can catch the pedal and the front part of your shoe. It will hurt!