Rider Tips and Safety

Rider Health & Injury Prevention

Powered by High Desert Sports and Spine. Because 86% of pro cyclists experience overuse injuries—don't let a "niggle" sideline your season

Welcome to Rider Tips & Safety

At Mudslinger Events, we believe the best race day is the one where you feel prepared, protected, and powerful. Whether you are a first-time rider or a seasoned pro chasing a podium, this page is your go-to toolkit for a successful season.


We’ve partnered with the industry’s leading experts to bring you a library of proactive resources—from clinical injury prevention and trail-side health to legal advocacy and mechanical hacks. Our goal isn't just to help you finish the race; it’s to keep you riding for years to come.


Explore the sections below for insider knowledge from our trusted supporters:

Lower Back Pain: The #1 Trail & Road Nuisance


Lower back pain is the single most common complaint in the cycling world, affecting nearly 45% of all riders. It usually isn't a "spine" problem—it’s a "cockpit" problem.

  • What it feels like: A deep, nagging tightness in your lower back that makes you want to sit bolt upright or stretch mid-ride.
  • The Science: Research shows that a "nose-up" saddle forces your pelvis to tilt backward, straining the lower vertebrae. A study found that tilting the saddle nose down by just a few degrees significantly improved symptoms for over 70% of cyclists.
  • The Pro Fix: Try a slight 1–2° downward tilt on your saddle. If you feel like you're reaching too far for your bars, a shorter stem can take the "tug" off your lower back. If adjusting your setup doesn’t calm the symptoms, a consultation with a Sports Medicine specialist in Bend, OR can help identify whether the issue is muscular, biomechanical, or spine-related.


Cyclist’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)


This is that dull ache behind or around the kneecap, especially noticeable when you're grinding up a steep climb or pushing a big gear.

  • What it feels like: A faint clicking or stiffness at the start of a ride that "warms up" and disappears, only to return with a vengeance the next day.
  • The Science: When your saddle is too low, your knee stays too bent (>35 degrees) at the bottom of the stroke. This increases the compression force on your kneecap, essentially grinding the joint under pressure.
  • The Pro Fix: Raise your saddle so that your knee has a slight bend (25to 35 degrees) at the bottom of the stroke. This "sweet spot" reduces joint stress and even makes your pedaling more oxygen-efficient.