Introduction To Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors, stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can also be quite dangerous.  Even though it’s dangerous, if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Styles of mountain biking

Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles – downhill, free riding, and cross country.  Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills.  The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.

Locations for mountain biking

The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved surface.  Many areas throughout North America have specific locations designed for mountain biking.  Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions.  You can look on the internet or even in a local paper and see exactly what’s available in your area.  You may be able to find groups for the more advanced riders as well as beginners.

Becoming a great biker

Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain biker.  It will also take ambition and practice to succeed as well as conquer the course.  Like all other sports, it takes time and practice.  Those just beginning will have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike.

Selecting your mountain bike

The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and a big determining factor on the type of riding you will be doing.  Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices,  which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult indeed.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well before you make a purchase.  Before you buy a bike, always ask to try it out first.  A great mountain biker will become one with his or her own bike.  When buying, make sure you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

Staying safe when riding

Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very dangerous, as mentioned earlier.  Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads.  If you are following a group or riding in the  woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as well.  Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

Beginner Mountain Bike Skill

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be
enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.
Compared to the average bike ride, it does present
some danger.  Therefore, you should master these
basic skills before you hit the trails or the
dirt.

You can practice these beginning skills at a local
park, school, bike path, or simply around your
house. If you can, try to find a location with
a steep hill.

Get a feel for your pedals

Practice moving your foot away from the pedal,
first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground.  Next, move on to releasing and
replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit.  Those with toe clip and clipless type foot
pedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.

Sit and spin for position

Simply sit on your bike and pedal around.  You
should keep your arms slightly bent.  You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to
90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal.  Keep your body relaxed, as there
will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike.  The
higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal
and will help you ascend hills.  As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get
to the hill rather than while your on it.

Coasting

You should spend a bit of time coasting while
standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat.  Keep your arms bent but don’t lock
your knees.  Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.

Pedal while standing

You should get as comfortable as you can with
pedaling while standing on your bike.  Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals,
then crank them around.  You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower
gears while on a hill.

Dropping down a curb

Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the
upper portion of it.  Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the
upper level to the lower level.  Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.

Once you practice these techniques and get the
hang of them, you’ll be able to hit the trails feeling
comfortable on your mountain bike.  Even though it
may take some getting used to, it’ll become second
nature before you know it.