A fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of nature is to combine biking and mountains. The windy trails that twist up and down through the mountains create a terrain on which biking adds incredible challenges and excitement. Explore more of the mountains near you with the thrills of biking!
Continue reading for nine tips for mountain biking beginners!
1. The Bike
There are a number of types of mountain bikes. Before you purchase one, it is important to know the terrain that you will most frequently ride. To ensure that your investment in a bike is worth your money, you can rent different types of bikes or purchase a previously owned bike.
2. Wear a Helmet
For any type of biking or cycling, a helmet is a must have. You want to make sure that your helmet fits correctly and comfortably. There are helmets made specifically for mountain biking that you should use. They provide better coverage for your head; most will have more coverage in the rear to protect you from a backward fall.
3. Apparel and Footwear
When selecting your bike, check the pedals. Mountain bikes have clipless or flat petals. This will determine the types of mountain biking shoes that you need. You can wear workout clothes or purchase clothing made specifically for mountain biking. Biking apparel will be padded to make your ride more comfortable. Either way, dress in layers!
4. Safety Equipment
In addition to your helmet, consider wearing elbow and knee guards. These can protect you from serious scrapes if you fall off your bike. Gloves will safeguard your palms from being cut; they also let you grip your bike better, which provides for improved control. Keeping a first aid kit in your backpack can come in handy in case of accidents.
5. Repairs
Mountain biking is vastly different from street cycling where the pathways are often smoothly paved. When you are mountain biking, the rough and rugged terrain can cause flat tires and other issues with your bike. Carrying a mountain bike repair kit with you and learning how to fix flats or your bike’s chain can keep you out riding the trails longer.
6. Trusting your Bike
The rugged terrain is part of the appeal of mountain biking. Your bike was designed to be ridden over the rocks, sticks, tree roots, and more. Riding relaxed and letting the bike lead you will provide for a more enjoyable and safer ride.
7. Don’t Ride the Brakes
Though you may be hesitant when you first start out on the trail, constantly braking will cause you to lose momentum. Use your brakes gently to hold your speed so that your bike uses the momentum it has to power you over the terrain.
8. Stay Focused
You need to balance your desire to see what is all around you with the need to concentrate. Focus and look in the direction in which you are heading, which is referred to as target fixation. Looking down at the ground is more apt to cause you to fall from your bike.
9. Have Fun
There are so many trails to explore. Stay relaxed and enjoy yourself. Each ride will become easier as you practice mountain biking techniques!
