Crossing trees on a two-wheeler is an addictive experience and mountain biking is a popular extreme sport for just that reason. If you are interested in experiencing the mountain biking experience, you can properly prepare for your first trip, develop the essential skills for comfortable traversing the roads, and find trails that suit your skill level and interests.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Find a mountain bike with the right size
Your bike should be the right size for your height and body type and the length of your feet. If the bike is not suitable, your riding activities will be uncomfortable and inefficient. A good bike shop can show you a bike specifically for your needs. Many bike shops will offer repairs, repair plans or discounts on your next purchase. In general, there are three types of mountain bikes that you can look at, depending on your interests:
- The “rigid mountain bike”” has no suspension. This means you don't have to worry much about the mechanics of your bike, and you can transition to riding it and learning its parts more easily. These types of bikes are difficult to ride on off-road trails because they don't offer the cushioning effect that more complex bikes offer.
- The '"hardtail bike'" is good for beginners who want to start on tough trails, because as the name implies, it offers suspension forks on the front wheels and stiff rear wheels.
- ’”Full suspension bicycles” are the most expensive type of mountain bike, but have suspension on the front and rear wheels, making them the most effective and comfortable to ride on difficult mountain roads, which require you to use a mountain bike.
- You don't need to buy a mountain bike right away, consider borrowing it first to try it out a few times and see if a mountain bike is right for you. Shops adjacent to bike trail parks usually offer bike rentals of various sizes, so make your choice. There's no point in wasting thousands of dollars on a new bike if you can't enjoy it.
Step 2. Choose a bicycle helmet that fits
A good helmet should be the number one priority if you want to cycle off-road. Your helmet should fit snugly over your head, but not block your view or pull your ears hard. Never bike in the mountains without wearing the correct helmet.
Step 3. Consider additional safety equipment even if it is not essential for your initial trip
There are several security equipment that you can buy at varying prices. As you develop in this sport, you will feel that you need more. However, this is up to you, how you drive, and your needs. Some mountain bikers will find a ride incomplete without:
- Gloves
- shin guard
- Arm protector
- Drinking water bottle
Step 4. Prepare to be sick
At the beginning of driving or the next time, there is a possibility that one day you will fall. Also make sure that your bike will not be damaged when dropped. You'll be braving the wind, riding over rocks, crashing into tree branches, and getting scuffed for fun on your bike. You may get cuts and bruises at the start of the ride, so be prepared for minor abrasions. Bring drinking water and a cell phone when driving. Make sure you or someone in your group has:
- Drinking water
- Plasters and supplies for treating blisters
- Tire patch kit and multipurpose tool
- Small pump
- Extra socks
- Raincoat or warm clothes
Step 5. Stay in shape
Mountain biking is part nature walking, aerobic exercise and part BMX biking. Apart from a good bike, a healthy body is the most important thing for you. You certainly don't want to be exhausted midway through a steep steep road so that you won't be strong enough to make the return journey. Many mountain bikers, even experienced ones, will often get off the bike and walk especially on difficult laps. However, it will be easier if you stay on your bike and maintain the momentum. Too many stops and starts again because you are not in shape will make your journey a little more difficult or even very difficult.
If you haven't ridden a bicycle lately, but want to start mountain biking, ride your bike long distances so you can get used to cycling again. Walk a few kilometers with occasional speed changes to get used to cycling
Method 2 of 3: Hone Skills
Step 1. Start slow
Familiarize yourself with your bike first by adjusting the saddle and handlebars to the correct specifications so you can ride comfortably. You don't have to ride hard trails or start freestyle to learn to ride a mountain bike. Look for flat, unpaved trails to walk so you can experience cycling on less smooth surfaces. Try cycling on grass until you feel comfortable and familiar with your bike. Then, try cycling up the hill to practice shifting gears and your balance.
Step 2. Look forward, not down
In particular, when driving in the mountains, your eyes should always be on obstacles, short tree branches and steep turns up to a distance of 13.7 meters ahead. It can be very tempting to focus your eyes on a particular bend or branch that is getting closer and closer so that you lose your balance and don't notice the obstacles that follow. You'll be riding more relaxed if you keep your balance and let your bike do its job.
Step 3. Brake properly
Experienced mountain cyclists learn to shift their body weight slightly to increase the brake effect on their bike without having to brake long. This is more of a controlled fall than an extreme speed drop.
- When descending, shift your weight backwards but apply the front brake more firmly. Bending forward excessively can cause you to tip over and applying the rear brake too tightly can cause your bike to skid. So be careful. The front tires support more weight, so use the front brake to slow down the bike and control the downhill ride.
- At first you will be tempted to brake right away when you see a steep descent, a tight track, or a difficult turn. On the track, try not to abuse the brakes and learn to take advantage of the speed in difficult obstacles. Bikes are designed to withstand shocks for you, and it's easier to lose balance at low speeds, which can make obstacles more dangerous.
Step 4. Learn proper uphill and downhill technique
Practicing on ramps effectively will make you learn faster so you can maximize efficiency. Learning to ride uphill and downhill is a big part of mountain biking:
- When going uphill, stay seated and bend forward. On the road, standing can give your pedals extra power, but it can make you spin on the ground. Keep your buttocks on the saddle. Relax in pedaling so the chain doesn't work too hard and downshift before you go uphill, then pedal as hard as you can.
- When going down, the most important thing is to relax. Don't drive and try to control things too much, or you will crash. Stay focused on the obstacle, and stand up from the saddle, keeping the pedals parallel to the road. Do not lock your elbows, as it will hurt if your tires slip or you fall.
Step 5. Develop proper gear shifting techniques
Shifting gears allows you to slide the gear chain into a smaller or larger diameter, to reduce or increase the force when pedaling. It's important to change gears just before it's absolutely necessary to anticipate an incline that will require you to raise and change gears before you actually slow down.
Change gears after a strong stroke. If you feel the need to reduce the force on the pedals, pedal one very hard time, followed by a "slow pedal" so you gain momentum. Change gears when pedaling slowly to ensure the chain shifts properly
Step 6. Keep pedaling and stay on your bike
Speed is your friend. If you ride fast, you'll be working less, and taking advantage of the momentum, so you can maximize the efficiency of the bike and your body. Keep moving and try not to slow down too much, even if you're worried about the ramps. Keep moving and the bike will do its job for you.
At the same time, don't be careless. Slow down, stop, and check for turns or descents that seem very difficult before spinning down as you go through them. When you first start cycling, stay on the beginner's trail and relax
Step 7. Drive with friends
One of the best ways to hone your mountain biking skills is to ride with experienced cyclists. When actually on the bike path, don't always try to cut through obstacles, roots, and rocks or try to keep up with experienced cyclists. Drive according to your speed and ability, as your technique will develop over time. Make sure to always wear a helmet and keep riding and having fun.
Method 3 of 3: Finding Paths
Step 1. Talk to an employee of a bicycle shop or bicycle club in your compound
Other riders should be familiar with local bike-accessible locations. There are also many national parks built specifically for mountain biking. In addition, in some cities, many cycling clubs create and maintain dedicated lanes for cycling. Learn the trails that are best suited for beginners and explore with other novice riders who are learning. Typical mountain bike trail locations include:
- National Parks
- The path through the forest
- Country walks
- Private property (with permission)
Step 2. Learn the rules
When riding on bike paths, you need to stay on bike friendly lanes and give pedestrians space on the left side. Often, beginner trails are walking trails so you may run into hikers, dogs, horsemen, or children playing, so it's important to follow the rules and pay attention to the trails. Don't drive too fast if the lane is busy and don't make sudden turns at street corners. Make sure you are aware of other motorists and pull over when they approach from behind.
Don't be a cyclist who tarnishes the name of the community. Don't intentionally splash people with puddles of water or brake suddenly so that dirt splashes on their faces. The streets are not only yours, they are common
Step 3. Walk first on the path
It is common practice for people to try to get to know the road on foot. It's a good idea if you know what to expect, where the big hills are, and what you have to do. Tracking trails can be a fun project, making your first cycling trip even more exciting. Think of it more like "professional preparation" than "damaging shock value."
Step 4. Look for paths that people know and are popular
Many online and local communities can help find trails around your area, but you may also consider taking trips to popular mountain biking locations, once you have enough experience. In the US, Colorado and North Carolina are the two states with the most mountain biking trails. Some popular scenic trails for beginners include:
- Rustler's Loop in Fruita, Colorado
- Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah
- Bell Rock Trailway in Sedona, Arizona
- Blue Heron in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Evans Loop in Morrisville, North Carolina
