Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners

Introduction

Mountain biking is a fun way to burn calories and get out of the house. It is even more interesting if you live in certain areas with a lot of beautiful mountains and scenic trails.

However, there are certain things you need to know to be as safe as possible while you are on your bike. You also need to prepare to maximize the amount of fun you have.

You also have to remember that you won’t be mountain biking alone, and it is crucial to maintain proper etiquette to not interfere with other people on the trail.

Choosing a Good Place to Bike

Before you can get started on the path to becoming a seasoned mountain biker, you need to find a good trail where riding is allowed.

The first step is to figure out if this trail is available for bikers because you might go there and see that riding a bike is forbidden.

You also want to scout ahead of time to see what problem areas might crop up on the trail. You don’t want to go in blind and get into an accident on the trail.

You can also speak with many other people who have been on the path before. This will give you the relevant preparation to succeed when riding on the trail.

Choosing the Right Bike

Before you can go on that trail, you need to have the right bike. The bike will depend a lot on the types of suspensions available. You should have a suspension that smooths out all bumps on the road.

You also want to have a mountain bike with the right gearing set to make sure you can get over those steep elevations with ease.

The other important thing you need to remember is your seating position. Your comfort level will depend a lot on your seating position.

I recommend going to a local bike shop to speak to an expert so they can help you to determine the best fitting bike for you.

Safety Equipment and Gear to Have

When it comes to mountain biking, there is certain safety equipment you need to have. A full face bike helmet for MTBers can make all the difference in preventing something happening to you when you fall.

You should also carry out proper inspections every time you ride. You want your brakes to be in good shape in case you need them going down a steep hill.

You should look into other safety equipment such as knee and elbow pads to help when you fall. They could potentially prevent you from breaking a bone or having something even worse happen to you.

You should also be carrying parts to repair your bike and simple things like a pump or food. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of a trail that is a few miles long without anything to repair your bike.

Notes on Proper Technique

Proper technique will get you far in the early days of riding a mountain bike. It will also ensure you don’t injure any muscles, and you have a great workout while you ride.

Riding is all about exploring while also improving your fitness. Honing your techniques like falling, navigating a trail, and even climbing and descending will help you get a lot further than you otherwise would.

These techniques will maximize the amount of exercise you get on the trail, and you will also stay injury-free while doing it.

Etiquette You Should Follow

Proper etiquette will take you a long way with the other people riding on the same trail. The biggest thing you need to remember is you don’t leave a trace of you being there. That means cleaning up everything you have dropped.

Finally, you must be friendly and show respect to everyone on the trip. You’re all in it together, so if you ever need help, they are the ones that will most likely be there for you.

Conclusion

If you’re new to mountain biking, you’re in for a real treat. Mountain biking is a fantastic outdoor leisure and exercise activity that will surely bring a smile upon your face.

There’s nothing quite like loading up your bike and heading off to the trails with friends and family for some good times in the healing energy of nature.

But to start off on the right peddle, it’s important to do a little research before riding in. This will ensure you hit the trails with the proper tools and confidence.

I hope my brief guide has given you some knowledge to kick off your new journey.

Are you new to mountain biking or are you a trail veteran? Share your experience in the comments below…

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.