Introduction:
Mountain biking is more than just a sport, it's also an adventure and lifestyle. You can find yourself on a thrilling ride in many different picturesque landscapes ranging from cities to deserts and everything in between. If you find yourself wanting to get out in nature, craving adrenaline, looking to get more exercise, or just wanting to go explore then mountain biking is for you. If you find yourself wondering where to begin keep reading to find out everything you need to know to get started on your endless adventures.
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Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes
When it comes to choosing which bike is right for you be prepared to do some research because there are plenty of options. First start by setting your budget, a reliable mountain bike can range from around $500 to well over $5,000, depending on the components and materials. Once you have a price set you can begin searching different brands and picking out the bikes you like in your budget. After that you can begin to break down your top picks by frame material, components, wheel size, suspension type, and capabilities. You can also see if any local bike shops offer test rides or consider renting a few different bikes for a day or two to get a feeling for what you like.
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What comes first? Safety.
No matter what your skill level is or what trail you are riding, falls happen and when you eat dirt, you're going to want the right safety gear on. First, is a good high-quality helmet. As with bikes there are tons of options for helmets, pick one that suits your riding style and that you are comfortable with. Second, is a pair of gloves. You can find mountain bike specific gloves or use a pair of gloves you have laying around that has some palm protection because when you fall, you're going to try and catch yourself and the first thing that is going to hit the ground is your palm. Gloves also help on those tight trails when tree branches smack your hands as you ride past. Third, is knee pads and elbow pads for obvious reasons. Lastly, there are plenty of other pads you can find including chest protectors that you may want to consider based on the trails you are riding.
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Basic Skills
Balance and control are what keeps you on your bike and keeps you from falling. Balance comes from the proper body position and keeping your weight low and centered. There are plenty of videos to check out that demonstrate the body position you want if you are going up hill, downhill, or traveling on a flat part of the trail. Control keeps you from going faster than you want and keeps your tires from washing out. You achieve control by a mixture of proper shifting and braking techniques. These are skills that can be practiced anywhere before you ever hit a trail.
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Trail Etiquette
No that you have your bike, safety gear, and practiced some basic skills you are ready to hit the trail. In a later blog post I will go into more detail but here are some of the basics you need to know before hitting the trail. Downhill yields to uphill. On shared trails bikers yield to hikers and people on horseback. Leave no trace, everything that comes to the trail with you leaves the trail with you. Be respectful of others. If you stop for whatever reason move off the trail and don't block it.
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What do all those signs mean?
Trail ratings let you know how difficult the trail is and are based on factors such as the width, trail surface, grade, obstacles and features. When starting out stick to the easy trails and work your way up from there to avoid injuring yourself. A white or green circle are the easiest beginner trails. Blue squares are more moderate trails. A black diamond is a difficult trail. And lastly is a double black diamond which is an extremely difficult trail.
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Keeping your bike on the trail.
Now that you're conquering trails and well on your way to becoming a seasoned pro you need to know some basic maintenance. Keep the chain lubricated and check tire pressure before every ride. If your bike has suspension check that they are adjusted properly. You'll also want to learn how to adjust the brakes and shifters as needed and how to fix a flat tire while you are on the trail because it will inevitably happen. Stop by the local bike shop and they will teach you everything you need to know.
Conclusion:
Embarking on your mountain biking journey may seem like a daunting task but if you follow this guide, you'll be hitting the trails in no time. Exciting adventure, challenges and triumphs, beautiful scenery, and more are waiting for you to turn nature into your playground.
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