One of the best things about mountain biking is the opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors. While you get to enjoy the outdoors, mountain biking will help keep you fit. Not to mention, riding a mountain is extremely fun. In fact, riding a mountain bike is something the whole family can do together.
While the benefits to riding a mountain bike are plenty, it’s important to keep in mind, it can also be dangerous. As long as you prepare for the dangers, you should be okay. It’s important to always wear pads and a helmet while mountain biking. When it comes to your health and safety, this shouldn’t even be questioned.
Always make sure to ride trails that are suitable you’re your level of experience. Don’t try to take on a steep trail that you’re not prepared for. Again, when it comes to your health and safety, it’s up to you to do the right thing.
Styles of mountain biking
If you would like to take up the sport of mountain biking, you need to pick which style will be right for you. Currently, there are three major styles: Downhill, free riding, and cross country. All styles of mountain bike riding share similar traits. However, they all require a different set of skills to master. You need to figure out what style of riding you want to do, before you buy a bike. The style of mountain bike will determine which style of mountain bike riding you will be able to participate in.
Locations for mountain biking
Where should you mountain bike? The best answer is; anywhere there isn’t pavement. That’s the beauty of mountain biking, you can make anywhere a mountain biking experience. Just be sure to not trespass on other people’s property. No sense in getting in legal trouble for the sake of mountain biking.
There are a lot of trails designated specifically for the sport of mountain biking. These trails at public parks are usually maintained by the government’s Park Services. It’s always a good idea before you ride a trail to get some information. You want to find out the routes, any regulations they have, or rules in place for mountain bikers. Again, it’s best to not get into legal trouble. Mountain biking is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby not one to get you into legal trouble.
Because the sport of mountain biking is steadily growing, chances are good, you’ll be able to find a mountain biking group in your area. You can participate in group rides and most even have competitions you can enter. The best place to find mountain bike groups in your area; is either online, or through your local mountain bike store. Mountain bike groups usually will welcome all levels of riders; beginner to expert.
Becoming an expert mountain biker
Like anything else, to truly become great at something, it takes practice. When it comes to mountain biking, the two best attributes you can have are; endurance and stamina. To become an expert mountain biker takes ambition. Usually, ambition will come naturally once you start riding a mountain bike.
You will get addicted to the feeling of conquering trails. You will want to keep taking on bigger and bigger trails as your experience grows. Of course, the victories of your mountain biking will come with some agony. Be prepared to get some scrapes and bruises from falling off the mountain bike, especially when you’re first starting out.
Selecting your mountain bike
As mentioned previously, the type of bike you buy will be based on what style of riding you will want to do. When it comes to buying a mountain bike, it’s really one of personal preference. Mountain bikes come in various colors, shapes, and with numerous accessories. The second biggest factor which will probably determine what mountain bike you buy is price. The prices can vary just as much as the bikes themselves.
Some handy advice about purchasing a mountain bike; do some research online before you go to the store. Look at accessories, brands, features, do some price comparisons. You should always take a test ride on the mountain bike before you buy it. Don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. You wouldn’t buy a car, without a test drive, would you? This is the same idea. When you take a test ride, you will instantly know whether or not that is the mountain bike for you. Some things you need to consider while test riding the mountain bike are; comfort, how it fits your body, and how smooth the gears shift.
Staying safe when riding
Safety was mentioned a little earlier, but really can’t be stressed enough. Unpaved roads are unkind to mountain bikers. Unpaved roads are especially unkind to inexperienced mountain bikers. Always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads. If you are going to do a lot of riding in the woods, it’s strongly suggested you purchase a good quality pair of goggles. Sometimes you’d swear the tree branches were aiming specifically for your eyes. Remember mountain biking is enjoyable and fun, but safety should always be your priority.
