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If you’re looking for an SUV or a truck to explore the countryside, you’re thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to mother nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills.
The well-known “mountain bike” style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles designed for cruising up and down a mountain. Apparently, racing down a mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. Anyone actually considering taking on a mountain pass is given an advise to invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. With the right equipment and a lot of common sense, mountain biking is a fun sport for the whole family.
Find your Style
There are three basic styles of mountain biking: freestyle, cross-country and downhill.
Although the styles differ in many ways, each demands a great deal of skill. Selecting your personal riding style will determine the type of mountain bike you should buy. In other words, don’t purchase a heavy downhill bike if you plan on busting moves with your buddies. A lighter freestyle version is better suited for trick riding.
Enhance your Skills
Every great mountain biker needs stamina and endurance. It takes ambition and, sometimes, courage to be able to conquer nature’s courses victoriously. Like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and some practice. Lots of practice. You can’t imagine to go from riding your bike around the block, to scaling rocky hills and maneuvering through winding trails. Anticipate getting a few bruises and bumps before you’re ready to ride with the big kids.
Location, Location, Location
Imagining of mountain biking as riding an unpaved surface. Your bike is prepared to take you virtually anywhere you want to be, and many North American parks offer designated biking locations. Before hitting the trails in a conservatory or a park, check for rules and regulations. There may even be trail maps available to take with you on your trek. Inquire about local mountain biking clubs and group trail rides and competitions. You can easily get this information by asking at a local bike shop, checking the papers or searching online. Beginner to advanced groups are available, so make sure you’re joining a club that matches your skill level.
Choose your Ride
Once you’ve narrowed down your mountain biking style — freestyle, cross-country or downhill — the bike you select basically comes down to personal choice. There is a huge variety of models and makes on the market today. Compare price, styles and shapes. Be sure to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, but don’t be fooled into imagining the most expensive models are necessarily the best bikes. The Internet can be a great tool in shopping for a bike, as some compare features, quality and prices for you. When you find a bike you like, request for a test drive. A great mountain biker have to feel as one with his or her own bike. Check for a comfortable seat and position, and be sure that the gears and brakes are suited to you.
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Learn how to ride faster than you ever thought possible |
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A mountain bike can be a huge investment, so ask around and do your homework before you buy.
Keep it Safe
Mountain biking on unpaved roads and through unexplored territories can be very risky. Generally, you literally do not know what’s lying around the corner. Remember, always wear a helmet, wherever you ride. Riding gloves, elbow and knee pads are also good options to help keep you safe and comfortable, and goggles should be worn if you’re riding in the woods or following a group. Lastly, keep a few band-aids in your pack — just in case.
Whether you’re riding across the county, or within the country, mountain biking is a great way to view the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, proceed with caution and have great fun!
Tagged with: biking tips • mountain biking
Filed under: Bikes