Beginner Mountain Biking Tips
By
Mountain biking is a little different from other kinds of cycling and if you are just taking it up as a sport at this stage of your life you will probably welcome some mountain biking tips. It is a good idea to have a few practice sessions before hitting any mountain bike trails to get a hold of the basic skills. You can start in your backyard and around your neighborhood, then try to find a nearby location with a good hill.
1. Pedaling
Sitting stationary on your bike with one foot on the ground, practice getting
your other foot onto and off the pedal, using your toe clips or other pedal
attachments. You need to be able to do this quickly and smoothly with either
foot, without looking down. Then practice placing and releasing each foot while
riding around.
2. Body position
Adjust the height of your seat so that your leg is around 80% extended at the
bottom of each turn of the pedal. You may need to have someone watch you or
use a mirror to get this right. When cycling your body should be relaxed and
your arms slightly bent. Knees and elbows should never be locked.
3. Gear shift
Get accustomed to shifting gear on your bike. Try to find a position where your
wrist is almost straight and free of tension. Mountain bikes have a wide range
of gears to cover different slopes. The lower gears are easier to pedal and
will go slower, so you can get up a hill without dismounting. If you shift down
the gears while you are on the hill, you can lose a lot of momentum, so it is
best to shift earlier, as you approach the hill.
4. Standing
You will also want to be comfortable standing on your pedals, as this can give
you more flexibility and control on some terrain. First, try standing while
you are coasting. Again, both your arms and your knees should be slightly bent
at all times. Experiment with shifting your body weight back on the bike. Then
try pedaling while standing. This may not seem very elegant but you should continue
until you are comfortable with it. Try in both the higher gear range on flat
ground and in a low gear going uphill. Try not to lock or over-extend the knees.
5. Going over a curb
Practice cycling down over a curb, standing. Do not let your wheel slip sideways
off the curb, but take it as close to head-on as you can. Then learn to cycle
up a curb, again taking it head-on. Jump the front wheel up by pulling sharply
up on the handlebars as you approach.
Finally, remember that cycling can be hard on knees that are not as young as they once were. Gradually increase your practice time and your uphill cycling before you try a long trip or a heavy trail, and always use the gears to avoid stressing the knees. If you have practiced these mountain biking tips you will soon find that your bike feels almost like a natural extension of your body.
More on Sports and Recreation for Baby Boomers
Golf Accessories -- 10 Perfect Gifts For Golfers
Finding The Right Tennis Racquet For You
Golf Technique: Out Of The Bunker