Resources for the new mountain biker!
Welcome to mountain biking! This page will get you started.
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| Some Stuff Every Biker Needs to Know
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Always take a basic toolkit with you.
Pack more-than-enough fluids and calories.
Do NOT ride when trails are muddy.
If you ride alone...
- take "spend the night" emergency supplies.
- let someone know where you'll be, and when to worry.
Cyclists yield to hikers and horses.
Bikers riding downhill yield to climbing riders. |
Getting (and Fitting) a Mountain Bike
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If you already own -- or have borrowed -- a bike, you'll
still want to make sure it's the right type of bike and the right fit for
you. Otherwise, you may not enjoy the sport and you'll quit. Good
equipment makes a big difference. Ride the right bike for your body's
shape and size, and for the type of riding you'll do. Even expert riders
can benefit from little tweaks in how the bike fits -- for example seat
forward or back, handlebars higher or lower and rotated forward or back. |
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If you're just trying out mountain biking on a lovely perfect-temperature day,
hiking shorts plus running shoes will work. But as you
ride more, the special fabrics and design of bike-specific clothing will
increase your enjoyment. Then there's special bike shoes. And winter bike
clothing. And for many rides, even in midsummer, you'll want to pack "just in
case" clothing. |
Things You'll Need on the Trail |
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For every ride, you need to bring enough fluid and calories.
And you should be prepared for the "expected emergencies" such
as flat tires, broken chain, or rattled-loose bike parts. And it's smart
to have emergency gear -- such as a rain slicker, thermal blanket,
single-use sunscreen packet, and single-use bug repellant -- always in
your pack or on your bike. That way you can't forget to bring this stuff.
Because you will need it some day. |
Build Basic Riding Skills |
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Start out on flat simple trails, then build skills as you
get stronger. Make sharp turns with increasing speed. Roll over ledges,
roots, and rocks. Practice getting the bike started on a steep hill. |
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Find a nearby trail that meets your needs. Then branch out
to other easy but more-distant trails to keep things fresh and
interesting. Next, head for more-challenging trails, steeper trails,
longer trails. Build your skills steadily. Select trails that are fun for
you at your current fitness and skill level -- and not too scary or
hard. |
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Before you go riding: Check the tire pressure, see if
you need to lube the chain, and do a quick quick brake check. You should
be prepared to do basic on-the-trail fix-up, such as flat repair, chain
fixing, and component adjustments. |
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