| Anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle can | | | | high gear-It is hard to pedal, but rides at a |
| enjoy mountain biking. There are some dangers | | | | faster speedTry a low gear-Easier to pedal, |
| to mountain biking, when it is compared to | | | | particularly useful while on hillsTry |
| the standard bike ride. It is for this reason | | | | shifting prior to reaching the hill-This is |
| that mastering the following beginner | | | | important because it is easy to overcome a |
| mountain bike skills is a necessity prior to | | | | shift before the hill than it is while on the |
| taking off for your mountain bike | | | | hill.Practice coasting with the |
| excursion.These skills can all be practiced | | | | following:Practice this while standing on the |
| by heading to any school, local park, around | | | | pedals, not sitting on the bike seatDo not |
| your house, or on a bike path. The key to the | | | | lock your kneesKeep arms slightly bentAttempt |
| right location is if it has a steep hill for | | | | coasting while shifting the body towards the |
| you to practice on.The pedals are an | | | | rear of the mountain bikePractice pedaling |
| important part of a mountain bike. You can | | | | while standing with the following:This is |
| practice getting a feel for the pedals by | | | | important in mountain biking |
| doing the following:Sit on your bike | | | | |
| | | | Try pedaling standing up in two different |
| Place one foot on the ground | | | | ways, once you have become comfortable with |
| | | | standing on the pedals.First, pedal while |
| Release and Replace your foot while pedaling | | | | standing in a high gear on flatter |
| around | | | | grounds.Then, pedal while standing in a low |
| | | | gear on hills.Practice dropping down a curb |
| Note: If you have clipless foot pedals or | | | | with the following:Locate a curb in the area; |
| toe clips, you will want to practice this | | | | it should be easily accessible in regards to |
| quite a bit.Sit and Spin for position with | | | | the upper portion |
| the following:Adjust the seat height so that | | | | |
| the leg is a minimum of 70% extended at the | | | | Using a moderate speed, practice coasting |
| bottom of each pedal cycle | | | | and standing off the curb to the lower level |
| | | | from the upper level.Continue this at |
| Bend arms slightly | | | | different speeds until you are comfortable |
| | | | with it and it is like second natureThe above |
| Keep the body as relaxed as possible; a | | | | practicing techniques are important because |
| position should never occur that requires you | | | | they will give you the feel of the mountain |
| to lock your elbows or knees.Sit on the | | | | bike trail, without having to be on one while |
| Mountain bike and pedalPractice shifting | | | | you are training.Gregg Hall is an author |
| gears with the following:Make sure you know | | | | living in Navarre Florida. |
| the differences in gears on your bikeTry a | | | | |