| Mountain bike riding has become a very popular | | | | designed for the type of riding you are going to do. |
| recreational activity. There are many places to ride | | | | - The body frame of your bike must fit your unique |
| from trails to lake shores to forests, and yes, | | | | size and proportion. |
| mountains. Being prepared for riding will make your | | | | - The brakes must be more powerful than a standard |
| riding adventure more enjoyable. Here are some | | | | bike to keep the wheel from moving when hopping on |
| mountain bike riding tips for the beginner. Advanced | | | | uneven ground. |
| riders may also find this information useful. | | | | - Since you are riding on dirt, mountain bike tires need |
| On Your Mark... | | | | to be knobby not skinny. This ensures traction on |
| - The first important tip that any rider should know is to | | | | rugged terrain. |
| have proper equipment, such as a helmet. Even if you | | | | - Your bike should be checked regularly and any |
| don't buy another accessory, make sure you don't | | | | repairs made that are necessary before you take |
| skimp on your helmet. | | | | your mountain bike out for a ride. |
| - Another accessory, but not required, are riding gloves. | | | | A prepared rider will have a bike that fits well and |
| If you are riding for any extended length of time, they | | | | works properly. This will give you greater comfort and |
| will come in handy. You will be gripping hard on the | | | | a more enjoyable riding experience, and help prevent |
| handle grips at times and you will need extra padding. | | | | unnecessary pain and injuries. |
| This will help keep your hands from getting tired. They | | | | Get Set... |
| also offer some protection when and if you fall. | | | | Do your part to preserve and enhance the mountain |
| - Padded cycling shorts are good too. They will | | | | biker's access and image by observing the following |
| increase your comfort on the bike for those long rough | | | | rules: |
| rides. | | | | - Obey all of the rules. They were designed in part for |
| - A cycling jersey can be beneficial since they are | | | | your safety. |
| loose fitting and usually have pockets that have | | | | - Don't damage our ecosystem. If you are riding and |
| zippers or velcro. | | | | damaging a wet trail, this not only leads to erosion but |
| - A good pair of cycling/hiking shoes can make or | | | | also will lead to trail closures. |
| break your day. Sometimes you may need to carry | | | | - Ride only on open trails. Closed trails are closed for a |
| your bike over some terrains that you can't ride on and | | | | reason and riding on one is illegal. Don't do it. It just |
| you want good gripping shoes. | | | | gives the mountain bikers a bad reputation. |
| - Eye protection, like sunglasses or clear unbreakable | | | | - Pay attention to the dirt beneath you. If it is soft |
| lenses will keep bugs, dust and other debris out of your | | | | consider other riding options, but stay on existing trails |
| eyes. | | | | and don't make new ones. |
| - Water is an essential item. Don't go without this one. | | | | Go... |
| You can dehydrate very quickly when cycling. Also if | | | | Hopefully these mountain bike-riding tips will get you |
| you are biking in the sun, use sunscreen. | | | | started happily and safely on your way to a great |
| Get Ready... | | | | experience. Now that you are ready... Go! |
| - The type of mountain bike you ride needs to be | | | | |