Since I started mountain biking 2 years ago, I’ve reached a better understanding of why people ride. Mountain biking can take us many places including away from the daily stress and turmoil of our hectic lives. Besides freeing our minds, it has the incredible health benefit of keeping our hearts and bodies in great physical shape as well. Mountain biking can be relaxing or strenuous, depending on the terrain and your physical capabilities or goals. And, when you consider that the terrain is influenced by weather factors, temperature, natural elements, and even natural hazards, every trip is truly a new and exhilarating experience!
Though the thought of mountain biking may be intimidating to some, the skills necessary to maneuver on a trail can be quickly learned from fellow mountain bikers or acquired from trial and error practice. One of the most difficult techniques to learn, however, is the ability to look ahead on the trail. Keeping your chin up is very important! I would also recommend walking or hiking the trails you plan to ride or race prior to being on the bike so that you can learn things about the terrain and trail conditions that you just can’t see at a biking pace. Even with great planning, you may still discover the great equalizer of the muddy trail. Whether you are a dental assistant or an avid cycling enthusiast, you may still catch yourself sliding rear-first down the slope if you’re not careful!
As I think back to my first few trips mountain biking on the trail, I can remember my frustration at having to navigate on foot or over miscellaneous obstacles. At that time I had little to expect and a whole lot to learn. Don’t give up, we all go through it! Those times will pass and you will soon see the trails, as I see them - with chin held high and gazing with eyes of wonder on the trails ahead. See you on the trail!
Some helpful hints for the biking novice:
• Where you look is where you'll go. Try not to look off-course or over a drop-off, or you may catch your self inadvertently heading in that direction.
• When not pedaling, try to ‘stand’ on the pedals in the 9 and 3 o’clock position. This will give you extra control. Keeping your elbows relaxed at about 90 degrees with your back at an approximate 45 degree angle will also help maintain your balance.
• Try to conserve your momentum. More so than power, it will get you through most any tight spot and will conserve your energy.
• Don’t waste golden opportunities to recover. Every time you can get your heart rate back down, you're recovering. Use downhill areas and flats to recover for the next tough section and keep your arms relaxed during descents.
• When using multi-speed bicycles, gear shifting is critical! Anticipate each gear shift and let yourself transition smoothly and don’t let your cadence slow down to much. Losing speed on a climb is a great way to introduce your self to hike-a-biking. When going uphill, you should tuck your backside down to ensure your back wheel has proper traction.
• Play Follow the Leader while riding with a friend or a fellow enthusiast. If the leader goes down a steep hill or bunny-hops a mud hole, the follower should assume that they can do the same. This is a great way to build confidence and to see exactly what you are capable of. Of course, don't let your "expert" friends force you to do stuff over your head that you aren’t comfortable with. Think smart and follow your own instincts.
• When cornering you should make sure your outside foot is down so that your weight is properly distributed. Dropping the outside leg helps keep the rear of the bike sliding out on you. Pushing out gently with the inside hand will help you avoid tucking your front tire underneath the bike and flipping you mercilessly over the handlebars, thus experiencing your first ‘endo’.
Some helpful terms for the biking novice:
• bog out: to be riding in a circumstance where much pedaling force is required, such as through mud or up a steep hill, and to fail to generate the required torque, generally a result of over-gearing.
• bunny hop: a hop that you incorporate into your riding technique so you can clear obstacles such as logs without stopping.
• cadence: pedaling rate or the number of crank revolutions per minute.
• derailleur: a mechanical device that moves the chain over the cogs or chain-rings, changing gears.
• disc brake: brakes that mount near the hub, and squeeze pads against a rotor mounted to the hub. They can be operated both mechanically or hydraulically.
• doubletrack: overgrown road that is like two parallel trails.
• endo: a crash that involves you flying over your handlebars.
• hard-tail: a bike without rear suspension.
• kicker: a steep section of road or trail.
• knobby tires: the all-terrain tires that are used on mountain bikes.
• leadout: helping another rider to do well in a final sprint, by providing a windbreak and opening up a hole in the pack.
• off-camber: sloped ground that makes handling difficult.
• portage: to carry your bike.
• singletrack: a trail just wide enough for one person or bike.
• soft-tail: a fully suspended bike.
• trackstand: a riding technique that involves the rider stopping completely without putting a foot down.
• wash out: when you lose traction on one or both wheels and slide |
