Fatties MTB Tips
Mountain Biking Tips and Tricks for
Beginners
They say that you never really forget how to ride a bike, but even for those who have fond memories of racing through their childhood on two wheels, the extreme sport of mountain biking is a whole new experience. The UK has an ideal climate for a number of outdoor sporting activities, particularly during the summer months when more people are keen to get out into the open air and nature seems to be at its best. National Parks such as the Peak District and the Lake District make for some challenging yet spectacular landscapes ideal for outdoor sports such as mountain biking.
Mountain biking can be an excellent way to stay in shape - as well as building up your cardiovascular system, leg muscles and burning fat, it can also be a great sport for those recovering from an injury as it is a non-load-bearing sport; i.e. the bike supports a certain amount of your weight which effectively relieves your joints from that pressure.
Beginners should try to stay in large groups when out riding for the first time; there are plenty of mountain biking clubs all across the UK and even if it`s a case of going out with some friends, this may well save your life should you get lost or find yourself a victim of weather changes such as severe fog.
A good mountain bike doesn`t need to be expensive and you may well find yourself with a good bargain if you buy second hand. When sitting on the bike, your arms should remain slightly bent and seat height should be adjusted so that your legs extend around 70 - 90 percent with every pedal stroke. Whilst it feels normal to grip tightly to the bike when going over more uneven terrains, experienced mountain bikers tend to find that adopting a `rag doll`, looser grip will help you to retain a good momentum and posture.
Beginners should try getting used to gears on a flat terrain before their first adventure out. Higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster whereas lower gears are easier to pedal and this will help you when riding uphill. Getting familiar with which gears to use on different gradients takes practice but will enhance your riding experience once mastered.
And for those who think they`re ready to venture into some simple tricks that may well help them along the more unpredictable cycling trails, why not practice a wheelie? Simply pull hard and upwards on the handlebars whilst simultaneously pushing down on the pedals, this will lift the front wheel off the ground. An `endo` is the same but with the back wheel rather than the front and can be a skilful trick to learn for those flat terrains or gentle descents.
As with so many other extreme sports, mountain biking isn`t without its own dangers and safety should be a key consideration for riders at all levels. Helmets might not seem like the ideal thing to wear when you`re getting hot and sweaty, but even the most gentle of terrains can throw a rider and the consequences are simply not worth the risks. In a similar fashion, gloves, breathable and waterproof clothing and footwear with any laces tucked in should be an essential part of the mountain biking uniform; and those with a little bit of experience might also recommend some padded shorts, even the lycra ones are a lot more comfortable than they are attractive. For more ideas on what you should be wearing, visit: Volcom Clothing.
They say that you never really forget how to ride a bike, but even for those who have fond memories of racing through their childhood on two wheels, the extreme sport of mountain biking is a whole new experience. The UK has an ideal climate for a number of outdoor sporting activities, particularly during the summer months when more people are keen to get out into the open air and nature seems to be at its best. National Parks such as the Peak District and the Lake District make for some challenging yet spectacular landscapes ideal for outdoor sports such as mountain biking.
Mountain biking can be an excellent way to stay in shape - as well as building up your cardiovascular system, leg muscles and burning fat, it can also be a great sport for those recovering from an injury as it is a non-load-bearing sport; i.e. the bike supports a certain amount of your weight which effectively relieves your joints from that pressure.
Beginners should try to stay in large groups when out riding for the first time; there are plenty of mountain biking clubs all across the UK and even if it`s a case of going out with some friends, this may well save your life should you get lost or find yourself a victim of weather changes such as severe fog.
A good mountain bike doesn`t need to be expensive and you may well find yourself with a good bargain if you buy second hand. When sitting on the bike, your arms should remain slightly bent and seat height should be adjusted so that your legs extend around 70 - 90 percent with every pedal stroke. Whilst it feels normal to grip tightly to the bike when going over more uneven terrains, experienced mountain bikers tend to find that adopting a `rag doll`, looser grip will help you to retain a good momentum and posture.
Beginners should try getting used to gears on a flat terrain before their first adventure out. Higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster whereas lower gears are easier to pedal and this will help you when riding uphill. Getting familiar with which gears to use on different gradients takes practice but will enhance your riding experience once mastered.
And for those who think they`re ready to venture into some simple tricks that may well help them along the more unpredictable cycling trails, why not practice a wheelie? Simply pull hard and upwards on the handlebars whilst simultaneously pushing down on the pedals, this will lift the front wheel off the ground. An `endo` is the same but with the back wheel rather than the front and can be a skilful trick to learn for those flat terrains or gentle descents.
As with so many other extreme sports, mountain biking isn`t without its own dangers and safety should be a key consideration for riders at all levels. Helmets might not seem like the ideal thing to wear when you`re getting hot and sweaty, but even the most gentle of terrains can throw a rider and the consequences are simply not worth the risks. In a similar fashion, gloves, breathable and waterproof clothing and footwear with any laces tucked in should be an essential part of the mountain biking uniform; and those with a little bit of experience might also recommend some padded shorts, even the lycra ones are a lot more comfortable than they are attractive. For more ideas on what you should be wearing, visit: Volcom Clothing.