Wanting to improve your mountain biking skills? Or maybe you are just starting and looking for some guidance. The following tips are great for every mountain biking beginner, however, they are also great for any experienced biker to remember. Before we start, remember the most important tip of all (this also works great for other sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding and more) remember that you are one with the bike you are riding. Your body helps control where your bike is going. Thus, learn to lead with your body. Look where you want to go and keep your head, torso, hips and knees all pointed to your desired path. Your bike will follow. Enjoy your ride.
- Find the right bike:
As with all other sports, there are different bike features depending on what you are looking to do. Finding the right bike for your specific needs, and for the terrain you wish to ride is important for your own progress and self improvement.
- Find the best posture:
A smooth trail may not require you to leave your saddle, but when you are riding technical terrain, moving into a stronger stance. When you are descending, try standing on your pedals with a bend in your knees, this strong stance will help your body absorb any drops and bumps on the road. This also helps you keep your balance. Throughout your ride you should be constantly shifting your bodyweight. While climbing shift your weight forward to help keep the front wheels trailing. Shift your weight towards the back while descending in order to avoid falling over the handlebars.
- Use both brakes:
Softly control your brakes, rather than quickly slamming on them. Using both breaks to control your front and back wheels will ensure you are stopping effectively, efficiently and most important, safely.
- Think positive, and take baby steps:
“I can do it!” Replace “I can’t” with “I can” and “I will.” If you want to succeed in something be positive and believe in yourself. If you doubt yourself you will most likely fail in achieving your goals. While it is important to stay positive and to push yourself, it is equally important to set realistic goals. Practice makes perfect. Ensure you master the basics before you leap to expert trails. Take baby steps, and progress gradually. Make sure you are always staying safe.
