7 Helpful Tips On Mountain Biking For Beginners

Photo by Tim Foster

Mountain biking has captured the imagination of sports enthusiasts and those who are looking for a new hobby. While this sport, by definition, is not new, it has, however, become popular only in recent decades on a global scale.. a great way to exercise and a fun way to explore the outdoors. It’s also a great activity to do with friends and family to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors altogether. Most importantly, you can challenge yourself and push your limits.

With its increasing popularity, particularly among young professionals across the globe, sports goods companies now offer a wide variety of mountain bikes based on their preferences, budget, and the particular activity they want to undertake. Whether you intend to head out to the wilderness or stick to something more manageable, there are a few points beginners need to keep in mind before they get started.

• Get the right bike: We cannot emphasise this enough; mountain bikes are not toys. Make sure to purchase one that suits your physique and the type of biking you intend to pursue. These bikes come in different variants and qualities depending on the terrain. Focus on the device's frame, suspension, tyre size, and braking system.
• Biking attire: You could always fall, especially while navigating rugged terrains. Invest in protective equipment such as a helmet, gloves, and knee and elbow guard. Also, get breathable clothing for the trip to keep you cool and dry.
• Get your basics right: Mountain biking has its share of risks. If you wish to be safe and in one piece, you must do trial runs on familiar terrain to get used to it. It may be the same as regular cycling by definition. However, the stakes are much higher here. And that is why the emphasis is on preparation and conditioning.
• Start with the easy ones: Once you feel ready to handle the bike, go for a short trip on easy trails to get the feel of mountain biking. Work until you can move on to the more challenging courses.
• Anticipate: One of the critical challenges of mountain biking is to build your reflex and anticipate the trail to navigate challenging routes successfully. Work it till you make it!
• Stay hydrated: Pack enough water for the trip and stay hydrated at all times.
• Don't exert: The idea of such an activity is to enjoy doing what you love. Challenge yourself but don't push yourself too hard. Take breaks and assess your physical condition at all times. The idea is to build strength, endurance, and skill, not to break your body and spirit.

Mountain biking is risky without a shred of doubt. Going on off-road trails is dangerous, even in the simplest of routes. For this reason, it's essential to ensure you develop the necessary skill and strength to endure the challenges this activity will throw at you. Despite this, mountain biking enthusiasts continue to grow globally since it combines physical exercise, exploring the wild open spaces, and building a community of people with common interests. It's pretty easy to see why so many people have fallen in love with mountain biking and all that comes with it.