Let’s be frank; mountain biking is a rewarding activity, and worth the sweat, considering its health and entertainment benefits. However, when you start mountain biking for the first time, going through those hilly terrains, rough rocky roads, and bypassing the streams may seem harsh.
Hence, you should know the proper biking techniques in the mountain before you start. And to help you with the cause, we have come up with 5 things you should before you start mountain biking. So, this is going to be a one-lifetime learning chance for you.
Admittedly, mountain biking can be nerve-wracking, especially during the first few times. It would be promptly best if you were calm and relaxed when you first put your feet on the MTB bike for mountain riding. However, there are five crucial points that will make your first mountain biking experience a breeze.
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
Stay Loose
We have seen many people being too stiff on their cycle and, ultimately, losing grip for it. And this is a fatal mistake.
You should understand that holding the bike handlebar firmly and keeping the cycle tight won’t help you with the challenging terrains. The purpose of your bike is to cruise through the landscapes and ups and downs with ease. And your objective is to let the bike do its job with clear guidance.
Ideally, when you pass a tree root or rocky region, you need to hover off your butt continuously on the saddle. It will help you get a good balance and allow the bike cruise through the terrains. Also, the bike would ask for more space on the technical landscapes.
Finally, when you ride down a descending pathway, don’t forget to flare your arms and legs effectively. It will allow the bike flow with motion instead of fighting against your knee weight.
Know How to Shift Weight
When you prepare for a mountain biking tour, you need to prepare your mind to hit some extreme and challenging terrains. It will broadly include radical stiff ascending and descending routes full of pebbles, rocks, ancient tree routes, and hard sand.
So, when you pass these obstacles, it is a must that you shift your weight continuously and promptly. For instance, lean forward and shift your weight on the bike front when climbing up through a steep pitch. On the other side, lean back and shift your weight on the backward of the bike when you tilt downwards. It would be effectively best if you moved the weight on the saddle during this time.
Image by Simon Steinberger from Pixabay
Don’t Fight with the Brakes
There will be an ardent situation when you would want to grab the brakes with your full force and hold them as powerfully as you might get. And it is natural since you will be driving through some extreme terrains where a minute flaw can prove to be lethal.
However, we suggest you resist the temptation of holding the brakes with full force. MTB bikes are among the highest quality bikes in the industry, and their brakes are susceptible. You can actually get the highest hold on the brakes with just one or two fingers at ease.
So, pushing them hard won’t do any good. Instead, focus more on the roads and press the brakes correctly when you see a corner or tricky turn. Help the brakes to control the speed without any fuss and over-forcing issues.
Maintain a Constant Momentum
It might feel a countering suggestion, especially right after we talked about controlling the brakes and speed for safety. Well, no matter how counter-intuitive it may seem, maintaining a constant momentum will help you pass through the terrains more easily.
Hence, if you get a chance to push forward with good momentum, don’t lose it. Also, a better acceleration will help you put less effort during cycling time. It is because, at an absolute momentum and velocity, it is easier to ride than achieving the momentum after slowing down.
Image by Fabricio Macedo FGMsp from Pixabay
Maintain the Safety Requirements
A hilly or mountain terrain can often come with unexpected incidents. There can suddenly be a landslide, or you may see a tiny rock right in front of the tire tumbling you. So, you need to prepare for the worst.
It means always use all the protective gear while you ride on an MTB bike on stiff terrains. Wear safety goggles, arm, elbow, and knee protectors as well. Last but not least, use a quality helmet with a mesh feature for a dry inside.
Just Start Mountain Biking!
Once you know how to prepare for the mountaineering sessions with bikes, it will be a fun and lifetime experience for you. However, going on those tough terrains without any preparation and understanding of the terrain can be hazardous.
So, keep these ardent and effective five things in mind when you first start mountain biking.
Image by Fabricio Macedo FGMsp from Pixabay
For More:
- European Cyclists’ Federation
- On our site: 10 Reasons to Take a European Cycling Trip
- Also on our site: Tour Cuba by Motorcycle with Christopher Baker
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