Tips to transition into mountain biking
It was only a couple of years ago that I discovered the thrills of mountain biking. It all kind of happened without realising too. I had hurt my knee and they recommended me to start riding. So, I borrowed a friend’s bike and suddenly a whole new adventure was opened up to me.
I started out with a nice 17km on the road, my next two rides were 40km and then 100km. Yes, you are reading that right we did jump from 40 to 100 by the 3rd ride. Like so many others I am sure out there, you just get caught up in the moment and then the next day you realise the distance you road when you can’t walk. After the road rides, the opportunity then came to take it off the beaten track and I started on the trails. My first trail was on a nice and straight foward gravel path and finally adding in some single tracks.
Over all my rides, my friends that I ride with are familiar us nicely riding along and then hearing the sound “arghhh” or “ouch” a lot. My falls seem to bring a lot of laughter to everyone. Whether it is the 1cm curb stack as I tried to pass someone walking or the miss judging the fence gate. My favourite stack one is where I managed to get around it the first time not so lucky. It earnt me having the corner and a tree named after me :) Despite all the stacks and bruises, I have loved every minute of it. There is a sense of exhilaration and fun when you are on the trails amongst the bush.
For those who are thinking about heading onto the trails, I really encourage you to just give it a go.
Over the time I have been out on my bike, my friends have given me some wonderful advice that I wanted to share with you.
TIP 1: Ride with friends
Like a lot of things, riding on the trails is a lot of fun with your friends. They help push yourself and also teach you a lot of things along the way. You also have the chance to watch them to see how they move their body down the slopes or over the tough sections. It is also a great excuse to catch up in the outdoors. If you don’t know anyone that rides, check out bike shops or social riding groups.
TIPS 2: Look ahead
You may think this might seem obvious, but when I started, I wanted to look what was right ahead of me but this meant I wasn’t looking at what was coming. In mountain biking there are plenty of twists, turns, trees, rocks and other things that will come along your path. If you forward think the line or route you want to take it might be a much smoother ride.
TIP 3: Relax and don’t be afraid to move
Like any challenge, we may often find ourselves tense up. When hit with a tough obstacle on the bike, we may start to grip the handle bars harder or tense up our shoulder. But the magic happens when we are relaxed and go with the flow of the bike. If you need to get over a log, lift yourself up off the seat. Going downhill, sit back a bit on your seat. Allow your body to help flow with the movement and help with impact.
TIP 4: Keep pedalling
I remember my first mound I had to go over or my first log. Your instincts want you to stop pedalling before you hit as it can look scary. Just keep pedalling, pedalling, pedalling. It will help you get over those obstacles much easier.
TIP 5: Have fun and explore
The first time is always the hardest so keep trying. Have fun out there and enjoy explore different places you might not have been before.
Happy riding team.
Karina