Safely Getting Into Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a popular hobby with good reason. But, it can also be scary if you don't know how to begin. So lets look at how you can make your way into the mountain biking hobby.
Bikes, Equipment, Accessories
If you've never owned a bike with gears before, you'll need to get a basic understanding of how gears impact bike performance before you choose a bike. Bike performance is important because different mountain bikes are designed for different types of riding.
Many people have a certain type of terrain in mind when they think about mountain biking, but the reality is that mountain biking terrain varies quite a bit. For those new to mountain biking, an all-purpose mountain bike may be a good choice. For those who have a specific terrain in mind, better performance will be achieved with a terrain-specific mountain bike.
Regardless of terrain, you need to consider getting a good helmet. In many areas it is required by law. But in all areas, riding without a helmet is dangerous. Your brain is a fragile instrument.
Special clothing helps to enhance the whole mountain biking experience. Consider owning a few sets so that you'll always have a clean pair handy. Gloves help to protect your hands and reduce vibrations. Comfortable shoes that maintain good contact with the pedals are also important. Sunglasses are very important both to protect your eyes from glare and from airborne objects.
You may want to consider some important accessories for your bike too. A little tire pump is a popular addition. It isn't a bad idea to carry a whole portable tire repair kit with an inner tube, glue, and patches. A chain tool can also be a vital tool when your out in the woods or wilderness.
Choosing Your Mountain Biking Rides
As mentioned, you can ride mountain bikes over a variety of terrains. Some people like to stick to paved roads, which is just fine. Some people live in the city and don't have much choice about where to ride. Other people like the trail riding experience out in nature. This can be very rewarding on the right bike.
Another thing that can make mountain biking very rewarding is having a like-minded riding companion. If you don't have any friends that are already into mountain biking or that are interested in learning mountain biking with you, consider joining a biking club or group. This not only makes the experience more enjoyable, it makes it a much safer one. If you have some sort of accident, medical, or mechanical problem while you're off on a ride it is important to have someone else around. The more experienced the other mountain bikers, the better off you'll be.
Don't let safety issues scare you. Mountain biking can be relatively safe, provided you pay proper attention to safety. In addition to the safety precautions and gear already mentioned, you can also wear padding for your knees or padded shorts. Don't try to do any stunts or difficult riding procedures until you're completely ready. In particular, don't ride so fast you ever feel out of control or unable to stop in an instant if necessary. Start off on simple terrain before you move on to trail riding. Keep yourself fit between rides so that you don't find yourself gasping for air when you need to be concentrating on technique. Above all, make sure you always bring plenty of water.