A Window on ... Mountain Biking Learning the Basics

When you have sorted out your basic equipment, you are ready to set those wheels in motion.

This page outlines some basic preparations and skills.

	Basic preparations Know your bike Before you set out anywhere you need to make sure you know how your bike works. Gears If you have had a bike before you may know how to use gears - but are you happy using 15, or 18 or 21? It is unlikely that you will need to shift through the gears quickly if you are a beginner - you won't be riding over the sort of ground that needs lots of quick changes. However, you do need to practice moving through the gears in real situations to feel how your bike responds to the changes. Practice on some open land near where you live before you take your bike further afield. With practice and experience you will soon be able to work out which gears suit you best for different situations. Generally you use a low gear for hills (although you will still need strength to pedal), a mid gear for flatter but uneven ground and a higher gear for flat, even ground, where pedalling is easy. Repairs Make sure you can carry out emergency repairs yourself. Always carry your basic tool kit. Fitness You need to be fairly fit or you won't get very far. The more you ride, the fitter you will become - cycling is a good form of exercise. Safety Road sense and common sense will help you have a safe ride. If you are prepared you will not need to face unnecessary problems and dangers. (See Safety below)
	The Next Step On your own Cycling is something you can do on your own and if you are a competent cyclist, you may be happy to develop your own cycling skills. However, even competent cyclists can benefit from expert knowledge and this may help you to take your interest further. With an instructor Whether you are a competent cyclist or not, you may find it useful to spend some time with a qualified instructor at an outdoor pursuits centre. He will give you lots of advice about your bike and the various skills you can try. He will teach you how to have fun safely. Safety precautions are essential. The instructor can check that you are handling your bike properly. Doing it properly will add to your enjoyment of the sport. Most important of all, the instructor is on hand if anything goes wrong and you need help. Lessons are quite cheap and they give you an excellent opportunity to try off-the-road riding. Some centres will let you hire a bike and they will provide insurance cover in case of an accident. (See Sources of Information)
	Basic skills If you are new to mountain biking, pick an off-the-road area that is not too demanding so that you can practice handling your bike. Try some of the following basic skills. starting and stopping going uphill and downhill carrying your bike going over or through some small obstacles Starting and stopping Get on and off your bike from the left. When stopping, slow down gradually. Take care with the brakes - they are strong. If you brake too quickly or if you use more pressure on the front brake than on the back, your bike may tip over or you may skid and lose control. Going uphill and downhill To go uphill, keep in a low gear so that the pedals are still moving smoothly and try to sit in the saddle to keep your weight over the back of the bike. This will help to stop the bike skidding. Don't pull on the handlebars or the front wheel may lift off the ground. When going downhill, sit as far back as you can to keep your weight over the back of the bike. If you are off the road, go down the hill slowly so that you are always in control of your bike. Carrying your bike Sometimes you may need to carry your bike around obstacles. Lift your bike from the left and balance the top tube on your shoulder. Mountain bikes have a light frame so they can be carried easily over a short distance when necessary. Obstacles Much of the fun you have off-the-road is using your bike to go through or over obstacles. Many cyclist like to trek through woods where they face many tree roots sticking out of the ground. The skill of jumping over a root involves lifting the front wheel as you touch the obstacle (by leaning back and lifting the handlebars), then quickly transferring your weight forward so that the back wheel lifts as it goes over the obstacle. You need to be in a low gear for control. Be prepared for some rough rides until you get it right! Other obstacles include water or mud. Both can be fun or a recipe for disaster. Clear, shallow water usually poses no problems but where there are rocks or if you are unsure how deep the water is, go slowly. Mud is a more sticky problem - literally! If the going gets tough you just have to dismount and carry your bike. Always check your brakes when you have been through water or mud.
	Safety Your safety and that of those around you should always be a main priority. On the road A mountain bike is safe on the road providing you keep to the rules. Always give clear hand signals, be aware of other road users and use cycle tracks where possible. You sit more upright on a mountain bike, so it is easier to see what is happening around you. Remember to wear suitable clothing and headgear. If you ride after dark, fit your bike with lights, front and back, and wear something reflective so you can be seen. Off the road Know where you are going. Keep maps and a compass handy if you are cycling in an unknown area. Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you are expected back. Again wear suitable clothing, including waterproofs if necessary. Fit your bike with lights if you are out in the dark and wear reflective clothing so that you can be seen. Emergencies Some knowledge of first aid may help in an emergency. It is useful to carry a small first aid kit in your backpack and a whistle!
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.