5 Tips for Beginner Mountain Bikers

Starting Mountain Biking: What Am I Doing?

So, you want to find something new to break up the monotony of the every day routine. There are so many avenues to find a passion, but somehow you heard your friend, family member, or co-worker say that they just got back from an amazing mountain bike trip! After hearing about the exciting and vivid details you run to your laptop, go to YouTube, and look up mountain biking videos. The graphic displays of gorgeous landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and enchanting fun the riders are having make your day seem dull and drab. Suddenly you feel the urge to get off work and go to your local store and get riding. However, when you get into your car you realize you don’t know what you’re looking for? You have gym shorts and a workout t-shirt, but what do you need otherwise? A helmet? A bike (obviously!). Does Walmart sell all these things?

These questions may or may not have happened exactly to you, however, it is a common theme. There are so many exciting and invigorating things about riding your bike down fun singletrack, but the key is being properly informed, knowing what to get, and knowing where to go. So here are five useful tips to make sure you are ready before hitting your local trails!

5 Tips To Know When Starting Out Mountain Biking :

1.) Make sure you shop around for a bike!There are many options out there and seeing the price tags of the mountain bikes may halt you in your tracks! The key is talking with different shop employees and maybe even demoing a few different options. Mountain biking can be come a granular machine if you’re talking shop, but find the shop that’ll help you understand what to look for and where to go when starting out.

2.) Make sure you have the right protective gear! Just like any sport you need to make sure you have the right gear which includes: A Helmet (there are various brands, but Bell, Kali, and Giro are popular ones to go for), Gloves (you can get these fitted at the shop or buy online via Amazon), Close-ended protective shoes (you’ll want something with a good flat bottom for the pedals), A workout shirt, and a pair of shorts with zipper pockets (trust me on this one). There are other accessories to wear, but these will be sufficient for your first few rides.

3.) Hydration and snacks! Even the most experienced athletes will tell you to remain hydrated and bring food for your rides. If you’ve never ridden before you’ll be working muscles that you’re not used to. Having a water bottle or camelback (Osprey packs are a personal favorite) and some snacks will help keep going. I recommend CliffBloks Energy Chews for energy and caloric replenishment (note there are plenty of suitable things to try, just ask your local shop what they use on their rides).

4.) Always let someone know where you’re riding! The world is a vast place and having a friend, family member, significant other, or house-mate know where you are will help in case anything happens. Now, this isn’t stating something will happen, but I always check-in with someone (even on group rides) at the trailhead and when I’m done riding. This lets someone know you’re safe and sound.

5.) Research a few trails before going! You’ve got the bike, gear, hydration and snacks, and you know who to text when you’re ready to go; now it’s time to get riding! There are several apps to find out where to go (MTB Project, Trailforks, Strava to name a few) and they will show you photos, reviews, and give you insights to what is on the trails. I always recommend finding a bike path or grassy field to get acquainted with your new bike for a couple of minutes before going out. Then look for something that is rated Green on the apps (Green Trails=Beginner Friendly, Blue Trails=Intermediate trails, Black/Red= Advanced Trails). One idea is asking the local bike shops where they would recommend going when starting out riding; they’re full of knowledge if you just ask!.

Well there are the 5 Tips To Know When Starting Out Mountain Biking. The sport is fun, exciting, gives you beautiful hidden views in your local neighborhood, and is filled with a supportive community no matter skill level. I hope to see your photos on Social Media and as always: Happy Trails!