Mountain Biking Tips

April 12, 2017

1. Always ride under control! Always ride at a speed of which you know you can stop when you want to. Use your brakes as a speed modulation system. Crashing is much slower than riding slower (and not fun).

2. If you stop on the trail get off the trail so that those behind you will not meet you ‘by accident’. When you stop, pull you bike downhill off the trail so that the trail remains open.

3. Pass on the right. Allow faster riders to go by on your left. If someone is coming from the opposite direction pass them on your right. If someone going in your direction wants to pass you stay to the right as they do so. Always allow faster riders to pass on your left.

4. Speed up when crossing a creek. All creek crossings have rocks to ride across the creek and should be ridden over swiftly.

5. Keep your eyes on the trail about 20-30 feet ahead of you, not immediately in front of you.

6. Make a few trial rides at the Trailhead if you are riding a bike with which you are not familiar. Mountain Biking setups are different than road biking. Your saddle should be a little lower.

7. Know how to shift the gears before you start so that you know how to make it easier to pedal and harder to pedal. Mountain biking calls for a lot more gear changing than road biking.

8. Try to remain seated when climbing and shift to an easier (lower) gear.

9. Try to stay off the seat when going downhill and move your body around over the bike to ease turning and to allow your legs to act as shock absorbers instead of your rear end.

10. Keep your pedals level and your feet on the pedals. Whenever you are not pedaling. This allows both legs to help you remain balanced and helps keep you from hitting a rock with your pedals.

11. Always keep one finger (your pointer finger) on your brakes so that you will not have to reach for them when you want to slow or stop.

12. Pick your line. Avoid rocks and roots whenever you have an option. They slow you down and make it harder to maintain control of your bike.