Welcome to Mountain Biking

 






Texas Mountain Biking Article

Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike.  Compared to the average bike ride, it does present some danger. Therefore, you should master these basic skills before you hit the trails or the dirt.

You can practice these beginning skills at a local park, school, bike path, or simply around your house. If you can, try to find a location with a steep hill.

Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around for a bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot pedals will want to spend a bit more time practicing.

Sit and spin for position
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal.  Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while your on it.

Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting your body towards the rear end of the bike.

Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank them around. You should try this in higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears while on a hill.

Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at different speeds until it becomes second nature.

Once you practice these techniques and get the hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it may take some getting used to, it'll become second nature before you know it.

 


Mountain Biking Recommended Products


Mountain Biking News and Information


 



Texas Mountain Biking News

Hoboken Police Blotter: Parking attendant assaulted, mountain bike stolen - The Jersey Journal - NJ.com


The Jersey Journal - NJ.com

Hoboken Police Blotter: Parking attendant assaulted, mountain bike stolen
The Jersey Journal - NJ.com
She said she arrived at her home on her Trek 4500 Women's Mountain Bike, colored white and purple, and chained to her front gate at 6 pm, police said. ...

and more »

Read more...


Five great Texas trails provide paths to pleasure for walkers - Dallas Morning News


Dallas Morning News

Five great Texas trails provide paths to pleasure for walkers
Dallas Morning News
... riding or mountain biking, and end up at the Pioneer Theater, where the 45-year-old outdoor musical drama Texas brings the state's history to life. ...

and more »

Read more...


See you in Spring - High Country News


See you in Spring
High Country News
He says he doesn't want his town -- listed in his signature simply as "Somewhere in Colorado"-- to become, well, another Moab, and a planned mountain bike ...

Read more...


BILL CULLINS: Europe's spring classics challenge cyclists, bikes - San Angelo Standard Times


BILL CULLINS: Europe's spring classics challenge cyclists, bikes
San Angelo Standard Times
If you're thinking “this sounds easy — just ride a full-suspension mountain bike at a reasonable speed,” think again. The top racers will average 25-30 mph ...

Read more...


Ultra Runner: 'Learning Who I Am' - Southern Pines Pilot


Ultra Runner: 'Learning Who I Am'
Southern Pines Pilot
And then there is all the rest, like the pain she endured recently when she wrecked while riding her mountain bike. She landed hard on her right knee, ...

Read more...


Lonely Planet puts spotlight on the world's best vacation spots - Bloomington Pantagraph


Lonely Planet puts spotlight on the world's best vacation spots
Bloomington Pantagraph
Other ultimate adventures include: mountain bike riding on the 230-kilometer Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise in Canada; mountain biking at ...

Read more...




Home
Mountain Biking Picture Articles and Resources
Mountain Biking Game Links
Sitemap

Texas Mountain Biking Navigation

Mountain Biking Game
Mountain Biking Gear
Mountain Biking Vacation
North Carolina Mountain Biking
Virginia Mountain Biking
Wisconsin Mountain Biking
Extreme Mountain Biking
Whistler Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking In West Virginia
Northern California Mountain Biking
Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking
Biking France Mountain
Mountain Biking Shorts
Mountain Biking Gear
Mountain Biking Shorts