| Anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle can | | | | |
| enjoy mountain biking. There are some dangers | | | | Try shifting prior to reaching the hill-This |
| to mountain biking, when it is compared to | | | | is important because it is easy to overcome a |
| the standard bike ride. It is for this reason | | | | shift before the hill than it is while on the |
| that mastering the following beginner | | | | hill. |
| mountain bike skills is a necessity prior to | | | | |
| taking off for your mountain bike excursion. | | | | Practice coasting with the following: |
| | | | |
| These skills can all be practiced by heading | | | | Practice this while standing on the pedals, |
| to any school, local park, around your house, | | | | not sitting on the bike seat |
| or on a bike path. The key to the right | | | | |
| location is if it has a steep hill for you to | | | | Do not lock your knees |
| practice on. | | | | |
| | | | Keep arms slightly bent |
| The pedals are an important part of a | | | | |
| mountain bike. You can practice getting a | | | | Attempt coasting while shifting the body |
| feel for the pedals by doing the following: | | | | towards the rear of the mountain bike |
| | | | |
| Sit on your bike | | | | Practice pedaling while standing with the |
| | | | following: |
| Place one foot on the ground | | | | |
| | | | This is important in mountain biking |
| Release and Replace your foot while pedaling | | | | |
| around | | | | Try pedaling standing up in two different |
| | | | ways, once you have become comfortable with |
| Note: If you have clipless foot pedals or toe | | | | standing on the pedals. |
| clips, you will want to practice this quite a | | | | |
| bit. | | | | First, pedal while standing in a high gear on |
| | | | flatter grounds. |
| Sit and Spin for position with the following: | | | | |
| | | | Then, pedal while standing in a low gear on |
| Adjust the seat height so that the leg is a | | | | hills. |
| minimum of 70% extended at the bottom of each | | | | |
| pedal cycle | | | | Practice dropping down a curb with the |
| | | | following: |
| Bend arms slightly | | | | |
| | | | Locate a curb in the area; it should be |
| Keep the body as relaxed as possible; a | | | | easily accessible in regards to the upper |
| position should never occur that requires you | | | | portion |
| to lock your elbows or knees. | | | | |
| | | | Using a moderate speed, practice coasting and |
| Sit on the Mountain bike and pedal | | | | standing off the curb to the lower level from |
| | | | the upper level. |
| Practice shifting gears with the following: | | | | |
| | | | Continue this at different speeds until you |
| Make sure you know the differences in gears | | | | are comfortable with it and it is like second |
| on your bike | | | | nature |
| | | | |
| Try a high gear-It is hard to pedal, but | | | | The above practicing techniques are important |
| rides at a faster speed | | | | because they will give you the feel of the |
| | | | mountain bike trail, without having to be on |
| Try a low gear-Easier to pedal, particularly | | | | one while you are training. |
| useful while on hills | | | | |