| Mountain biking is not all about the extreme, white | | | | know the folks at your local bike shop and they |
| knuckle shenanigans you see on TV. There is a | | | | will put you on the bike that is right for you. Plan |
| sector of the mountain biking community who | | | | on purchasing a bike, helmet, water bottles, some |
| love a good climb, a good view, and meeting new | | | | clothing, and possibly a bike rack for your vehicle. |
| riders. Even if you have never ridden a mountain | | | | The cost of all of this is minimal compared to the |
| bike before there is probably a trail near you that | | | | hours of enjoyment, scenic views, and fitness |
| is perfect for your level of riding. Trails range | | | | you will gain.Step number 3. Get active in your |
| anywhere from rugged single track, to fire roads, | | | | mountain bike club. Start networking with other |
| to old railroad beds. Mountain biking is a great way | | | | riders and find out when the club rides are. There |
| to meet new people, gain a new skill, enjoy the | | | | may be a weekly ride that fits perfectly with |
| outdoors, get in shape, and lose weight.Step | | | | your schedule or you may meet riders who work |
| number 1. Go to your local bike shop and let them | | | | the same schedule as you who are looking for |
| know you are interested in beginning mountain | | | | people to ride with.Step number 4. Ride your bike! |
| biking. See if you can arrange a bike rental and | | | | Have fun, meet new people, enjoy the views, get |
| ask them if they can put you in touch with a local | | | | in shape, lose weight, and make friends for |
| club that caters to new riders. Once you come in | | | | life.Tips on finding a club or other riders in your |
| contact with someone from the club - be clear to | | | | area.Check Google. I did a search on Google for |
| them about your level of fitness and riding skills. | | | | "mountain bike club" and received 144,000 results. |
| Most clubs have a "no rider dropped" policy but | | | | Try (mountain bike club + your town) in Google |
| you certainly don't want to go out with extreme | | | | and you will surely find something.Your local bike |
| riders just yet. Enjoy your first ride and quit | | | | shop. Your local bike shop knows all the riders and |
| before you want to quit. You don't want to | | | | all of the clubs. Get to know them. They want |
| overdo it on your first ride.Step number 2. Get to | | | | your business and they love new riders. |