| Mountain/trail
biking is one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise.
We
briefly talk about some of the techniques and ideas you
may try while biking. If you are strictly a casual rider
and have no desire to get out and hit a mountain trail
you can read the next couple of sections and then buckle
up and go. Those who want to thrill in the hills keep on
reading.
Safety
Remember, you are on a
machine. The human body was built to withstand an impact
equal to that of a person running and smacking into
something. It was not intended to be on board a plummeting
machine dropped from 200 feet or the same machine
propelled at 20+ miles per hour into a tree, rock, or
other stationary object. Be aware of your surroundings,
your capabilities, and your vehicles capabilities to
avoid injury or death. Be sure to wear a helmet.
Also, take care of your
bike. They are intended to be used for certain
purposes and can withstand only certain abuse.
General Biking
Assuming that you have a
bike that fits you, your style and your intentions you
are set for a great time. There are many types of trails
to ride. Start out by riding simple trails and then as
your skills and strength allow get into more technical
rides. Some people enjoy riding gentle mountain trails
while others love to press the extreme.
Your bike's geometry
needs to fit your riding style. Joy riding will allow
for a heavy bike with cushioned seats. More aggressive
riding requires a bike that is optimal for transforming
your strength into pedal power. You will have to lean
over more and the seat and other components will be less
comfortable.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing is pretty
simple. Depending on how aggressive the hill is you will
most often want
to get a good run at a hill and be prepared to
downshift as the bike slows.
The Down Hills
Depending on how steep
the hill is you will want to lean back and only use the
rear brake. If you use the front brake you may end up
flying over the handlebars. For really aggressive hills
you may have to lower the seat and slide back as far as
possible. The lower you are the better off the center of
gravity of the bike will be.
The Side Hills
On two wheels it is not
as difficult to ride side hills as on a 4-wheeled
vehicle. If it is super steep then keep the body weight
leaning toward the hill and be prepared to fall off to
the uphill side if you happen to take a spill.
Water
Water is one of the
funnest elements of biking. Just remember that the
deeper the water is when you hit it the faster you will
slow down. If you are not careful you can end up taking
a ride over the handlebars into the water itself. Give a
little lift to the handle bars before going in and sit
back. You will love the water ride.
Snow
Snow and water are about
the same for resistance. The only difference is that you
get to slide and skid around. You may want to have a
rear tire guard or you will have a soaked backside.
Brakes don't work as well as normal either but the falls
are softer if they happen.
Ice
Ice is a biker's worst
enemy. Stay clear. You can't accelerate or stop or turn.
And the falls hurt like crazy.
Mud
No element is better than
mud to a biker. If you love to get dirty, you love the
excitement of a challenge and you love to skid around
you will love biking in the mud. Take your play clothes
and hit the trails.
Gravel
Gravel isn't that tough
of an element. Make sure to account for the slower stop
time and don't lean too far. If you love to jam on the
brakes and skid around then you will love it. Just
remember to hit the rear brakes and not the front ones.
Banked
Corners
A biker's best friend you
can use a banked corner for a speedy time.
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