If you are considering mountain biking while camping around South East Queensland then you might want to check out Murphy’s Creek Escape. The campgrounds are located only 40minutes West of Brisbane and Ipswich so if you are wanting somewhere new then this is ideal for a weekend camping trip. You can bring the family and kids with their mountain bikes for a weekend of riding in nature and exploring new mountain bike trails.
Mountain biking is one of those sports that are fun, exciting but also nerve wrecking and a little scary as well. Mountain biking is very different from the usual casual cycling mostly because you are riding over rocks, drops, across streams and on different terrains.
Starting out can be challenging but with practice, patience and a few beginner tips, you will definitely get the gist of it and eventually even become a pro. In this article, we will share with you some useful mountain biking tips for beginners that will help you build your confidence and give you a good foundation on how to handle this exciting journey.
Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners
Set up your bike correctly
When it comes to setting up your bike, it really depends on your personal preference and body dimensions as well. Some of the elements you should be on the lookout for include;
Tire pressure
Taking time to inspect and set up your tire pressure before every ride will save you from lots of trouble plus the appropriate tire pressure will make your ride more comfortable. The pressure will vary depending on a number of factors such as rider’s weight, trail conditions etc. If the pressure is too low it’s prone to punctures and if it’s too high, it will be difficult for you to control the bike while braking and cornering. Trying to find the right tire pressure is all about trial and error but you can experiment with pressures around 20-28 psi to find what suits you.
Seat height and position
To avoid getting overly exhausted or straining your muscles too much, ensure your seat is the perfect height and in the right position. If the seat is too high, then your back will get strained and if it’s too low, your knees will be too bent, making peddling even harder. Note that your leg shouldn’t be completely straight but have a slight bend in the knee. The seat’s position can be adjusted forward or backward. You can get this measured by an expert bike fitter.
Keep your body loose and position it well
When trying out something new, relaxing and being calm can be tough. Though keeping calm and staying loose helps you enjoy the sport even more, plus it’s easy to control your bike when your arms, legs and shoulders are loose. Additionally, when you are relaxed, it’s easy for you to react to tricky obstacles without freaking out.
Maintain Momentum
As a beginner, you would want to maintain a speed that you are comfortable with which is definitely understandable but the fact is, momentum is your friend when mountain biking. Speeding will help you navigate a rough trail. When you ride too slow, your wheel will hit every hole and rock but when you maintain momentum you will glide over them easily. Maintaining speed will also help you avoid crashes. Therefore, the faster you go the better balance you will have. Note that, if you are still not comfortable with high speed and are not yet confident in your skills, stick to the trail within your skill levels.
Focus your eyes on where you want to go
Wherever your eyes are is where your bike will go and this is what is called Target Fixation. Ensure your eyes are looking ahead and look where you want your bike to go. Don’t fix your eyes on obstacles such as a tree or rock, instead look as far down the trail as possible. For example, if you are hitting a small drop, look at the landing. Keep your chin level to the ground, eyes forward, scan the trail and use your peripheral vision to avoid obstacles.
Learn the basics of braking and cornering
Learning the basics of braking and cornering will take you to a higher level of this sport. Braking correctly before coming into contact with any obstacle, rough terrain or corner sets you up for success. Brakes for mountain bikers can be your savior or your worst enemy that’s why knowing how to use them successfully is important. Cornering can be one of the toughest skills to learn and it takes practice to be better. Braking should be done before or at the beginning of the corner. Once you’ve reached the optimal speed, lean into the corner by moving your hips and shoulders in the direction you want to go and shift your weight to the outside foot. This will cause the tires to dig into the dirt and find traction.
In conclusion, it’s important to keep your bike clean and in good condition. Remember a clean machine is an effective machine. Get a bike specific degreaser to clean the gears and seals. Additionally, a better way to learn is by riding with someone who is better than you or watching mountain biking videos as well. Last but not least, wear the correct gear which includes a helmet, bike shorts, knee pads, gloves and mountain bike specific shoes.