Six Things Beginning Mountain Bikers Should Practice

Mountain biking is a thrilling sport that is will get a smile on your face. However, it does present some danger, so it is better to be prepared and ready as a beginner, then to tackle more than you can handle.

To get prepared and ready for mountain biking, take your bike to a flat area with a non-intimidating hill nearby it. There you can get ready for your debut as a mountain biker.

Those who have a bike that has clipless or toe clip pedals, will want to make sure they can remove and replace their feet onto their pedals while moving. Practice taking off a foot and putting it back on a pedal while you are pedaling around.

When riding, you should have your elbows and knees bent. Neither should ever be locked. Your elbows should be kind of bent and your body shouldn't be tense. The seat should be high enough so your legs extend 70 to 90 percent while pedaling.

Practice coasting on your bike. You should do this while standing on up on your peddles. Don't sit on your seat, and instead stand up and keep your knees and legs slightly bent. Move your bodyweight toward the back of the bike, which is where it would be while riding downhill.

After you are done practicing coasting, you will then want to try to pedal while you are standing up. Try this on flat ground and while going up a hill. Use light gears going up the hill and heavy gears on flat ground.

Since the ride down a hill on a bike isn't always smooth, the next thing to get the hand of is handling bumps. To do this, ride off of curbs first at a slow speed and then work your way to a higher speed until it feels like you have the hang of it.

These are very basic techniques to learn and practice. Once you master them, you'll be in better condition to start riding down trails. Just make sure you wear protective gear!