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Michelle

Watch out for changes in the weather.
Summer storms can happen instantly and they are often accompanied by high winds and heavy showers. If you are caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, you may be in big trouble. Stay away from lone trees or rocks during a lightning storm. Get off ridges before the rain starts. Keep your team together. If you sense that the rain is coming, set up a makeshift shelter made from leaves and branches on higher ground.

Keep hydrated
Working your muscles for a prolonged period of time produces sweat. Make sure that you replace the lost body fluids by re-hydrating regularly. Smaller and frequent sips are better than gulping the whole content of your water bottle at once. Do not wait until you are thirsty, especially when riding on cold weather conditions. Cold weather suppresses thirst so follow similar hydration practice. Always be aware of how much you are or are not drinking while riding.

Water is still the best liquid to drink while biking. Energy drinks are also good. Do not substitute water with soda, coffee or caffeinated tea. These fluids are proven to have diuretic effects.

Ride with a group
If you are riding alone, you are either suicidal or your life is just plain miserable. Okay, you are neither. Still, you should not be doing it in long biking trips. The importance of riding with a group cannot be stressed enough. A group makes riding fun and enjoyable. It is also your first line of defense in case you get into an accident while in the trail. Never get caught being along while riding, it is a big mistake.

Bad things happen outdoors and help can be miles away. Make sure that there are people around you who can call for help in case you need immediate medical aid.

Ride properly
There is no better way to invite a disaster than by doing crazy things while on the trail. Never attempt to cross a cliff if you think you can’t do it. Do not cross a river if you know you can’t. Do not accelerate when approaching sharp curves and uneven terrain.

Always keep your speed in check. It will only take a split second of negligence for an accident to happen. Stay focused all the time. Walk and carry your bike if you can’t ride on a particular section or trail.

Travel Light
If there is any rule that applies to anything that involves outdoor adventure, this may be it. During mountain biking trips, it is not advisable to carry a large bag on your back. Not only does it tire you fast, it also impairs your balance while riding. Bring the things that are only necessary for the trip such as a first aid kit, tire repair kit, multi-tool kit, enough food and water, flashlight, matches and some clothes. Do not forget to bring a cellular phone or a satellite phone – it is your saving grace in case something bad happens.

Give your complete itineraries to a friend or a family member.
On a piece of paper, write the names and contact numbers of each member of the group, the place where you are going and expected time of return. Give it to someone who is left behind at home so that if you do not return as expected, they can contact authorities.

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Who can race? Who can succeed?
Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: by gender, age
and ability. Even if you are just beginning to love the sport and haven’t been riding for long or
if you have been riding for several years, there is a race that is for you.

Who organizes the race?
Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by small local communities.
And most participants could be your friends and neighbors. How many can join this race? Depending
on its popularity – maybe 30 or up to 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that
they are less competitive in that the riders are just average riders like you. So if it is your
first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find out if there are race events nearby.

Why race?
Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing more often gives you more
confidence on your own ability. Racing also gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better
than if you just ride for casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to
ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips.
Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you tend to eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?
Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35.
This usually includes a t-shirt. Regional races can cost a bit higher. Often, gift certificates
and bike gears are given as prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories; like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39
Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc., so there are several chances of winning a place in your particular race. When they speak of the “depth”, it means the number of places that
is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are “five deep”, that means prizes are given
from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it should not be about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?
Know if you should be “self-supporting”, meaning you have to provide everything you need during
the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes
with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch power bars while riding or get
water-bottles from your pit-crew as you turn a lap. These are important details to know BEFORE
you start your race.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking races. First, do not mess with other
riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and using him as a
shield to block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is to have fun and
develop camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else’s bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?
Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to
familiarize yourself with the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need at least one
night before. Eat healthy and don’t binge.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do
some final checks with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely
necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day’s event.

Below is a list of proper conduct and etiquette that you should observe while in the area: Go easy with hikers. When you have to pass them, slow down and make sure they know that you are there. Do not pass at top speed, otherwise you will startle them. You may even receive some negative reactions if you do not slow down. Once you have seen persons in front of you, reduce your speed substantially as you get close to them and make some noise so that they will know that you are coming. A greeting or a bell is good but sometimes, a foot scrape, a gear shift or any subtle noise is enough. Never assume that they have seen you until they look up. Do not forget to thank them for giving you their right of way. Pass with care especially if there are young children and pet animals. The key is to show respect and be polite.

Give way – If you see other bikers or hikers coming your way, the best thing you can do is to slow down until you reach full stop and let them pass, especially if the track is narrow or if they are coming from above. Add some smile on your face and a polite nod.

Never scare horses and other animals – Horses are often scared of bikes. If you see equestrians coming your way, make sure that you dismount at least 15 meters from the horse. Most horse owners will appreciate this gesture and will thank you. Also you will never know if you are dealing with an inexperienced horseback rider or horse, so initiate courtesy.

Moreover, do not make any abrupt movements that will scare the pet animals of other people on the trail. Be respectful with the owners and they will surely appreciate you. Keep your distance from any animals you have seen on the wild whether you think they are dangerous or not. Do not disturb them because they may attack. Remember that animals are more scared than you but they will not hesitate to fight back if you pose any threat to them.

Leave no traces – Do not throw anything on the trail. Bring a small bag in which to place all your trash. Candy and food wrappers, plastic cups, empty glue tubes and bike parts are non-biodegradable.

Stay on the trail. If you cannot ride the trail, dismount, carry your bike and walk through it. Do not create new paths to avoid bike tracks that may be followed by other bikers. If you are going to ride on private property, make sure that you ask permission from the owner.

These are some of the things you must do as a mountain biker to show your respect and consideration to others and the environment. Take this in mind whenever you set out on a mountain biking trip or even if you are going for a quick ride to a public park.

Click Here for more information on Mountain Biking.

Wear proper gear – Keeping your butt on the seat, your feet on the pedals, and your hands on the
handlebar is not always possible. You may crash and could suffer minor cuts and bruises along the
way. To minimize injury, you have to wear the proper gear. Wear the right helmet whenever you go
for a ride. Not because it is prohibited to ride without a helmet, but because it can save your
head from possible injury if you crash. Wear gloves (full or cut offs, it is your choice to make)
as it protects your hand from falls, cuts and blisters.

Ride within your abilities – Admit it, there are better riders than you and there is no shame in
walking and carrying your bike on some sections of the trail if you don’t feel comfortable
riding. You don’t have to prove anything. It is better to be safe than risk your life and limb on
a trail that you know you can’t ride. It is also equally important to know your physical fitness
limits. Pushing yourself beyond your physical capacity may get you into trouble. Do not ride on a
long and steep trail if you don’t have the physical capability.

Use the right bike – Not all mountain bikes are the same. Some are better for certain terrain and
weather conditions than others. Make sure that your bike is designed for that particular trail.
Take extra caution when riding downhill and on blind curves – Mountain biking is almost similar
to driving a car. The only thing that sets them apart is that when you ride your bike you will
likely get a wipe out if you lose control when riding downhill and on blind curves – you will
probably get a facial encounter with the rock, sand or mud, which can be nasty. Be careful. Slow
down. Always be in control.

Always have a crash plan – Any trail can be a venue for disaster so aside from keeping control
with your bike, you need to plan your crash. Have a mental simulation on the possible scenario
and the things you should do to protect yourself if in case you do lose control. Never
underestimate any type of trail. Sometimes, what looks so easy to ride is actually deadly to
crash.

Know the trail – Any mountain biker will agree that knowledge of the trail is better than years
of experience. Do not push your limits on an unfamiliar trail. Get to know it first. And even
then, you have to take the outmost care.

Keep your speed in check – The faster you get, the least time you have to react on unforeseen
changes in the trail’s condition. Sharp bends, a ditch or muddy holes are venues for crashes and
can only be dealt with properly at the right speed.

Finally, keep your attitude in check – Having a good bike and wearing complete gear does not
equate to total safety. Do not be too proud of yourself. Do not be overconfident. Stay focused at
all times.

For 50 Tips So You Can WIN Your Bike Races (Click Here)

What is your riding style?
There are so many variables and small alterations in mountain bike configurations but the general rule is that first you will have to determine the kind of riding that you intend to do.

• Will the mountain bike be used in riding smooth trails?
• Is the bike to be used in cross country cruising?
• Do you enjoy the back woods and mountain cruising?
• Are you thrilled most at the challenge of rocky trails?
• Or do you look forward to the adrenaline rush of rugged downhill riding?

Mountain bikes are not exactly cheap. Good mountain bikes come with a price tag. It will be very
frustrating to shell out hard saved money only to end up with a good bike but the wrong kind for
you.

Find a good dealer

When you are sure of your riding style, find a good dealer. Good dealers offer good advice. Many
mountain bike dealers care about the bike that is sold to you. They could also give you
alternative choices when the cost is a question. They often speak the same language as the buyer.

In the same manner, refrain from buying mass retailed bikes. There may also be good bikes on
their display, but seldom will the sales pitch be of use when you want a serious bike that will
suit you.

Get a good deal

Like anything that is sold on the market, mountain bike prices are driven by supply and demand
and so the prices fluctuate during the year. Sales for mountain bikes are up during spring until
summer. If you are willing to wait, the prices of mountain bikes are significantly lower during
fall and winter. During this time of the year, discounts are offered including those for the
accessories and services. Technology in mountain bike design does not change so significantly
every year and so it is okay to ride the previous year’s model.

Set a price limit

Mountain bikes are one of those things that you will hate setting a price tag to. Just like
buying a car you would like as much as possible and want to have only the best and the temptation
to pamper a bike is really great. However, just like buying a car, there is virtually no limit to
the money that you could shell out for a bike. Take titanium frames for example. Anybody would
want that in a bike but if the price is prohibitive, you will never start owning one if you wait
for the right moment to come up with enough of a budget for a titanium framed bike. So set a
price limit, a realistic one, and upgrades can come later.

Test ride…

…and test ride some more. Different bikes feel differently. The more bikes you try, the more
likely that you will arrive at the best bike that will suit your riding style.
Remember that you will be stuck with the bike that you choose today for quite a while. Your
planned upgrades will also depend largely on the kind of bike that is chosen.

For more information, please click here:
Mountain Bikes!

Air-pump
While it is nice to have a floor pump ready in the garage, most flat-outs happen on the trail. In
fact, it is the most common problem bikers experience. Portable or mini air-pumps are a real life
saver. So if you know that he or she doesn’t carry a mini pump while on the trail, consider this
as your first gift choice. Throw in a pressure gauge, too. Or better yet, buy a mini air-pump
with a built-in pressure gauge.

Spare Inner Tube
At any given point, mountain bikers can experience a flat. Sometimes, tires get ruptured beyond
repair and must be replaced while on the trail. It would really help if you buy spare inner tubes
as a gift to save your biker friend from walking a long way down the mountain carrying his bike
in case he hits a nasty bump.

Trail multi-tool
Aside from portable air-pumps, every mountain biker should carry a trail multi-tool in case of a
breakdown while on the trail. There are different kinds of trail-multi tools on the market. I
suggest that you buy one that has a built-in chain tool.

Sunglasses
Sunglasses function as protection from dust, insects, and other particles that can enter the eyes
while riding. They also serve as a filter and light enhancer. Go for functional and stylish sunglasses.

Gloves
Wearing a pair of gloves is a must during riding. It protects the biker’s palms and fingers
during a crash. As a gift, it is something that bikers can’t have too many of.

Backpack
A backpack that can house everything a biker needs is another smart gift option.

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
A stylish water bottle is another gift idea that you cannot go wrong with as any style, size and
color will do. A hydration pack with a bladder on the other hand has gained more popularity as
it is more convenient to drink from and has enough room for the biker’s snack, pump and tools at
the same time.

Mountain Bike Apparel
This is easy and probably the safest way to make him or her happy. Bike shirts, jackets and
shorts are most appreciated. There are hundreds of types and several brands to choose from. All
you need to do is to know his size and his taste.

Upgrades
Figuring out which part of your friend’s bike needs to be upgraded is the tricky part. But you
can easily get a clue during a conversation with your friend. If it is the bike that is the
topic, you can always casually ask the parts that he or she wants to get replaced. It can be a
surprise if you secretly bring it to the bike shop and have something upgraded. Can you just
imagine the look on their face right now?

A New Bike
Feeling extremely generous? Why not give him or her a brand new bike? But don’t just go to a bike
dealer and point out one bike on display (or browse online and buy the first bike on the list). You must know what he or she wants and needs. Have a casual talk or go to a bike dealer with him
(or her) and observe his (or her) movements. You will surely get a clue of what type of bike he or she wants.

Would you like to view another good source of information for Mountain Bike Enthusiasts?
CLICK HERE!

Pre-race Preparation
Know when upcoming races are as early as possible. This will help you ready the necessary papers (if any) or simply give you more time to prepare physically and mentally. Most biking websites as well as local bike shops have lists of race events open for beginners and experts. Get a hold of entry or registration forms early. Pre-registering is a good idea to avoid long lines on race day.

Know the location, length of the course, date and time, categories, and direction of the race. It is better if you can ride on the actual trail before the race day to familiarize yourself with the track and learn the terrain.

If you are riding alone, make sure that you pack everything you need including a tool kit, tire repair kit, clothes suited for the weather, helmet, gloves, shoes, food and liquid. If you are riding in a team, check with the race organizers forss the rules. Can you munch powerbars during the race? Can you borrow tools or extra inner tube from your teammates? Can you get water-bottles from your pit crew as you turn a lap? These things are important to know beforehand to properly prepare and strategize on show you will race.

Personal Preparation

While you may not aim to finish first in the race, physical preparation is still a must. Make sure that you have been doing some personal time trial on your chosen course weeks before the actual race instead of the usual casual riding. Try to improve your time on every ride. Strengthen your legs more by doing leg exercises like squats. Eat properly and get enough rest and sleep.

Note: Any type of mountain bike race can be very competitive. If this is your first time to race, try not to push yourself too hard. You may need to not aim to finish the race first. There is more to racing than winning, so enjoy the view and at the same time, improve your personal best.

Bike Preparation

Check your bike at least 2 days before the race day. This will give you time to go to shops and buy replacement parts if necessary. The last thing you want is to find an open shop at 11pm or change an inner tube minutes before the race starts.

On Site Preparation

Arrive early; at least one hour before the start of the race. This will allow you to get a good parking spot, time to rest, relax and loosen up, and handle any registration complications. Practice a pre-race ritual by polishing your bike with a rug. This will give you time to mentally prepare yourself and do a final check on your bike.

Warm up (but not get tired) by taking a lap around the course. If the weather is bad, consider bringing a roller or a trainer. Stretch your muscles.

Eat foods rich in carbohydrates, protein and fats before the race. Drink plenty of water. Go to a restroom if you need to. Nothing could be worse than having to go in the middle of the race.

When the gun goes off or when the gate drops, pedal fast!

Learn More About Mountain Bikes!

• Know what type of biking you want

This will set the standard of your bike as well as its price. Mountain bikes are not created equal. They are designed for a specific style and terrain. Your task is to determine which type of biking you will be doing most of the time. Are you going to ride on different terrains (sandy, rocky, wet, etc.) or smooth surface? Are you going to use your bike for serious off-roading or cross-country expedition? Knowing the answer to these questions will lead you to the bike you really need.

• What to look for…

Good bikes are comfortable, durable and feature-packed. While this may cost a lot, it is important to focus and find the right bike for you within these criteria. Comfort means everything. A bike with an adjustable seat and good suspension is a must. Durability is equally essential. Choose between aluminum and steel frame depending on the type of use. Features can add to the cost of the bike. You may want to choose which features are necessary. Again, “good” is always equated with price, at least for mountain bikes, so if your money doesn’t match with the bike that you want, identify what features you can give up.

• Set your Price

Most mountain bikes are expensive. In fact, there is virtually no limit to how much you can spend on your bike. But this should not be the reason to quit your desire to conquer the mountain. With the right knowledge of what you want your bike to be, choosing the right bike is made easier. Just remember that with price comes quality. An $800 bike for example has more components and is more durable than a $500 one. Here, price really does matter but, if you are a first-time buyer, I suggest that you get a basic bike and upgrade as necessary. This way, you will not waste your money just in case you decide to hang up your bike because it didn’t end up being what you want to do. Conversely, buying a $2000 bike is not bad as long as you can afford it. After all, with price comes functionality and features. The point is, set your price according to your needs and how much you can afford.

• Find a good dealer

Finding a good dealer is as good as finding a good bike. Although you do your research, talking to a dealer’s representative can shed light on the things you want to clarify and things you still need to know about mountain bikes. Ask questions about the different types of bikes, its features, maintenance, maintenance cost and servicing. A good dealer is more than willing to assist you on these things.

• Look for a good deal

Nothing could be better than buying a bike that is worth more than its sticker price. If you want to get more than your money’s worth, do your homework. Find as much information as you can on different bikes. Read product reviews. This will take time but is worth every minute. Another sure way to get a good deal, or even the best deal, is to buy during fall and winter. Dealers are willing to slash off hundreds of dollars to the bike’s original price to dispose the last year’s stocks and give way to their new designs in summer.

Instinct (or impulse) may tell you to buy a certain bike because it looks good or the price is reasonable but I suggest that you evaluate and decide what you want from what we have discussed.

Brake better, go faster!
Every sports car has 2 things in common: a large engine and high-performance brakes. This way, even if it runs fast, it can slow down quickly. No sports car should be ables to run at high speeds without ahaving a good set of brakes. This should also be a principle when riding a mountain bike. If you want to improve your speed, invest on a good set of brakes.

The Gear Factor
If you know how to drive a car, then you know how important it is to drive in the right gear. The same thing applies on a mountain bike. Low gears are easier to pedal, but slow on acceleration. High gears are much harder but will give you abrupt acceleration. Low gears will help you climb stiff hills. High gears will drive you fast on level terrain. Do not start on a high gear. Start low and gradually increase as you gain speed.

The Instant Turn
If you are about to hit a tree, a car or a large rock, you have to learn how to make a quick turn. To turn sharply to the left, steer sharply to the right. This will make your body lean to the left. Then make a hard left turn, steering into the lean and away from your obstacle. While this will take some practice in the beginning, it can be very useful in an emergency situation. Ease up on the rear brake if your rear tire begins to skid. Ease up on the front brake if your rear tire lifts off the ground.

Slowing Down
Riding fast lessens your reaction time significantly. So, if you need to slow down to avoid something in front of you, do the following procedures:  Shift your body weight as far back as possible, lower your body as low as you can, and squeeze front and rear brakes evenly. Avoid hitting the brake hard if your body is not properly aligned with your bike or if you are making a turn.

I think I’m falling
Yeah, yeah… It may sound so cheesy but the fact is, there is nothing cheesy when your face is about to crash on the rocks and you are about to experience the wipe-out of a lifetime. Aside from learning how to ride the bike, the second most important thing you should learn is how to take the fall. The key is alertness. Anticipate all the possible scenarios that can happen on the trail. While the best thing to do when you know you are about to fall is to slow down by braking, make sure that you have an escape route in case your brake fails. Do not go flying up into the air while sticking out your arm(s) to protect your fall. Instead, tuck your body and plan your fall – choose where to best land. Do not take your eyes off the trail. Do not stiffen your muscles.

Practice is said to make one perfect. But in the case of crashing, there is no better way to make the perfect fall than by keeping in control at all times even if you are about to fall 30 feet down the cliff.