Mountain Bike Tips That You Can Use

If you are looking for some mountain bike tips, you may find some useful information below, especially if you are new to the sport.

Mountain biking, although fun, can also get quite tricky at times.  You have various obstacles that you will need to get over or around, with as little damage to yourself and your bicycle as possible.  These common obstacles are normally put on any mountain biking trail on purpose, to up the challenge for the bikers.

Mountain Bike Tips

One of the more common obstacles are fallen trees and logs.  You can try and ride over it instead of around it.  Just look for the smallest and flattest part of the log to cross.  On most mountain biking trails, logs will have a cut out, especially for bikers.  You simply aim your front tire directly at the opening. This, of course, does take some skill.

If you need to go down a steep incline, make sure you survey the situation by getting off your mountain bike.  You should survey any unfamiliar trail feature off the bike.  Once you feel confident to ride, look well ahead of you and identify obstacles and steep parts before you get there.  If the trail is a popular one for mountain bikers, you will most likely be able to distinguish a line that is the most commonly traveled route through that particular section of the trail.

Other things that you could come across on trails that are specially built for mountain biking are rock piles, jumps, and other added obstacles.  These elements add a challenge to your ride but most of the manmade features will offer an alternative route around.  First time around, rather take the alternative route so that you can take a good look at the obstacle and the landing area before attempting it yourself.

Mountain Biking Rules and Regulations

Besides the above mountain bike tips, here are some mountain biking rules that I picked up from the International Mountain Biking Association.  These rules are designed to minimize our impact on the environment, as well as promote friendly relationships with other trail users.  Rules help to create a safe environment for all and all mountain bikers should try and live by these rules from the International Mountain Biking Association.

How we ride our mountain bikes today will shape mountain bike trail access tomorrow, so do your part to preserve the sport’s access and image by trying your best to follow all the rules, as they are recognized worldwide as the standard code of conduct for all mountain bikers.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 1:

Make sure to follow the trail and avoid trespassing on private land.  If necessary, obtain your permits or other authorization as required before you ride.  Most federal and state wilderness areas are not open to cycling, so if unsure, rather ask.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 2:

Try to practice low-impact cycling.  In other words, be sensitive to the dirt beneath you.  Learn to recognize different soil types and the construction of the trail.  The wetter the trail, the more prone it is to damage.  Stick to the trail don’t create new trails and don’t cut switchbacks.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 3:

Learn to control your bicycle and obey all speed regulations.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 4:

Let other mountain bikers know that you are coming with a friendly greeting with your bell.  Show respect when passing other riders by slowing to a walking pace or stopping if necessary.  Watch out especially around corners and in blind spots.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 7:

Avoid startling the wildlife, as animals are easily startled and it could be dangerous for you, others and the animals.  Use special care when riding past horses and follow any directions from horse riders.  Make sure to leave all gates as you found them, whether open or closed or as marked.

Mountain Biker Rule Number 8:

Learn to know your equipment, and your ability and adjust it to the area that you are riding in.  Be self-sufficient at all times and keep your equipment in good repair.  Prepare for weather changes and make sure to always have the right equipment so as not to burden others.

This also includes having a first aid kit.

If all mountain bikers follow the above rules, trails will stay open because cyclists will be setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

If you have any more mountain bike tips to add, please add them below.

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