Cycling through the trees on a bicycle is an exciting experience, and mountain biking is a very popular extreme sport for that very reason. If you are interested in what it feels like, you can learn how to properly prepare for your first outings, develop the skills you need to get by, and find routes that match your skills and interest. In the saddle! Read Step 1 for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Buy a mountain bike of the right size
Your bike should fit your height, build and leg length. If the bike is not suitable it will be uncomfortable and inefficient. The staff of a good bike shop will be able to provide you with a bike that suits your needs. Many of these stores also perform repairs, overhauls, and offer discounts on subsequent purchases. In general, there are three styles of mountain biking that you can try, based on your interests:
- There rigid mountain bike it has no suspension, so there are fewer mechanical parts to worry about, and you can start using it and get to know it more easily. It's harder to use off-road, because it doesn't cushion like more elaborate bikes.
- With front only damping, or Hardtail it is good for almost any beginner who wants to tackle difficult terrain, as it has - as the name implies - the suspension front fork and stiff rear wheel.
- Full suspension or full suspension it is the most expensive but has front and rear suspension, so it is the most efficient and comfortable on the difficult routes foreseen by mountain biking.
- It is not necessary to buy the bicycle right away; consider the possibility of borrowing one to do some routes and see if you like this sport. The bicycle shops located in the areas of the routes often rent suitable bicycles, so it is worth considering this possibility. There is no point in spending hundreds of euros on a new bike and then discovering that you don't like sport.
Step 2. Buy a helmet of the right size
If you want to ride off-road (off-road) a good helmet is essential, and it must fit you perfectly without obstructing your view or pressing on your ears. Never ride a mountain bike without the right helmet.
Step 3. Use other safety devices as well
While they are not required for preliminary releases, there are various safety devices you can buy, with varying prices. You may need them as you become more experienced, but it depends on you, your driving style and your needs. Some cyclists don't ride without:
- Gloves
- Shin guards
- Elbow pads
- Bottle of water
Step 4. Prepare to fall
During the first few exits, and probably on almost all exits and routes, you will happen to fall, and it is sure that the bike will take bumps. You will make jumps, you will pass on the stones, you will crash on the branches, and you will whiz here and there having a lot of fun with your mountain bike. Be aware that you may get some scratches and bruises the first few times, so be prepared for some minor bruises. You should also always have water and a cell phone. Make sure you or someone in the group has:
- Much water
- Patches and blister protectors
- Multifunctional tire repair kit and combination tools (multitool)
- Pump
- A spare pair of socks
- Waterproof or warm clothes
Step 5. Try to keep fit
Mountain biking is both a nature walk and aerobic activity, and BMX too. In addition to a good bike, the most important equipment will be a healthy body. You certainly do not want to enter a path with steep slopes and realize that you are so tired that you cannot go back. Although most mountain bikers (even the most experienced ones) often dismount and walk the more difficult parts of the route, it is easier to sit in the saddle and take advantage of the momentum. If the bad physical shape forces you to stop and start many times, in the end the exit will be more difficult.
If you haven't ridden in a long time and want to start mountain biking, start long rides to get used to cycling again. Go for several kilometers, alternating between a leisurely ride and sprinting to get back into shape
Part 2 of 3: Developing the skills
Step 1. Start slowly
Get used to your bike, adjust the saddle and handlebars properly so you feel comfortable. To learn it is not necessary to tackle expert trails or freeride right away. Look for an unpaved but fairly even terrain, learn the different styles and get used to tackling a non-smooth surface. Also get used to riding on the grass and make the bike perfectly adjusted and ready. Then tackle some hilly areas to learn how to shift gears and balance.
Step 2. Look ahead, not down
On the way you have to look ahead for about 15 meters to notice obstacles, low branches and sharp bends. It may be tempting to stare at a specific curve or an approaching branch, but this loses your balance and ignores incoming obstacles. If you look ahead it's easier to balance and let the bike do the work.
Step 3. Brake the right way
More experienced mountain bikers shift their weight slightly to increase the braking effect without having to brake for too long. This is more of a controlled descent than an extreme slowdown.
- When going downhill, shift your weight backwards but brake more with the front brake. If you brake too far forward you risk tumbling forward, while if you brake too far back you may skid, so be careful. There is more load on the front wheel, so use that brake to slow down and control the descent.
- At first you will be tempted to apply the brakes as soon as you see a steep descent, a tight passage or a difficult curve. On the way, try to avoid using your brakes too much and instead learn to use your speed to your advantage to overcome difficult obstacles. The bike is made to withstand beating, and it's easier to lose balance when going slow, which makes obstacles more dangerous.
Step 4. Learn the right technique for going uphill and downhill
An effective approach to gradients will make you go along the route quickly and comfortably, at maximum efficiency. Learning to tackle climbs and descents is an important part of mountain biking:
- When you go up a slope, stay seated and lean towards the climb itself. On the road, standing can give you extra power on the pedals, but on dirt it can make you spin. Stand firm on the seat. Pedal gently so as not to force the chain and climb before starting the climb, and then pedal, pedal, pedal.
- When you go down a slope, the most important thing is to relax. Don't swerve too much and don't try to control too much, or you risk a fall. Focus on obstacles, and lift off the seat by keeping the pedals parallel to the ground. Don't stiffen your elbows, you could get hurt if a wheel gets stuck or if you fall.
Step 5. Learn the right technique for shifting gears
Changing gears allows you to shift the chain to a larger or smaller diameter sprocket, and thus be able to pedal with more or less force. Try to shift gears before absolutely necessary, anticipating climbs that require a gear shift and shifting before slowing too much.
Change gears after a hard pedaling. If you feel that you need to decrease the force needed to pedal, give a more powerful pedal stroke followed by a "gentle" one that you can get thanks to the thrust created. Shift gears while pedaling smoothly to make sure the chain moves correctly
Step 6. Continue pedaling and stay in the saddle
Speed is your friend. Maintaining speed means you have to work less and can use the momentum to your advantage, maximizing the efficiency of the bike and your body. Keep moving and try not to slow down too much, even if the slope worries you. Keep going and the bike will do the job.
However, try not to do risky things. Slow down and stop if necessary, and check out very difficult turns and descents before tackling them too fast. Choose beginner routes for your first outings, and still be careful not to overdo it
Step 7. Ride your bike with other people
One of the best ways to acquire the skills necessary for mountain biking is to do the routes with experienced people. Do not try to make all the jumps or pass over all the protruding roots or stones on the route, or to keep up with the more experienced cyclists. Go at the pace that suits you and your skill level, and your technique will gradually improve. Make sure you are wearing a helmet and keep on mountain biking and having fun.
Part 3 of 3: Finding Paths
Step 1. Talk to your local bike shop staff
Cyclists in your area should know where mountain biking is allowed: many national parks have specific routes, and in many cities there are clubs or associations that map out and organize specific routes for mountain biking. Find out which one is best suited for a beginner and ride it with other cyclists to learn. Places where mountain bike trails are usually found:
- National or regional parks
- Fire strips
- Country roads
- Private property (with permission)
Step 2. Learn the rules
When you are on a route you have to stay on the bike part and give way to pedestrians. Often the beginner trails are also for walkers, and sometimes you will meet hikers, dogs, people on horseback and children playing, so it is important to respect the rules and be careful what you do. If the course is crowded, don't go too fast, and be careful when cornering. Keep other cyclists in mind, and step aside when they come up behind you.
Don't behave in a way that creates a bad reputation for the cycling community. Don't rush past pedestrians by splashing mud in their faces. You are not the master of the road, you share it with other people
Step 3. First walk the paths
It is not strange to want to familiarize yourself with the route while doing it on foot. Knowing what awaits you, where the hills are and what you will need to do is always helpful, and exploring the route can be fun and will make your first outing more exciting. See it as a way of "getting ready like a pro" and not "spoiling the surprise".
Step 4. Look for popular and known routes
There are many online and local communities that can help you find routes in your area, but when you are more experienced you might as well go to some popular mountain location for mountain biking. There are some sites that you can consult to find out where are the routes from the north to the south of Italy, for example:
- https://www.italybikehotels.it/
- https://www.lifeintravel.it/itinerari-in-mtb.html
