Mountain Biking - You guys are good!

O.k. kids I am more of a roadie but I thought I would try my hand at some Mtn. Biking this weekend.
We went on a great trail in the Rocky Mtns. Great view!

I then went on to get my butt kicked by this trail. I am now cut and bruised. But I have a new respect for you Mtn. Bikers and your technical ability on a bike.

Any advice for someone like me? Something to the extent of how NOT to get yourself tossed of the bike?

I had a great time though and can't wait for next weekend to do it again!
:D

Yeah, don't ride beyound your abilities. Sounds simple, but as a beginner it's easy to get in over your head. There is no shame in walking down a technical section. As you improve, so will your confidence and you'll hit that section and think, "Wow, that used to scare me!".

Look 10' ahead, don't stare down at the 1' in front of your tire!

Relax your arms. Use your knees and elbows to absorb the vibrations. Don't lock out either of these joints! Also, relax your grip. Avoid the "Death Grip". Hold on tight enough to keep your hands on, but not to where your fingers are turning white!

Don't ride alone!

Ride with people that are better than you and watch their line selection and positioning on their bikes.

Ask lots of questions. We've all been there as a newbie!

Learn to fix your own bike!

Pick up any litter on the trail!

Be polite to hikers and equestrians! You MUST yield to them, by being nice to them will go a long way.

Yield to riders going uphill if you're going down. It's easier to stop and then get going down again then it is to stop and get started again when going up!

Bring a Friend!

L8R

Tuck and roll...

Stay off the rear brake :)

Got a couple of questions.
My cousin recommended sitting back as I'm going down hill. How far should back should I be? Or is it just a personal prefrence from trial and error?

Also Troie, If I stay off the rear brake won't that flip me over the top of the bike?

As you can see serious newbie.
:p

Thanks for advice so far guys!

I can answer those... Lets do the sitting back thing first. You sit back as far as you need to to. If its a really steep downhill, its not uncommon to hang your back side inches from the rear tire and have the seat touching your chest. This is obviously an extreme example, but if your too far forward on a downhill it is much easier to endo.

As for the breaking in the front flipping you over... The front breaks provide most of your stoping power, the back just makes the rear wheel drag and then as a result slide out. But if you lay on the front break, get your weight back. If your sitting back then you wont endo.

this help at all? You also want to make sure the seat is low enough so you can get behind it if you need to.

A2 basically covered it all. To answer the last points.

On some downhill sections my butt is rubbing the rear tire. I am REALLY THAT far back and down on the bike. It is a weird feeling at first but you get used to it. You are just moving your centre of balance far enough back to not flip over the front :)

Staying off the rear brake stops sliding. While I think front and back are useful beginners tend to overuse the rear say in a 50 50 ratio of front to rear braking. In reality it should be 80 20 with the front being used more. You gain a lot more control over your bike feathering the front brake. There are situations where the rear brake is faster but those techniques should be avoided on regular trails and left for groomed dh runs :)

If you have ever tried braking in sand or soft dirt you will know there is a time when the front brake should be used only very lightly.

Buzzbomb offers good advice. Learning the proper way to fall off a bike my save you a broken wrist, arm, or collarbone.

The most important tip for those who frequent this site: Bring a digital camera, take lots of pictures, post them here!

L8R

im scared to take my new camera on the trail :(

That's what extended warranties are for!

L8R

Originally posted by Tilly1
Any advice for someone like me? Something to the extent of how NOT to get yourself tossed of the bike?


Go that way, really really fast. If something gets in your way... turn.

'better off dead':beer:

Originally posted by soc522
'better off dead':beer:

HAHA! Do you realize the street value of this stuff???:D

I'll make sure to take pics next time. I'm sure you guys would love to see the view of the Rockies that I have only 20 min. away!

Maybe next time I won't come away quite so battered and bruised.
;) Thanks!

Originally posted by troie
Stay off the rear brake :)

On the other habd dont hug the front brake.... id rather go abit slower than go over the handle bars and stop anyways :)

I'll make sure to take pics next time. I'm sure you guys would love to see the view of the Rockies that I have only 20 min. away!

Yes we would!

BTW, I'm from FL, can you explain the term "Rockies", I heard they were "Mountains", but I don't know what those are either? Go figure!

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
I'm from FL, can you explain the term "Rockies", I heard they were "Mountains", but I don't know what those are either? Go figure!

L8R

"Rocky Mountains" Large protrusions coming out of the ground. Reaching up thousands of feet high. Generally made of rock. ;)

Promise I'll have pics next time.

Oh, that explains the term "Mountain Bike". I got it. All this time I though you were talking about a boxer from Philly who can't speak very well.

"Aaaaddrreeeeaaaaaannnnnn".

L8R

:lol: :roflmao:

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Oh, that explains the term "Mountain Bike". I got it. All this time I though you were talking about a boxer from Philly who can't speak very well.

"Aaaaddrreeeeaaaaaannnnnn".

L8R

They both have one thing in common; they will hurt you real bad if you aren't careful...

On some downhill sections my butt is rubbing the rear tire.
I know of someone who had to get a few parts stitched back together doing that.


I'm sure you guys would love to see the view of the Rockies that I have only 20 min. away!
Mmm jealous already. ;)

Don't forget to keep your medical insurance up to date, and it's never to early to find a good orthopedic surgeon.

Originally posted by H. Star
Don't forget to keep your medical insurance up to date, and it's never to early to find a good orthopedic surgeon.

Now you guys are making me nervous to go out and try again! ;)

My knee already look like it's been through the blender.
:)

Naw, it's cool. Most people who get hurt tend to be trying to be faster, or just ride outside their capability envelope. Be realistic about what you can and can't do, if in doubt slow down, and your injuries will be of the minor variety.

Originally posted by Bobatin
I know of someone who had to get a few parts stitched back together doing that.




Yeah I know...I have come close, but it was either that or die...or walk (shudder)

Yeah I know...I have come close, but it was either that or die...or walk (shudder)

That settles it then. Certainly not walking!



:lol:

Originally posted by H. Star
Don't forget to keep your medical insurance up to date, and it's never to early to find a good orthopedic surgeon.

I was told before going up to visit the North Shore area to bring armour, determine where the closest emergency room was from the trail and have the number of a convenient spleen donor preprogrammed into the mobile phone. :D

It's like Mael's signature says, you should do something that scares you once a day. If you do, you are living life to the fullest, but you will become very familiar with the medical system. I don't agree that injuries come from riding outside your ability, as suggested above, you can be injured on a trail you have ridden a 100 times. If you think you will get hurt you will. Your attitude has a lot to do with how things play out. Just ride full out, and if you fall try to shake it off. If you can't shake it off, that's where the medical plan comes in.

Just a few tips that work for me:

Use a quick release lever for your seat post. If you approach a technical looking downhill, lower the seat a couple inches. I find I have much better control when I do this.

Platform pedals allow you to bail easier if you get in trouble.

Look where you want to go. You tend to steer your bike exactly where you are looking. So if you are staring at a big obstacle in the middle of the trail, chances are you will hit it. Look at your escape route instead.

Have fun.

Originally posted by Tilly1
O.k. kids I am more of a roadie...

We have no problem with that. Some points to keep in mind.

1. There are no aircon lounge areas on the trail - which as a roadie you are no doubt use to!

2. You won't find an lbs on the trail. Know your bike and how to fix it.

3. Take your own food and water. You'll have to leave the support cars and road side diners behind you.

4. Encourage and be nice to others on the trail. As a roadie, you are no doubt just another nose-in-the-air type of rider so you have to learn how to chill out and enjoy your riding!

5. Be nice to us. We'll look after you far better than those tarmac-only folk.

6. If you fall, tell us about it. We love to trade bruises and cuts.

7. Welcome to our world.

:D:beer:

Originally posted by H. Star
I don't agree that injuries come from riding outside your ability, as suggested above, you can be injured on a trail you have ridden a 100 times.


Just wanted to set the record straight. I said that injuries happen due to two (2) conditions. 1. Riding outside of ability 2. Riding fast

I'm not suggesting that everyone who has injured themselves while riding were riding outside their capabilities. Equipment failure, changes in trail, all kinds of stuff can cause you to crash, but when that happens to me, I'm usually riding fast. For a newbie offroad my comments are certainly appropriate. Take it easy, and have fun. If in doubt, slow down or walk it. Isn't she in Moab? I've ridden there a few times, and there are sections that you can literally die on. Pushing it to your personal limit is better saved for later, when you have some confidence based on experience. Just my .02.

changes to the trail is the killer for me... last week i almost had to have stitches cos i went down a rocky bank that i have done abvout 3 times b4 perfectly and this time the rocks were really loose and i went over the handle bars and shredded my legs and elbows.... my hands were ok cos i have gloves... na di had my helmet on.... nezxt wants after my new bike are Shin and elbow pads :)

I usually crash the more tired I get. I loose concentration. This is where bringing enough food and water comes into play. Bring some power bars or granola or even a candy bar to help sustain your focus.

Camelbacks are good for this. Also, fill your Camelback bladder about 4/5 of the way full then freeze it! This will provide you with nice cool water for about 1.5 hrs (depending on outside temps), the added benefit, is it will keep a candy bar (Butterfingers are my preference) from melting and becoming a gooy mess.

L8R

Definitley bring equipment to repair you and your bike. The first time I rode hard I popped both of my tubes and didnt have a repair kit. I had to walk about 1/4 of a mile to the trailhead in 100 degree heat. Oh yeah, I was out of water too. Normally my 70oz camelback is enough but it wasnt that day :(

Needless to say I bought a flat repair kit as soon as I got to town. Some other things to consider getting:

Pump
Small First Aid Kit
Chain Tool
Chain Links
Extra Tube

Oh yea, it helps if you take a big crapper before you leave the house. Trust me, youll feel lighter :)

IT's hard to poo on command sometimes, don't u all think? Unless i drink some diarhea stuff lol..but that's just gross. :D Imagine someone taking a dump in the middle of a trail.....:eek: or on the other side of a teeter..and when u go offf...squish...smell.... :crash: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Bokkie
1. There are no aircon lounge areas on the trail - which as a roadie you are no doubt use to!

2. You won't find an lbs on the trail. Know your bike and how to fix it.

3. Take your own food and water. You'll have to leave the support cars and road side diners behind you.

4. Encourage and be nice to others on the trail. As a roadie, you are no doubt just another nose-in-the-air type of rider so you have to learn how to chill out and enjoy your riding!

5. Be nice to us. We'll look after you far better than those tarmac-only folk.

6. If you fall, tell us about it. We love to trade bruises and cuts.

7. Welcome to our world.

:D:beer:


:lol: Ouch! The perception of a roadie, mmmm....... we are not THAT bad are we???

I feel almost as though I'm coming over from the dark side!
:D

Originally posted by AquariaGuy
Imagine someone taking a dump in the middle of a trail.....:eek: or on the other side of a teeter..and when u go offf...squish...smell.... :crash: :rolleyes:

EWWWWW!!!!!!:eek:

Originally posted by Tilly1
:lol: Ouch! The perception of a roadie, mmmm....... we are not THAT bad are we???

I feel almost as though I'm coming over from the dark side!
:D

Not all of you ;)...but there is definately a stigma about some roadies :)

Ouch! The perception of a roadie, mmmm....... we are not THAT bad are we???

I feel almost as though I'm coming over from the dark side!

No, you are coming over TO the dark side!

hhhhrrrrrppptpttt, I am your father TILLY, join me and together we can rule over ALL cyclists! hhrrrpppttttpptt. (In Darth Vader Voice)

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your not my father!!!!!!
(luke Skywater) :p

How many movies can we quote on this one thread???
;) :D


Maelstrom,
What's this stigma that roadies have? Is it like city boy vs. country boy? :)

Yeah, kinda like that!

Roadies tend to get an arrogant rap because it seems that if you're not part of the "IN" group then you're a lesser person. Where Mtn Bikers seems to have a "Yall come on in and let's have a party" mentality!

L8R

Ohhhh!!!! I see! :)

So does that mean I have to choose?
Or can I play on both teams? HAHA! ;)

Well, I do! But consider myself more of a mtn biker. Roadie only when I "must" be!

Actually, a lot of my friends ride both! Just seems that when riding on the road, it's usually a big group ride and there are always a few of "any" group that are jerks. It's just in a group ride, it's confined so you're more likely to be exposed to them.

BTW, I've met my share of Jerk Mtn bikers as well!

L8R

I'm not sure which camp I belong to. Maybe I'm a double-agent. Maybe I'm an alien. I think I consider myself an adventure cyclist although if you tally up my riding time, I've had more years of mountain biking (about 20 years now) than road biking (a little over 2 years now) but a good part of that time with my mountain bikes has also been spent riding them on pavement. I tend to pick a place to go that looks interesting and then determine if I'll want to use my mountain bike or road bike.

Originally posted by Tilly1
Maelstrom,
What's this stigma that roadies have? Is it like city boy vs. country boy? :)

I suppose so. Its more like belonging to a sports team and being in a lesser division. Mtb has it as well but the party attitude of most mtbers seems to relax things. My point of view of roadies is strictly an outside view as I have never been one, so I am really outside the box haha...

Originally posted by Tilly1
Ohhhh!!!! I see! :)

So does that mean I have to choose?
Or can I play on both teams? HAHA! ;)

Talk to fubar about swinging both ways. He has a lot of experience :D

Oooooohhhhhh, I'm telling!

L8R

roadie? wtf is that? :)