Mountain Biking - Lovin' It

I am sure you guys get sick of noobs on here...even so I just had to share my joy:). Today I took my new Trek 4900 on the trail to Dog Lake here in Salt Lake City. I went with a really experienced rider and a couple of other people. It was freakin' awesome. I wiped out twice(once over the handlebars...trial by fire I guess), but no bad injuries to speak of, though my spiffy new bike is a bit scratched up. Anyway, can't believe I waited this long to get into this sport, especially living here in Utah. It is by far the most exhilirating and enjoyable way to get some exercise I have ever experienced. I am not just saying that.

I have a couple of questions. When going downhill and a high rate of speed...where do you guys usually look? I kept finding myself picking the wrong line and hitting all the bumps instead of going around them...it was kind of funny. However, I didn't want to drop my eyes too long from what was ahead to find a line near my front wheel. How much front and rear brake do you use? Is it mostly front or mostly rear? I am sure it probably changes given the situation...and I AM getting a feel for it...I just want to hear anyone's opinions and why.

Glad you are in it. And a great way to warm up to us is with stories of rides. Noobs are fine but posts about rides are awesome.

Looking ahead is based on speed. Slow speeds a few feet, the faster I go the further I look. Its all relative.

Front 80% rear 20%. Learn to modulate/ feather. It is the key to good braking. Also never brake in a turn, brake before the turn and then let the bike go.

Thanks for the advice. Braking in a turn would explain why the rear-end slipped out from under me in that turn on the way back down the mountain...that was good for a decent road burn(we were on asphalt)...still felt good though...in a sick sadistic sort of way. Anyway, the 80-20 thing makes sense, and the feathering technique is coming...I was catching on at the end of the ride. The FEEL is great...and I am starting to get it. I think part of it is having a bike that feels good to ride. I have heard you guys say that over and over...its darn good advice. Anyway, thanks.

I like you :) Your first post is a story of fun, and excitement.. Not one of "why is my bike keep breaking?"


Btw, excellent post on your ride. Glad you're here! Enjoy!

-Matt

Noobs with stories are always appreciated.

But,........





















we NEED PICTURES!!!!!!

L8R

Xtreme,

There are 3 kinds of people in this world, those who can count, those who can't and those who just won't let people go.


Sooner or later, you have to get on pavement! Is your city made out of trails? I don't think so!

FWI, Hooly,

I don't and NEVER will live within 30 milies of a "city".....

You just don't understand country living.... Sorry.

I like you :) Your first post is a story of fun, and excitement.. Not one of "why is my bike keep breaking?"


Btw, excellent post on your ride. Glad you're here! Enjoy!

-Matt
:p :D :p :D That made me laugh. Yeah what Mael said, except I think of it more like 75% front 25% Rear. Too many people think it's all rear brake. That ruins trails. Then you need to use common with the brakes. Don't grab a handfull of front brake on something very steep our you'll get a facefull or dirt/mud/rocks. NOT FUN. Modulate the brakes. Takes practice to get it perfect. But it makes the ride a lot more fun.

Just look 20ft in front of you and look at the smooth section and block out the bumps... you ALWAYS go where you look. If you focus on the rough you will invariably hit it.