Gimpie7

I have been talking about getting a bike for a while and I finally broke down and bought it today. I ended settling on a Bianchi MUSS. Incredibly smooth bike and it just seemed to fit so good. But tommrow is the the first real test. I ride my first trail. I'm incredibly anxious to get out there. I just can't wait. But I am looking for a little advice on techniques, what to bring, etc. Ohh yeah I will be going with a group of guys who are very expierenced, so I'm ready to get my ass handed to me.

croscoe

Look down the trail as you ride. Don't focus on the tree you're trying to avoid or you'll hit it. It's called target "ak-wi-si-tion" or something like that. You may want to take some stuff to snack on and some bits to fix a flat tire. Drink plenty of water even if you're not thirsty to combat dehydration. Good luck, and have fun.

mlh122

Remember, the front guy eats spiders, the last guy eats farts (i ride with some gassy dudes). Don't tail the guy in front of you too close or you might not see obstacles. Try to carry enough stuff so if you get seperated you can find your way back to the car or back to some kind of civilation (map, gps, cell phone, etc...).

junkyard

band aids, gauze, splint.

roccobike

If the group you're riding with are REALLY experienced and really good riders, they won't kick you, they'll help you and make it an enjoyable ride so you'll want to come back. IMHO, only a weenie kicks a newbie's butt.

Gimpie7

No I'm not worried about them leaving me and pointing and laughing. These are good friends that I go rock climbing with. I just know me and i will try to keep up the best I can and probably push it too far.

Also thanks for the advice guys. Hopefully we don't get rained out. It's looking pretty dark outside, so we'll see what happens.

seosamh

go as fast as you can and don't be scared to crash! seriously like!

junkyard

Or... realize your limits and stay within them since there is plenty of time to grow as a mountain biker.

seosamh

as fast as you can is your limit...i also think a few crashes do you the world of good as a mtber..how can you know your limit if you don't test it?

also look well ahead of you so you know what is coming and avoid a nasty surprise, basically don't concentate on your front wheel all the time..

junkyard

I agree, I'm just saying that ride #1 may be a better time to get his (her) feet under him (her) rather than testing his (her) limits.

seosamh

i prefer the whole throw them in at the deep end approach to be honest, my mate was new to mtbing about 6 months ago and i also rode just that little bit faster than him as he was following me so he was pushing his limits trying to keep up, he had a few crashes, and it wasn't very long before his confidence and ability grew from that, there's loads of different ways to approach it really, so no way is wrong..not that i'm a demon on the bike or anything, to be giving out such advice, i just reckon pushing it is a better way to learn...each to ther own tho...

junkyard

If you're implying that I don't push, that is incorrect. I believe exactly what you are saying. On my second ride, I was handed clipless pedals and told to keep up. I did and it helped greatly. I still practice skills that I feel I am weak on or ride and re-ride sections of trail that I find difficult or sketchy. However, on a person's first ride, they are getting acclimated to their surroundings, the obstacles on a trail, how a bike reacts on loose terrain, etc. If I bring a friend out for the first time, I try to give them a good experience rather than take a sink-or-swim approach. I want them to enjoy it so they'll come out again. Once they are hooked, then I start pushing them.

seosamh

fair do's as i say each to their own i wasn't implying anything...

fifthcircle

WEAR A HELMET, the rest you will figure out eventually.

BTW: When you look at a tree and then run into it is called Target Fixation. Happens to people on motorcycles and in cars just the same.

dmaxwell

If I was going to give any advice to someone on their first trail ride, it would say don't give up on a sketchy situation. You will be surprised what you can ride out, no matter how wild it seems at the time...but if you decide that you're going to eat it and give up then it's over regardless if you could have made it or not.

Gimpie7

Well guys I really did it. I made through with a couple of bumps and bruises and a smile that won't go away. I think I did fairly well consisdering this was my first ride and I'm on a SS. I was able to keep up on the uphills until I ran out of steam. I was getting smoked on the downhills and in the more technical spots but, an overall great day of fun. Now I need to build up some lung capacity and edurence as this was only a 4.5 mile loop. But that comes in its due time. Ohh yeah the bike preformed great and I can't wait to go again (which is Thursday woot woot).

Nickds7

You will pick up strength to carry on longer very quickly.. I finished a 40 mile trip recently... It was a tough trip that I couldn't of made a few months ago..