Evershay23

hello, I have been searching through this forum alot learning lots of great information you guys know about. I just got my first real mountain bike last week, it is a Specialized hardrock 29er disc. I live 10 min away from local biking trails that are pretty nice. and 30 min away from other trails that are more hill intensive. My question is how should i begin to train this summer (i have no road bike yet )if my goals are to get in shape, and hopefully race in a non competitive race for the experience? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

dminor 

Ride your bike.

catonec 

+1

this sounds like a smart-ass answer but really its not.

starting from 0, riding your bike is the best way to build strength and endurance.

Start small if you have to. go for short rides every day or every other day. gradually increase the distance/time that you ride.

Dont concern yourself with speed or total miles ridden (yet). focus on even breathing, smooth pedal strokes, and learn how to use your gears properly.

Remember, longer rides take you farther away from home. you may even find yourself miles from even a gas station (if your lucky enough to have rural areas nearby). My point being if your bike breaks down its a long walk home. you should invest in a seat bag, tools, & travel pump.

If you are not familiar with "basic" bicycle repair now is the time to learn. Before you are stranded roadside and forced to walk.

By the way, congrats on your new ride. Yes road bikes are optimized for asphalt riding but you can do a lot with that 29'er, no need to rush out and get a roadie immediately. start researching and saving cash, in a few months if you're still into riding more than trails then we'll talk again. You can get a new "decent" roadie for around $800 but $1500 gives you many, many, more quality options.

Evershay23

Thank you guys for the help. I was just wondering because i have read alot about people going on serious bike training plans. But, i will ride it as much as possible, is there any specific time where i should look more into using an actual plan? or is my first year all about getting used to my bike?

dminor 

^^ This. The off-season (assuming you may experience winter wherever you are) is the time to "tune yourself up" fitness-wise with spinning or road riding or running or all of the above.