New to mountain bike riding/trails...any advice?

Hi I’m Chantay

I would

Try a
gel seat cushion,
A travel pack to fix your tires and tighten spots
A mini air pump
Always wear a helmet-it saved a friend’s life
Research mace for animals-some use bear mace
But if cougars are about see if mace is appropriate
Natural zinc loaded sunscreen is nice
And don’t forget to stay hydrated

On a steep downhill, don't panic and slam on your breaks. Ask me how I know....
Trust your bike and your tires to guide you down the hill.

SuzySunshine99 wrote: »

On a steep downhill, don't panic and slam on your breaks. Ask me how I know....
Trust your bike and your tires to guide you down the hill.

Ha! I've been there too...

On a steep downhill, either drop your seatpost remotely (if it's a dropper post) or undo the clamp. Then get your bottom right down and back to where the tire is almost buzzing your shorts (it actually happens on 29ers sometimes, a gentle bum buzz). If you fall over while crouched with all of your weight to the rear, you fall sideways, you don't go over the handlebars, and it's much less traumatic.

On mixed useage trails, pls slow down and be aware of us poor benighted trail runners.

I recently started riding again after a very long hiatus, on thing that I learned the hard way is that when trying a new trail for the first time, walk it out. Or at the very least when hitting a difficult spot stop and walk it, looking for the easier pass. Figure where the best spots are to break.
I only get to ride once maybe twice a week cause of other obligations (stupid work!) but the more you ride the better you will get at it.
There are some places in my area that offer classes on riding, general maintenance and repairs, I plan to take those myself and would recommend looking in to that in your area.
I haven't read all the above post but do plan to, however I did notice one person said to be aware of runners on the trails. Great point as all the trails in my area are dual purpose trails. My worse run in was with a dog that apparently does not like wheels.
Here's a good link that I was turned on to:
https://www.mtbproject.com/

Good luck and have fun.

jjpptt2 wrote: »

The basics - have fun, wear a helmet, be considerate of other people on the trails.

Beyond that - look down the trail, don't get too focused on what is immediately in front of you... Keep your weight on the pedals when things get rough, not on the saddle and definitely not on the handlebars.

Your local bike shop(s) and/or local riding club can be great resources for trail difficulty, trail conditions, tips, group rides, etc.

To the bolded, it is generally recommended to look 5-10 feet in front of you. If you focus right in front of your tire, you are more likely to fall/get stuck.

Don't ride shirtless. Seriously, so many people in my area road and mountain bike shirtless which is a great way to get road rash when you crash.

Learn the proper call outs around other people - on your left, bike behind, X# behind me, etc.

Have fun!

First off, I stand in awe. 118lbs! It's been a prolonged process for me to lose and keep off about 75 and I could go another 50.

Cycling is a big component of the program for me. I do about 50/50 on-road/off-road and most of my trails are improved singletrack, fire roads, rail trails. At age 65yo with some issues, I'm not feeling the need for certain kinds of riding. That being said, handling yourself well on the trail and varied terrain is always a good skill. Take it at your speed, and speed of development. Find folks (local shop, meetup group, park program, whatever) that you can hook up with and pick up the sport with others. Here in NJ, in addition to the above, REI has some intro to mountain biking classes that might do it for you. I'd also learn to do some basic trailside maintenance (including flat fixing), as mountain biking can be hard on your gear and you don't want to be stuck in the boonies somewhere when a little fixit knowledge would get you home. I won't recommend any specific gear or components or things without knowing you or your goals.

This is my third year of cycling again after decades away. it has taken me time to develop, improve my range and capabilities, and refine my interests. At first, just getting out was a big deal. Now I am moving towards multiday trail excursions this year. Probably not camping, looking at lodging along the way. PA, MD and Ontario, places I travel to frequently, have some itineraries like this. My "bucket list" for cycling includes Glacier National Park, Hawaii Volcano Coast and something in the Southwest (UT or AZ). So, my best advice, is follow your heart and you'll get pedaling to where you want to be/do/go.

Good luck!

NorthCascades wrote: »

jjpptt2 wrote: »

The basics - have fun, wear a helmet, be considerate of other people on the trails.

Beyond that - look down the trail, don't get too focused on what is immediately in front of you... Keep your weight on the pedals when things get rough, not on the saddle and definitely not on the handlebars.

Your local bike shop(s) and/or local riding club can be great resources for trail difficulty, trail conditions, tips, group rides, etc.

This is really important. Thanks @jjpptt2 for bringing it up.

Where I live there aren't all that many trails that allow mountain bikes (or any kind of bikes). Being known for politeness is how you keep access to the trails you have.

Yep. My husband always says this is also how you get people to be willing to help if you crash or are in trouble. I generally want to believe that people will help regardless. But I have to admit that a couple weeks ago we would not have had our hearts into helping two guys on mountain bikes who nearly ran over our toddler on the trail with no heads up, then later rode against traffic in the middle of the paved street with a bike lane, before running three stop signs.

Most of this advice is great! My take:
-Do not get a gel seat on any bike, especially a mountain bike. The saddles are well designed for the sport of cycling.
-Put a bell or other identifier to notify other riders/trail users if you're coming around a blind switchback or descent, especially if you can go multiple directions on the trail. I crashed into another rider when we were each coming down a blind hill. Thankfully neither of us or our bikes.
-Get involved with your local bike scene.