| Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be | | | | will help you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, |
| enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. | | | | its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than |
| Compared to the average bike ride, it does present | | | | while your on it. |
| some danger. Therefore, you should master these | | | | Coasting You should spend a bit of time coasting |
| basic skills before you hit the trails or the dirt. | | | | while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting |
| You can practice these beginning skills at a local park, | | | | on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don't lock your |
| school, bike path, or simply around your house. If you | | | | knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting your |
| can, try to find a location with a steep hill. | | | | body towards the rear end of the bike. |
| Get a feel for your pedals Practice moving your foot | | | | Pedal while standing You should get as comfortable |
| away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike | | | | as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. |
| with one foot on the ground. Next, move on to | | | | Try lifting yourself off the seat while standing on the |
| releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling | | | | pedals, then crank them around. You should try this in |
| around for a bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type | | | | higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears |
| foot pedals will want to spend a bit more time | | | | while on a hill. |
| practicing. | | | | Dropping down a curb Try finding a curb where you |
| Sit and spin for position Simply sit on your bike and | | | | can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a |
| pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly | | | | moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the |
| bent. You should also adjust your seat height so your | | | | curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this |
| leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of | | | | at different speeds until it becomes second nature. |
| every stroke on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, | | | | Once you practice these techniques and get the |
| as there will never be a position where you should | | | | hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling |
| have either your knees or your elbows locked. | | | | comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it |
| Shifting gears Get a feel for shifting gears with your | | | | may take some getting used to, it'll become second |
| bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go | | | | nature before you know it. |
| faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and | | | | |