| Mountain bike cycling is probably the most accessible | | | | comfort when riding. |
| sort of cycling available, and definitely the most | | | | Most importantly, there are several critical bits of kit |
| exciting by far. It is superb for fitness and it takes | | | | that are important to wear at all times, irrespective |
| you away from traffic and all the usual daily stresses | | | | of the weather, and these are a helmet, glasses, and |
| of life. Anyone can do it, to a level that suits the | | | | gloves. These safety items are to help protect you |
| individual, and everyone can enjoy the adrenaline rush | | | | against flying mud and stones, low hanging branches, |
| it provides. | | | | troublesome bushes, and falling off your bike. |
| Mountain bike cycling is done off-road, that means | | | | You will doubtless experience some minor falls as |
| anywhere from country parks that permit bikes, to | | | | these are part of the fun of mountain bike cycling |
| local bridleways and allocated cycle trails, to tougher | | | | but if you are wearing the right protective clothing |
| technical trails around the world. Be aware though, if | | | | you should only suffer minor bruises and grazes. |
| you are new to mountain bike cycling it is important | | | | When you have all the relevant kit you will need to |
| to build up your skills before tackling tough technical | | | | decide where to go mountain bike cycling. You can |
| trails. | | | | get many guides to local areas either on the web or |
| Most mountain bike riders learn their skills through | | | | from bookshops or some bike shops. Visitor |
| practice over time and sometimes watching more | | | | information centres also have tons of useful |
| experienced riders. You could also get books and | | | | information, for example where you can ride locally at |
| DVDs to help, but the best thing to do is to get out | | | | a level to suit your ability. There are even specialist |
| on your bike and practice. | | | | mountain bike centres run by the Forestry |
| Before you can start practicing you obviously need a | | | | Commission, with marked trails that are graded for |
| mountain bike, so deciding which one should you get | | | | different abilities. |
| is the first task. There are numerous different sorts | | | | One other really important thing to remember before |
| of bikes available, varying widely in price and style. If | | | | you set off on your bike is to always take a mini |
| you are just starting it's a good idea to go for a less | | | | tool kit or a multi-tool with you, in the event of |
| expensive model until you gain experience and decide | | | | breakdowns. You should also carry a puncture repair |
| where you like riding the most. | | | | kit, a spare inner tube, and a pump. |
| When you have your mountain bike you need | | | | After all that preparation you will be ready to go |
| something suitable to wear when out riding it. | | | | mountain bike cycling, but some basic knowledge of |
| Mountain bikers tend to go for a more casual look | | | | mountain bike maintenance would also be a big |
| than road cyclists, for example they often wear | | | | advantage to keep you safe and help you to push |
| baggy shorts. Proper mountain bike shorts look like | | | | yourself to the limit. The most important thing of all is |
| normal shorts but they've got a padded lining for | | | | to really enjoy the buzz. |