Go Biking
Why Mountain Biking?
Late in the afternoon one day, on a recent business trip to London and protected as I was by the taxis metallic shell, I found myself mentally commending those commuters risking, as it seemed to me, life and limb cycling their way back home. Cycling is a great activity for body and soul, but for me theres a much better way to do it - Go Biking…Go Mountain Biking!
Imagine the scene. Before you, a beguiling pinewood forest trail on a sun-kissed summer morning. Below you, and in the distance, cotton-wool mist rises from a beautiful shimmering lake. You and your bike moving effortlessly onward; twisting and turning, controlling and contouring as you cut through the cool breeze. Around every bend and corner a new inspiring vista. Each turn of the wheel taking you further along your journey of exhilaration and enjoyment. Mountain biking- its gripping stuff!
Whats your memory like? I ask because almost all my friends can recall happy childhood memories of their bike. Thats the point: enjoyment. The uninhibited joy, confidence and freedom of riding ones first bike is the same that every mountain biker experiences. Time you had a go? Lets get you started - lets go biking!
Where Are UK Mountain Biking Trails?
No matter where you live, a bit of research will quickly identify some wonderful mountain biking routes to cater for all levels of fitness and experience. A good starting point is the Forestry Commission. (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/cycling) They offer a wide array of marked Mountain Bike (MTB) trails, many of which have good facilities and amenities for visitors.
If you soon get tempted to travel further a field then check out mountain biking in Wales and Scotland. (Wales Mountain Biking Tracks) (Scotland Mountain Biking Tracks)
There are plenty of MTB magazines to read. Many are quite specialist, but Mountain Bike Rider magazine offers a good mix of equipment and route reviews and you can start to pick up the lingo!
I mentioned earlier that one of the great joys of mountain biking is the shared experience. Going biking with a friend or partner has a real practical safety benefit, but it can make the biking experience so much more fun. Try taking it in turns to set a route or to navigate to a particular point on your map, and if you enjoy the navigation aspect, why not consider entering one of the many mountain-bike orienteering events that are on offer? Youll find details of events and much, much more at this excellent resource for mountain bikers: http://www.britishtrails.co.uk.
Before we get too carried away, lets not forget that cycling is a great family activity too, and that even a quick tour around the local park is a good source of fitness and fun. Once everyone is more confident and competent on their bikes, then why not think about loading the bikes on the train and going for longer rides in forests, alongside canals and rivers or through picturesque villages? Also, cycling offers a good alternative form of transport to the car. Commuting to work aside, bicycles are also great for short trips to the local shops or general use when getting out and about.
How Do I Start Mountain Biking?
You need to find a partner and not a two-legged type, although more about the shared enjoyment of the activity later. No, were talking your mountain bike. How do you choose? What type of bike? How much should you pay? Firstly, I would recommend you visit a specialist mountain bike retailer and start to get an appreciation of the range or bikes and products on offer. Dont underestimate the wear and tear that off-road biking puts on your bike and avoid any false economies when it comes to your purchase. For your first bike, with a good specification, expect to pay in the region of £600. Go for disc brakes as these will perform well in all conditions no matter how wet or muddy it gets. In comparison with v brakes, discs offer better control and safety.
Check out the weight of your bike and, if you cannot decide between two similar bikes, I recommend opting for the lighter one - youll appreciate it once you are out on those tracks and trails, which, of course, will have plenty of humps, bumps and hollows. This is when the bikes suspension system will be the shocking news you do want to read about. Bikes with full suspension systems (front and back wheels) tend to be more expensive, and when starting out you can easily cope with just front suspension.
When it comes to the pedals, avoid the temptation to go for the professional approach with clipless pedals. Whilst they are the most efficient when it comes to pedalling, beginners may appreciate the freedom of basic platform pedals because you will inevitably lose your balance before your mountain biking skills really develop. Putting it more simply - if the bike begins to fall, youll appreciate being able to jump off!
Comfort is important too. Sit on several bikes and ensure that your seating position is expertly adjusted for your height and that the handlebars are comfortable too. Sometimes they are straight, but consider Riser Bars- theyre ones that, wait for it, rise up! You might find that this style eases the pressure on your back.
Now that you have you bike you are almost ready to get out on the trails, but there is another essential purchase that is, in many respects, as important as your bike. Its your helmet, and you must wear it…every time and everywhere you go biking. Bike helmets have saved thousands of lives. Helmets are lightweight and comfortable, and a good fitting helmet is one that offers a snug fit before securing it with the straps. Putting one on in a shop for the first time will inevitably feel strange, but make sure you seek the assistance and advice of the shop staff to ensure you have the right style and size for you.
Gloves are also a must have and no mountain bikers kit bag is complete without a lightweight wind / rainproof jacket, which, of course, can easily fit into a biking backpack. Many cycling packs will also feature internal hydration bladders that allow you to hydrate whilst on the move. CamelBak, for example, offer a great range of packs that offer storage for both water and general kit. Finally, dont worry if you feel a little self-conscious when you find yourself eyeing up some eyewear. Sure, there maybe some of you that want to hit the right fashion tone out there in the forest, but think function, not fashion! Its not fun getting mud, grit and worse in your eyes when biking at speed, and its not safe either. A pair of protective glasses should be on your shopping list sooner rather than later.
All Year, All Weather Fun!
Without a doubt, mountain biking is a sport that can be undertaken throughout the year - it just depends on how hardy you are or how much you love mud! If youre properly attired, fully prepared and up for it, then the weather can only add to the enjoyment of a day in the saddle. Nothing feels better than a hot shower after a tiring winter ride. For most of us, the appeal of biking is the fresh air and independence it offers, making it an ideal sport for the summer, and this is the perfect time of year to start - not least because the trails will tend to be drier and easier to negotiate. However, Im fairly confident that after a full summer of experiencing the thrill of mountain biking, you wont be letting a little thing like winter get in the way of your riding!
Tempted? You should be. Inspired and exhilarated? You will be. Just think of a childs face when he or she gets their first bike - its time to unlock that inner child within you…Go Biking…Go Mountain Biking!
WHO?
With 20 years background in Sports Marketing, outdoor sports enthusiast Paul has competed and mixed with many of the U.Ks top athletes since the eighties. It was during his successful career with sportswear brand adidas that he first met Keith Anderson and where the seeds of TrailPlus were first sown. Now Keith spends his time managing the TrailPlus business from their Peak District base in Derbyshire.