This just plain looks like FUN

[Catrin]

Here are two 10-minute long videos of single-track in Brown County State Park, about an hour south of me. I would LOVE to try this someday....

Hesitation Point Downhill

Schooner Trace Trail

I am SO far from even trying beginner mountain biking

I do hike these same trails when I go to this park, and that is fun, but to be able to bike them looks like even more fun

[sarahspins]

How funny.. I was just watching a bunch of single track videos my sister linked me to. It DOES look like fun

[hebe]

I want to do that!

[Becky]

It IS fun

You should try it....

[Catrin]

It IS fun

You should try it....

I intend to...when I have more skills and a mountain bike. I am starting to seriously consider making my NEXT bike an mountain bike and waiting on the custom light-weight steel road bike. Time will tell.

What skills are the primary difference between road and mountain biking - balance? It seems to me that it requires more strength. Of course there is the obvious such as being able to go over obstacles - but what do you need to get to that point?

[crazycanuck]

Core strength is one of the main things. Being able to focus for long periods of time and pick a good line are a few more...

Have a peek around the threads in this section & you'll learn quite a bit more.

There's also www.mtbr.com

[crazycanuck]

Here are some trail snaps from some aussie areas

http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/vi...hp?f=5&t=29831

"Relentless blue" is here in the South West area of Western Australia..it's awwweeesome but hard. (helps if i post the right link...) http://www.hucktoflat.com/htf/smf/in...ic,2870.0.html

http://www.trailtalk.com.au/forum/to...280Comment6088

[limewave]

One of these days I'm hoping to make it to Brown County. I hear its a lot of fun.

[Irulan]

I intend to...when I have more skills and a mountain bike. I am starting to seriously consider making my NEXT bike an mountain bike and waiting on the custom light-weight steel road bike. Time will tell.

What skills are the primary difference between road and mountain biking - balance? It seems to me that it requires more strength. Of course there is the obvious such as being able to go over obstacles - but what do you need to get to that point?

Instead of core, I'd say it's understanding dynamic riding and the attack position. That is, you use your body with the bike. You don't just sit and pedal- you move around a lot. You should be out of the saddle a lot, whether it is to help the bike suspension, to counter balance, prepare to go over an obstacle etc.

Look for your local club to offer a skills clinic. There is a definite basic skill set that is easy to learn that really makes a difference.

I.

[snowroo]

Ditto what irulan said.

depends on the kind of track you run. I found I had to work on power initially. I just couldn't get up the hills.

Then I learned there's a lot of technique to it. You don't sit so much. There's a lot of moving your bike around and you moving around your bike.

Best thing to do is just DO. You get power by doing more hills. You get better balance by time on bike. You steer by leaning your bike rather than turning the bars. Scootch your bum forward and pull up on the bars to get up the hills. Scootch your bum back to go down hills. Look Ahead where you want to go (not down).

Clinics are great. They really help

Take your time. Have fun!

[kimikaw]

I am just beginning to try single track/mountain biking, like you lured by videos and pictures. Love it. Love how it feels different than road - not just the scenery, but the connection with the bike. Like the others mentioned quite different learning when to stand and pedal or Stand to go over obstacles. Using body shifts, forward, back, to turn Great fun. Need many much more skill, but can't wait to do more!

And of course, it makes me want another bike........

[kimikaw]

Oh and I second (3rd??) the recommendation of a clinic. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one given by the Trek women's demo team....and use one of their bikes. Liked the women only aspect as took out a lot of the intimidation. And the bike (a FuelEX8) was pretty sweet! Much better bike than I would probably ever rideon my own.

While I know I want a "real" MTB bike, I want to try out a few before I take the plunge. 26 vs 29, hard tail vs full suspension etc.

I did a blog post on the clinic. If you can't find from the link below (titled time to try something new or similar) I can get a direct link if you're interested.