New to Mtn. Biking

[bcipam]

Key issues - (1) speed is your friend not your enemy. Most of my worst crashes happened because I was going too slow. Now I'm not talking a gadzillion miles an hour but you should be moving smartly forward. (2) Also keep a light hand on the bars - not too tight. Need to be able to flexibly control your direction. (3) Also, I tend to be off the back of the saddle as opposed to forward, light touch on the bars and the front wheel should go over most obstacles like branches and logs. The toughest thing is to learn to trust your bike. It really can go over most anything if you let it. (4) Make sure as mention that tire pressure is correct. I generally run my 2.2's between 35 - 40 psi. My 2.3's at 30 - 35. (5) Also I like pedal with a platform so if things get alittle iffy and I ride unhooked and able to bail quicker. (6) And most important - learn to fall correctly. Need to keep arms and legs tucked in even though your head will tell you to put your arms and legs out. Don't - they will get broken! Once you learn to fall correctly you are less likely to be hurt seriously.

I love mountain biking... nothing brings me back to childhood quicker!

PS: I do ride alone alot (like tonight I plan on going out) but I always let a friend know where I am going and I do wear a Road ID. I don't tackle any difficult or serious terrain if riding alone. I leave that for group rides.

And falls happen even for the expereinced. I had a bad fall Saturday - too embarassed to tell you all how it happened.... just know it is part of the sport so learn to fall correctly!