Thinking about trying mountain biking

[emily_in_nc]

Lots of good advice here! As a roadie who has dabbled in mountain biking a bit, I can say that you've already received some great advice. I will add one thing: it's always a good idea for a novice MTBer to ride with others (or one other) who has more experience. It really helps to watch what others do and follow their lines, and you'll get more advice from them as well. Using your roadie skills is not always what's needed; you'll need to be out of the saddle more and paying even more attention to what is in front of you (roots, rocks, etc.) than on a smooth road.

I am a pretty wimpy MTBer and will only ride easy single-track trails, but gravel roads and double-track trails can be lots of fun too.k Just don't forget that you can spin out and wipe out in loose sand and gravel even with the fatter tires of a MTB, so be careful out there and, like others have said, don't be afraid to walk, or even just put a foot down, assess the situation, and maybe start up again. It's also fine to "redo" a section you want to "get" if you are having a tough time with it; for example, a switchback. If you fail the first or first ten times, just go back and try it again. Practice, practice, practice. And don't forget that your low gears are your friends. There's a reason that MTBs have smaller rings up front and larger in the back! I know not using the granny gear is often a point of honor among roadies, but there's no reason to feel that way on a trail. Use granny whenever the trail goes up, is my philosophy. You'll lose momentum a lot faster than on the road, so you have to use your gears.

I would also recommend starting without clipless pedals. You'll have more confidence knowing you can put a foot down to stop a fall really fast. I didn't do this when I got my first MTB, but wish I had!

[Catrin]

I agree about starting with platform pedals, as far as I was concerned I was happy with them and never even considered moving on to being clipped in on my mountain bike, at least not for the rather short duration of my mtb riding.

I DO, however, strongly recommend a mountain bike helmet due to the extra protection in the back, just go out and get one. Do fall in love with the lower gears on the mtb, and don't be in a rush to race down the trails - enjoy the learning process and if you can find a women's mtb clinic I highly recommend them!

[north woods gal]

All really great points and advice.

Here's another tip. One of the hardest things for a cautious type like me to learn when riding trails was that on some of the harder trails, you have to ride aggressively and really attack them just to make it through them without having to walk the bike. This is especially true on trails with lots of rapid and steep elevation changes. This kind of riding requires a lot of fast shifting and knowing your bike. You'll also find that it will take more leg strength than road biking for the instant bursts of speed needed. This is the one place where I think guys have the advantage over us. As always, though, we gals can do, so I work hard to keep in trail shape.

Now, all this is very much down the road if you're new to technical trail work and nothing to stress over until you try your hand at the harder trails. I mention it because once you've nailed a gnarly section of trail, the sense of accomplishment is exhilarating. It's what keeps me going back for more. Very addictive.

[Crankin]

I never got there. I was just always waiting for something to happen. Something bad. Ten years later, I could probably handle it better, but, I still don't get how some can do that stuff!

[Dragonfly5]

Thanks for all of the great advice and links ladies. The LBS has had a couple of clinics for mountain biking and do some no drop rides as well as the local group of ladies who I think would be really supportive and fun. They also take weekend trips to VT and ride there but I think that will be out of my league for a while. I'm going to try it, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

[north woods gal]

Good for you! We're here for you if you have questions.

[Sky King]

A bit random, but the terms Mountain Bike and Road Bike now encompass so many different bikes - I've started referring to my bikes as pavement bike and non-pavement bike - HA. Of course I have been known to ride my "pavement bike" on many a non-pavement road and path. Enjoy trying out a new way of biking for you.