pedals are a way of life

Mountain bike cycling is one of the most exhilarating and accessible types of cycling available. It is great for fitness and it takes you away from traffic and daily noise and grind, so you can really enjoy the adrenaline rush. Mountain bike cycling is done off-road, which means anywhere from country parks that allow bikes, to local bridleways and specific cycle trails, to more challenging technical trails around the country.

“Mountain bike cycling is one of the most exhilarating and accessible types of cycling available.”

If you’re new to mountain bike cycling it’s important to build your skills up gradually before attempting difficult technical trails. Most mountain bike riders learn their skills through practice and watching other, more experienced riders. You can also get books and DVDs to help you, but the most important thing is to get out there on your bike and have a go.

So before you can start practicing you need to get yourself a mountain bike, and which one do you choose? There are many different types of bikes available, varying massively in price and style. If you’re just starting out it’s advisable to go for a cheaper model until you build your skills up and decide what you enjoy the most. As a basic rule to follow when choosing your first bike, any with wide tyres are the most suitable for off-roading.

For more information on how to choose a mountain bike have a look at some of the other articles on this website.

Once you have your bike you’ve got to decide what to wear. Generally mountain bikers go for a more casual look than road cyclists, such as baggy shorts. Specialist mountain bike shorts look like ordinary shorts but they’ve got a padded lining in the seat of the pants to keep you comfortable when riding.

There are several vitally important bits of kit that it is necessary to wear at all times, regardless of the weather, and these are gloves, glasses and a helmet. These are all safety items to help protect you against flying mud and grit, low hanging branches and thorny bushes, and falls. You will probably experience a few minor falls as these are generally part and parcel of mountain bike cycling but if you’re wearing the right clothing and protective equipment you’ll only suffer minor grazes and bruises.

For more detailed information on what to wear read the article on Cycle Clothing, as this discusses clothing and safety gear.

When you’re all kitted out you’ll need to think about where to go mountain bike cycling. You can get loads of guides to local areas either on the internet or from good bookshops and bike shops.  Tourist information centres also have lots of invaluable information, such as where you can ride locally. There are even specialist mountain bike centres around the country, run by the Forestry Commission, with purpose built and marked trails, graded for varying abilities.

And lastly but certainly not least important is to remember to always carry a tool kit or a multi-tool with you in case of breakdowns. You must also carry a spare inner tube, pump and puncture repair kit, and check that your mini tool kit or multi-tool includes a tyre lever incase you need to get a tyre off. Before you set off anywhere check all the tools at home, and make sure you know how to use them! Some knowledge of basic mountain bike maintenance is essential.

Right, it looks like you’re ready to go mountain bike cycling, but if you need more detailed information on any aspect of it have a look around this site or click on any of the links to take you to other useful mountain bike sites.