Mountain biking tips for beginners

Have you always wanted to head out on a mountain bike but don’t know where to start? With the expanse of trails throughout Hampshire, particularly at Tile Barn Outdoor Centre, it’s a great place to try a new hobby.

Here are some things to consider as you head out on your first ride.

Protect your head

An important part of mountain biking is keeping yourself safe. As part of this, you should protect your head, neck, and face. So, make sure to always wear a helmet.

Remember to replace your helmet every few years or after a bad crash. This is because wear and tear that occurs over time and use will make it less protective.

Pick a trail

These are the colour codes for each trail type:

• Green – easy
• Blue - moderate
• Red - difficult
• Black – severe
• Double-black – extreme

When you’re starting out, begin with green or blue trails . When you’re more experienced and confident, you can progress to more difficult trails. Trailforks.com and Visit Hampshire have great resources that will help you find the best route for you.

Take a lesson

The best way to learn is to get help from more experienced mountain bikers. So ask a friend to show you the ropes or take a lesson from trained instructors. Getting advice and support from people who know what they’re doing means they’ll be able to talk you through any problems or obstacles. Instructors will be able to give you safety tips and teach you the proper technique.

Riding with people who have more experience than you is also a great way to build your confidence. Seeing someone clear an obstacle or feature, and being able to ask them how they did it, will help you improve.

Look where you want to go

While it’s sensible to be aware of hazards that are coming up, the direction you’re facing will guide your bike. Where possible, keep your eyes ahead, your shoulders facing forward, and look where you want to go. This will set up your body position up to follow your route.

Have a look at the image below for an example.

Shift gears early

When you’re first getting started, remember to shift gears before the terrain changes, especially when cycling on hills. It’s best to change into a low gear before you feel the incline, rather than waiting until you feel it. When you’re going down a hill, shift to a higher gear. Keep pedalling as you shift but try not to push too hard or stop pedalling completely. This might mean that your bike’s chain skips or falls off.

Keep your feet heavy and hands light

It might feel unsafe not to hold tightly onto your bike’s handlebars but keep your hands light. Cycle mainly with your feet by leaning your weight into them. By doing this your technique will improve and your balance and control will get better.

It’s okay to walk

There’s nothing wrong with deciding to wheel or hike (picking it up and carrying it) your bike. If you find yourself in an area of a trail where you don’t feel confident or comfortable to continue, it’s safer to get off your bike and walk. This might be because the terrain is too steep or technical, or you just don’t feel safe. Your confidence might also change from day to day, so it’s important to check in with how you’re feeling as you ride.