How to Prepare for Your First Mountain Bike Tour - Blog - Macedonian Honey

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How to Prepare for Your First Mountain Bike Tour

Published by in 02. Cycling · 3/2/2016 13:15:00
Tags: trail, mountain, bike, brake, repair, gear

Mountain Biking is Better for your Health- Not sharing your ride with CO2-emitting vehicles is a lot better for your lungs. Also mountain bike trails often take you to remote, peaceful places, where you can commune with nature, meditate, and enjoy the great outdoors.

History

One of the first examples of bicycles modified specifically for off-road use is the expedition of Buffalo Soldiers from Missoula, Montana toYellowstone in August 1896.

Excercises

You don't have to be a pro to get into mountain biking, but you can't just jump onto a bike and into the sport immediately, either. Mountain biking requires much more dynamic fitness, a combination of strength, endurance and skill. Exercises regularly can help firm the muscles you'll use for mountain biking and give you the aerobic endurance you'll need for long rides. You never want to ride 50 miles through rough terrain on your first day. Build up your endurance and increase your aerobic capacity so that you can tackle longer rides, and practice your skills slowly until you get them down.

Gear

You'll need some gear to protect you from the elements and keep you safe on the trail. For clothing, padded shorts will keep you more comfortable on long rides. Add a waterproof jacket in case the weather changes and a reflective jersey if you're going to be riding at night. Knee and elbow pads will help shield you against scrapes and falls, and gloves will keep your hands warm and protect against blisters when you grip the handlebars.A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and keep out dirt, wind and bugs.

Eating

Water is a must-have so you don't get dehydrated. Make sure you take a drink every 20 minutes or so, even if you aren't thirsty. Also, bring along a snack, such as an energy bar or HONEYSTICK, to keep you going. You should consider proper hydration and refuelling strategies during your ride. According elite sports nutritionist James Collins keeping up carbohydrate (muscle glycogen) levels is critical whilst riding to maintain blood glucose to supply energy to the working muscles.

Trail Repair Kit

If your bike goes bust on the trail, you want to be able to fix it fast. Bring along an emergency tool kit that includes tire irons, a patch kit for repairing holes, duct tape to temporarily cover holes and a pump to inflate flat tires.

Braking

Using your brakes requires you to use your head, especially when descending. The more weight a tire carries; the more braking power it has. When going downhill, your front wheel carries more weight than the rear. Braking with the front brake helps keep you in control without going into a skid. When descending, shift your weight back over the rear wheel, thus increasing your rear braking power as well. This balances the power of both brakes and gives you maximum control.

Concentration

Stay focused. Many descents require your utmost concentration and focus just to reach the bottom. You must notice every groove, root, rock, hole and bump. You, the bike and the trail should all become one as you seek singletrack nirvana on your way down the mountain. If your thoughts wander, then so may your bike, and into those trees you will go.

Pick a Trail

Trails can range from smooth and easy to rough and rocky. When picking a trail, choose wisely based on your skill level and how far you want to ride. Beginners should stick to smooth, flat trails with few sharp turns or steep descents. These trails should be pretty similar to riding on the road. Intermediate riders will want a few added rocks, hills, narrow spots and switchbacks (zigzagged trails) to challenge them. Advanced riders can try more technical trails or go for longer rides.

Bring your adventurous spirit and sense of fun and make a lot of beautifull memories.

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