Tips for the Beginner Mountain Biker

When I first met my husband, he was an avid mountain biker. Eager to impress him, I immediately went shopping for the cutest pair of biker shorts and jersey I could find. I tried in vain to find a helmet that didn't make my head look like a bobble toy and ultimately settled on a cute little green one with stripes on the side. I was set...or so I thought.

The day we went riding was anything but the fun, carefree ride through the woods that I had planned. After a mouthful of mosquitoes, two skinned knees, and a run in with nearly every pine tree in the forest, I found out that I hadn't planned well at all. Mountain biking wasn't easy. It was hard work and it took months of patient riding before I began to improve and have a really good time. Luckily, your first mountain biking experience doesn't have to be this way. If you plan ahead and learn a few important tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a true mountain biker.

Mountain Biking Tip #1: Buying the Right Bike

No matter how well you prepare for your new adventure, nothing is as important as buying the right bike. There are bicycles that are built for larger men, and mountain bikes that are tailored for petite women. When you go to a bicycle shop, make sure you find a qualified sales person who understands the kind of trails you will be riding and who takes your body frame into consideration. It is important for you to be comfortable on your bike. When you are on the trails, your mountain bike should feel like an extension of yourself. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

Mountain Biking Tip #2: Find the right seat height.

If you are short, like me, you will need to adjust your seat so you are not over extending your knees. Proper seat height will prevent you from flying over your handle bars, and from leg and knee injuries. If your seat is too high, you will risk injury to your hips and make riding uncomfortable. But beware! If your seat is too low, you will put to much stress on your knee.

Mountain Biking Tip #3: Buy padded biking shorts