Learning how to Mountain Bike
Mountain Biking is exhilarating, fast, and sometimes dangerous. People of all ages love this sport, but will tell you that you must prepare properly, to protect yourself from injury. Before heading out on a trail it is best to look at some videos first, to familiarize yourself with the terrain, and obstacles that need to be cleared with your bike. The following items are must haves for every Mountain Biker.
1) You will need a Mountain Bike that has front and rear suspension, to help you get over rocks and logs, and to help you absorb the constant pounding on the joints. Good brakes are also very important.
2) Purchase a good bike helmet, to protect your head in case of a fall. Mountain Bike Parks will not allow you ride on any trail without a helmet.
3) Get a Hydro Pack for water, most trails here in Florida are anywhere from 6 miles to 15 miles long each lap, and riding in high humidity and heat, sometimes up to 90 degrees, without water will get you dehydrated very fast.
4) Wear proper clothing, preferably bike shorts that will not snag on the seat when you lift up to go downhill, or clear an obstacle.
5) Wear Sunglasses, to prevent the sun from temporarily blinding you, and to prevent branches whipping you in the eye. It is also possible for you the get small rocks and sand in your eye when another rider is in front of you.
6) You will need a good pair of trail shoes that give a good grip on the pedals, and keep you from sliding down a step hill, when coming to a complete stop on an incline. You can also wear shoes that clip in during the ride; however, this type of shoe is more for the advanced rider, because you will have to learn how to get in and out of the clip in any situation.
The picture below will show you the items that you will need, as mentioned in steps 1 thru 6.
If you are all set and ready its time to choose a Mountain Bike Park that offers different difficulty levels. There are a few State Parks in Broward County and Miami Dade, which offer Novice, Intermediate, and Advance trails. Oleta State Park, located in North Miami has trails for every level. Amelia Earhart Park, in Hialeah also has trails for every level. Quiet Waters Park, in Deerfield has no advanced trails and is a good beginner course. Markham Park in Weston, is experienced rider only; In addition, you have to have a special number that will be assigned to you permanently, to allow you to ride the trails, available at the park office.
Now that you know a little bit more about Mountain Biking, I hope you enjoy riding and stay safe.
