Mountain Bike Fun!

scottcountry asked:

Riding the 7 Stanes Mountain Bike trails accompanied by two trail dogs wearing the latest Ruff Wear Dog Trail Packs. These backpacks for dogs carry essential hydration with room for biking accessories, clothing, food and first aid equipment. With grab handles to assist dogs over obstacles, the Ruff Wear Back Packs are ideal for hunting, shooting, dog training, running, walking, expeditions or biking. Start your trail dog adventure at www.scottcountry.co.uk

Have you thought about buying a mountain bike lately? Perhaps you already own a mountain bike, or want to venture into the hard and fast adventures that flying down a single track trail can offer. Whatever your desire is, you can find what you looking for online, or at local bike shops. This has become an extremely popular sport in the past few years, which is an indication about how fun it actually is to do. If you are worried about what to do prior to buying a mountain bike, then you should do some searches on the internet on checklists to follow prior to purchasing your bike. You can also purchase your bike at a local bike store instead of online. Local bike stores have the advantage of being able to fit you on your bike personally.

After you have determine how much you can spend on your bike, and what size bike you need, you can use the internet to find your perfect bike! You should start by looking at brand names bikes that appeal to you, or that have very good reviews. There are many different types of mountain bikes to choose from, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the bikes carefully prior to making your purchasing decision. You can have either a full suspension bike, or a hard tail bike. A full suspension bike has a shock built into the middle of the frame, which allows for a more comfortable ride through difficult trails. The down side to the full suspension bike is that it is heavier than a hard tail bike. A hard tail bike is usually more suited for racing, because it is lighter and typically a bit faster.

If you are still wondering why you should buy a mountain bike, then you have come to the right place to get that question answered. Health, happiness, and well being are direct results from taking up this awesome sport. It is really amazing how it makes you feel after climbing up a huge rough mountain trail, and then come flying down the other side narrowly missing obstacles that are near your path. A great feeling of accomplishment and certain health benefits are evident from you doing regular exercise. You can lose weight, get fit, and have fun all while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. What could be better than that? So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get a bike and start living a good and healthy life!



By: Darren Cox


About the Author:

stormn9852 asked:

Tree Farm is a 10 mile mountain bike trail located in Novi, Michigan’s Lakeshore Park. The trail has a lot of fun and challenging obstacles. It is fairly compact making many tight and technical turns. You can find directions and other information at: www.cityofnovi.org

Have you taken up the sport of Mountain biking? There are a few Mountain Biking Tips and Techniques needed to master the sport, and these basic tips below will get you started on your path to Mountain Biking success.

Firstly you need to have the correct equipment. No point riding a road bike on mountain trails. Make sure you have a purpose built mountain bike which is heavier and sturdier than your average road bike. You will need to have a good helmet, gloves, padded pants for comfort, and a water bottle. These are the basics, and as you get more into the sport, you will probably add other things like a tool kit, riding shirt and glasses.

Although a bit daunting to start, once you have begun your journey it is so much fun. The basic skills needed in all cycling apply to mountain biking as well. You will need to know how to use your gears, how to brake correctly, how to ride standing and sitting, how to drop down from and climb up over obstacles, and how to ride through all different surfaces like gravel, sand, mud and creeks. The following are some basic Mountain Biking Tips and Techniques to get you started.

Gearing – mountain bikes have anywhere from 18 to 27 speeds. Basically, remember that the smaller gears are used for getting uphill and the larger gears are used on the flat or downhill. To get used to using your gears, practice on some easier tracks with hills and flats. Try to change gears before placing too much pressure on the cogs eg; when approaching a hill, change to a lower gear before you start the climb.

Braking – mastering your breaking technique is very important in mountain biking. By keeping 2 fingers on the brake levers, you are prepared for almost anything. The front brakes are the stronger brakes and if braking downhill, if you apply too much pressure you will end up going over the handlebars. If you apply too much pressure on the back brake, your bike will skid so try to use a combination of both front and back brakes in most situations.

Riding – in mountain biking, it is a good idea to know how to ride both sitting and standing. Most riding will be done sitting down but when going over rough terrain it is best to lift slightly off the seat to absorb the impact. Try going up hills sitting and using your gears as standing uses more energy and makes you tire more easily.

Techniques for getting over obstacles -approach the obstacle straight on, give one or two hard pedals for some power while lifting your front wheel up and over the obstacle. Keep pedalling and the momentum will guide your back wheel over. If dropping down from an obstacle, once again keep your front wheel straight, slowly pedal forward and gently apply the rear brake.

Riding on different surfaces -

- Loose gravel – keep your weight off the front wheel, stay in the highest gear possible and guide your bike rather than trying to steer

- Sand – here you want to try and just skim over the surface so don’t go too slowly, keep your body loose and let your bike move about underneath you. Only attempt short sand patches, if it is a longer stretch you will probably just sink and lose control, so it’s probably best to carry your bike over the sand

- Mud – take a straight line, stay seated to keep your weight over the rear wheel as this will help with traction, maintain a smooth pedal stroke and avoid making any sudden movements

- Creeks – keep a steady speed and avoid the bigger rocks

This is just a very basic set of techniques. If you would like to learn more Mountain Biking Tips and Techniques including maintenance and training programmes then I recommend “How To Master Mountain Biking”



By: Tonia Oke

About the Author:

Mountain bikes are specialized machines designed to fulfill specific needs. Early mountain bikes are engineered with a rigid frame and fork. Because the hobby caught, therefore have the need to augment the plan to fit more to the terrain it is already being used. In the first 1900′s the mountain bike was fitted with suspension forks. Early suspension forks had only a pair of inches suspension travel. This suspension travel was evolved and today the suspension travel of mountain bikes could exceed eight inches.

The suspension that you just choose for your bike is almost as necessary as the activity that you’ll be performing it with. While not the correct suspension in a bike, its maneuverability may be compromised and when traveling at bound types of terrains.

The Dual suspension style

When the interest in aggressive off road, mountain trail, down hill biking caught on, bikers and producers alike realized that an innovative set of suspension ought to be fitted to the bike to produce it adopt better to the terrain that it is being used with. Previous suspension designs where solely the fork is suited with suspension is not sufficient and so a fresh set of suspension for the rear tire were also fitted. Fitting new suspensions for the rear tire resulted into smoother ride whereas enabling the bike to travel upwards or downhill because the rear wheel are now able to take in the energy that’s generated whenever a motorbike hits rocks and different obstacles.

The only downside to the current design is that it is heavier, more high priced and pedaling is not as economical as those with the one front fork suspension. This disadvantage though is enormously compensated by the amount of management that a biker has when the bike encounter bumps and when traveling on a rugged down hill descent.

This is often therefore because as the bike hits an obstacle or a hump, the tendency of the bike is to bounce up that would usually careen out of control when the bike lands. The reply to having an added rear suspension is to assimilate much of the force of the bounce. This is often so because the forward momentum of the bike that results in upward motion when it hits the obstacle is currently absorbed by the rear suspension that leads to decreased upward motion admitting higher control as the bike lands. Anther advantage of getting a dual suspension is that the bike may travel faster on both downhill and smooth terrain. Having twin suspension on the bike is also easier on the back.

Previous twin suspension styles additionally dramatically increase the load of the bike, the most recent makes these days yet resulted to low weight. There if the bike will not be very carried over to hilly terrain a single suspension bike will suffice

The Single suspension Design

Single suspension design signifies that solely the tires are fitted to a suspension. When the bike is for use for a few slopes and dirt jumping, the one suspension style can already suffice. This will lessen the load of the bike and build it less high priced also. The single suspension style conjointly called a exhausting tail style provides higher pedaling efficiency and easier maintenance.

This style though is getting less fashionable as the choice has been shifting to the Twin suspension fitted bikes.



By: Jacque Snielsen

About the Author:

A mountain biking beginner may feel totally overwhelmed when introduced to bikes, maintenance basics, and all the trails and tribulations of riding!

However, introducing some basic skills will quickly give a mountain biking beginner the ability to start enjoying the sport, and to tackle obstacles with confidence. It doesn’t have to take years to reach this point!

The first and most important step in beginner mountain biking is to make sure that you have a well-fitted helmet. No biker, beginner or otherwise, should ever be on the road without this vital piece of equipment. Buy the best you can afford – your life may depend on it!

When you are learning the ropes as a mountain biking beginner, you are less confident, and more likely to make contact with the road at some point! Protect your hands with a good pair of gloves. This will also be more comfortable than gripping the handlebars with bare hands.

For a mountain biking beginner, Lycra cycling shorts is still a good choice, especially if you are planning a long ride. Padded mountain biking shorts is another good option, gaining in popularity. It is a matter of personal choice. Try both, and decide which one you prefer.

Clipless pedals necessitates special mountain biking shoes, designed to clip into the cleat. A good pair of sunglasses will help to protect beginner mountain biking eyes from flying insects and other strange objects! Also make sure that you have a full water bottle, and something to eat.

Beginner mountain biking can be daunting, but if you make contact with knowledgeable personnel in a specialized shop, talk with experienced bikers, and do some reading, you will soon get the hang of it.

To buy a bike suitable for a mountain biking beginner, find someone you can trust to give you the best advice. Your budget, and the terrain on which you will use the bike, will determine your choice. Go for full suspension if at all possible. Make sure that the saddle is adjusted according to your height.

A long list of accessories are available. Not all of these are necessary for mountain biking beginners! Use your common sense, and buy according to your needs. One must-have is a repair kit for use on the trail. This will contain the basics for fixing a flat, and a multi-tool for bike repairs.

As a mountain biking beginner you have to be ear-to-the-ground for valuable tips from experienced riders, who know how to take care of small mishaps.

Make sure that the store where you buy your bike, offer a repair service. Make a note of maintenance advice, such as cables needing to be wiped and relubed. As a mountain biking beginner, a good habit to get into, is washing your bike immediately after any ride. Some sticky stuff becomes a permanent part of your riding kit if you don’t do this!

Beginner mountain biking skills will quickly progress from the basics, such as getting to know your pedals. Practice will soon give you the confidence to start taking your foot on and off the pedals while pedaling. Remember that your body weight needs to be to the rear of the bike on a steep descent.

Shifting gears is an important skill to master as a mountain biking beginner. Lower gears will help you up a hill, but you need to shift gear before you actually get to the hill. It is a question of timing, which will become second nature with experience.

To stop your bike, use the front brake more than the back. Use a series of quick, tiny micro-braking actions called “feathering”. If you feel your brakes are getting less effective, one common problem is pad residue on your rims. It is easy to fix this, by cleaning the rims with steel wool.

As a mountain biking beginner, you will find that learning specialized techniques is a confidence-builder. Perfecting your bunny hopping will help you to get over all those obstacles, and will impress your riding companions no end!

Keep in mind that a common mistake mountain biking beginners make, is trying to avoid an obstacle. This is the surest way to crash! Always focus on where you want to go, not on the obstacle itself.

Most importantly, learn to relax and enjoy yourself. When you finish that first trail ride, you will forget all about the hard work that preceded it.

Riding like a pro, is just around the corner! Soon you will no longer be a mountain biking beginner, but the one other novices approach for advice…

For more information read Mountain Biking Apparel – Getting Into Gear! at http://www.best-mountain-biking.com/mountain-biking-apparel.php



By: Rika Susan

About the Author:

If mountain biking and trekking is your style, then I am sure you’ve a passion for conquering hills, drop-offs and most of all touring and exploring uncharted places. Passion alone won’t drive you up and down and therefore you definitely need the right bicycle. To be honest, here there’s no much of a choice since Magna mountain bikes are the only in the market that have such endurance and toughness.

These bikes are quite heavy and definitely expert skills and guidance becomes a necessity. You’ll find that it will not be easy to control one without enough practice. Nevertheless, their quality is un- compromised and they’re actually built with standards that are lawfully set-up. If you looked kin through out their production cycle, you’ll see to it that they’re supervised by qualified inspectors at all stages.

Unlike the ordinary bikes, Magna mountain bikes have fat and knobby tires, full suspension for extra traction and riser handle bars. When it comes to performance, they’re one of a kind. They will easily pass through obstacles like rocks, bridges or logs and climb as well go down the mountain. In fact, they’re more mainstream when it comes to bumpy riding.

Interestingly, all around the world there are people and organizations which are skilled in traversing difficult locations. Nevertheless, these are associations of mountain bikers and assist in enhancing, creating and preserving the activity of mountain bike trekking. If you take part in one of these, Magna mountain bikes are definitely the bikes you’ll see being used.



By: Peter Gitundu

About the Author:

If mountain biking and trekking is your style, then I am sure you’ve a passion for conquering hills, drop-offs and most of all touring and exploring uncharted places. Passion alone won’t drive you up and down and therefore you definitely need the right bicycle. To be honest, here there’s no much of a choice since Magna mountain bikes are the only in the market that have such endurance and toughness.

These bikes are quite heavy and definitely expert skills and guidance becomes a necessity. You’ll find that it will not be easy to control one without enough practice. Nevertheless, their quality is un- compromised and they’re actually built with standards that are lawfully set-up. If you looked kin through out their production cycle, you’ll see to it that they’re supervised by qualified inspectors at all stages.

Unlike the ordinary bikes, Magna mountain bikes have fat and knobby tires, full suspension for extra traction and riser handle bars. When it comes to performance, they’re one of a kind. They will easily pass through obstacles like rocks, bridges or logs and climb as well go down the mountain. In fact, they’re more mainstream when it comes to bumpy riding.

Interestingly, all around the world there are people and organizations which are skilled in traversing difficult locations. Nevertheless, these are associations of mountain bikers and assist in enhancing, creating and preserving the activity of mountain bike trekking. If you take part in one of these, Magna mountain bikes are definitely the bikes you’ll see being used.

By: Peter Gitundu

About the Author:

A mountain biking beginner may feel totally overwhelmed when introduced to bikes, maintenance basics, and all the trails and tribulations of riding!

However, introducing some basic skills will quickly give a mountain biking beginner the ability to start enjoying the sport, and to tackle obstacles with confidence. It doesn’t have to take years to reach this point!

The first and most important step in beginner mountain biking is to make sure that you have a well-fitted helmet. No biker, beginner or otherwise, should ever be on the road without this vital piece of equipment. Buy the best you can afford – your life may depend on it!

When you are learning the ropes as a mountain biking beginner, you are less confident, and more likely to make contact with the road at some point! Protect your hands with a good pair of gloves. This will also be more comfortable than gripping the handlebars with bare hands.

For a mountain biking beginner, Lycra cycling shorts is still a good choice, especially if you are planning a long ride. Padded mountain biking shorts is another good option, gaining in popularity. It is a matter of personal choice. Try both, and decide which one you prefer.

Clipless pedals necessitates special mountain biking shoes, designed to clip into the cleat. A good pair of sunglasses will help to protect beginner mountain biking eyes from flying insects and other strange objects! Also make sure that you have a full water bottle, and something to eat.

Beginner mountain biking can be daunting, but if you make contact with knowledgeable personnel in a specialized shop, talk with experienced bikers, and do some reading, you will soon get the hang of it.

To buy a bike suitable for a mountain biking beginner, find someone you can trust to give you the best advice. Your budget, and the terrain on which you will use the bike, will determine your choice. Go for full suspension if at all possible. Make sure that the saddle is adjusted according to your height.

A long list of accessories are available. Not all of these are necessary for mountain biking beginners! Use your common sense, and buy according to your needs. One must-have is a repair kit for use on the trail. This will contain the basics for fixing a flat, and a multi-tool for bike repairs.

As a mountain biking beginner you have to be ear-to-the-ground for valuable tips from experienced riders, who know how to take care of small mishaps.

Make sure that the store where you buy your bike, offer a repair service. Make a note of maintenance advice, such as cables needing to be wiped and relubed. As a mountain biking beginner, a good habit to get into, is washing your bike immediately after any ride. Some sticky stuff becomes a permanent part of your riding kit if you don’t do this!

Beginner mountain biking skills will quickly progress from the basics, such as getting to know your pedals. Practice will soon give you the confidence to start taking your foot on and off the pedals while pedaling. Remember that your body weight needs to be to the rear of the bike on a steep descent.

Shifting gears is an important skill to master as a mountain biking beginner. Lower gears will help you up a hill, but you need to shift gear before you actually get to the hill. It is a question of timing, which will become second nature with experience.

To stop your bike, use the front brake more than the back. Use a series of quick, tiny micro-braking actions called “feathering”. If you feel your brakes are getting less effective, one common problem is pad residue on your rims. It is easy to fix this, by cleaning the rims with steel wool.

As a mountain biking beginner, you will find that learning specialized techniques is a confidence-builder. Perfecting your bunny hopping will help you to get over all those obstacles, and will impress your riding companions no end!

Keep in mind that a common mistake mountain biking beginners make, is trying to avoid an obstacle. This is the surest way to crash! Always focus on where you want to go, not on the obstacle itself.

Most importantly, learn to relax and enjoy yourself. When you finish that first trail ride, you will forget all about the hard work that preceded it.

Riding like a pro, is just around the corner! Soon you will no longer be a mountain biking beginner, but the one other novices approach for advice…

For more information read Mountain Biking Apparel – Getting Into Gear! at http://www.best-mountain-biking.com/mountain-biking-apparel.php

By: Rika Susan

About the Author:

Mountain biking is an exciting and lively sport as well as offering one of the better ways of keeping fit. In addition, it is a recreational pursuit suited to riders with a basic, intermediate, to advance skill levels in view of the large selection of trails to ride.

A mountain bike trail can offer a delightful ride, and with it comes some fantastic scenic views. The lower areas such as the lowlands and valleys are often flat (but still rough) and as a result easy to ride. However, as a rider heads up the mountain the cycling will become that much more difficult. More advanced skill levels and biking techniques are in demand as the trail steepens.

To be prepared for a new trail it is always a benefit to outfit with a detailed regional map of the area. These trail maps can often be located at a local bike store or visitor center, and a great help for those that might stray of a dedicated trail in search of a more unexplored, or difficult route.

As often experienced with mountain biking there is often an assortment of obstacles to challenge a rider. These often entail tree roots, rocks, branches, and similar items of debris common to a path. Maneuvering by most of these obstacles is often a case of pulling up the front tire at a sufficient height to pass by.

A quiet mountain bike trail offers a perfect setting for riders of all levels of expertise to experience all the fun and adventures that comes with this sporting activity.

By: Carlton Leigh

About the Author: