What is the Right Time to Start Mountain Biking?

Off-road cycling has been around for quite a while, and it continues to offer the same thrill to adventure junkies even today. If you enjoy riding across different trails with your bicycle, then mountain biking is definitely something you should be considering to give yourself a break from the hustle-bustle of the city. Although many people truly wish to start their journey as mountain bikers, they cannot do so because of the lack of awareness which results in the sense of fear too.

Sometimes, not being aware of how and when to start mountain biking happens to be a major obstruction between you and the mountains. But, it’s about time we break it by addressing basic concerns regarding this adventure sport. So, here’s presenting a beginner-friendly guide that answers all the worries about mountain biking, laying particular emphasis on the biggest question- when should I start? Let’s get started!

First of all, what is mountain biking?

Before we dive into the details about how, when, and in what way you should start your journey about becoming a mountain biker, let’s understand the adventure first.

Mountain biking is a popular adventure choice among bicycle enthusiasts who share passion and admiration towards both- cycling and mountaineering. It is a form of off-road cycling as it is generally done on naturally or artificially designed tracks of rough terrains and incorporates high inclines and steep declines throughout. What makes mountain biking different from regular biking is the quality of terrain and extreme routes.

Is mountain biking dangerous?

Considering the dramatic and unpredictable trails, mountain biking is essentially a dangerous game to play, just like any other adventure sport. However, when done in the right way, with enough practice and skills, the risk level certainly reduces.

Of course, there is always the risk of injuries, but that is something that can be avoided up to a certain extent by being careful and trained. Keeping in mind the consequences involved, it is crucial to know when to start mountain biking such that you start on a harmless note. This brings us to the next important question.

When is the Right Time for You to Start Mountain Biking?

Undoubtedly, the climbs and descents make mountain biking more challenging and exciting. But at the same time, it demands a set of skills and qualities too. And the perfect time for you to begin your mountain biking journey is only after you acquire skills in the following three primary categories.

PHYSICAL QUALITIES

• Balance and stability:

  These are required in the case of normal bicycling too, which is why, when bicycling is done on more advanced terrains, its need intensifies more than ever. You cannot attempt mountain biking without being able to balance yourself as well as your bike, no matter what the trail is like.

• Core strength:

  You can strike a good balance only when you have solid core strength, so this is a non-negotiable factor. Along with that, core strength is also responsible for managing the bike without developing sprains, cramps, or other muscular injuries.

• Endurance:

  Any adventure sport demands perseverance, and mountain biking is no exception. You need to have the ability to sustain the ups and downs, the unpredictability, and most importantly, the basic discomforts that mountain biking may bring to your body.

• Strong motor and sensory reliability:

  This is easily one of the most underrated physical factors that people consider when it comes to mountain biking. Considering the uncertainty of the trail, it becomes crucial for you to have strong reflexes to prevent any crisis from happening.

MENTAL QUALITIES

• Self-reliance:

  When mountain biking, you do not have anyone’s support, and everything relies only and only on the rider. You succeed on your own, and you fail on your own too. This is why self-confidence and self-reliability are something you’d definitely need.

• Open to new experiences:

  Mountain biking in itself is a new experience, but that’s not it! Every time you bike along a rough track, you will come across something new, and it will surprise you. This is why you must have the mental capacity to accept and deal with surprises.

• Strong willpower:

  Willpower is what will drive you towards finishing your rides, and this is something you’d definitely need as a beginner. When we start a journey towards something new that’s out of our comfort zone, it is only willpower that leads us ahead to meet our end goals.

• Bravery and problem solving:

  Fear is a very natural emotion of humans, so understandably, we cannot eliminate it in its entirety. But, how we react in fearful situations is always in our control, and such occasions take place all the time when mountain biking. So, you have to be brave and solve problems on your own.

TECHNICAL QUALITIES

• Braking:

  Believe it or not, braking is considered to be a skill among bikers. In fact, a crucial one. You need to have knowledge about when and how to brake, such that accidents can be avoided, and you are your bike stay safe.

• Gear switching:

  Gears are responsible for ensuring smooth rides. But, often, riders mess up while switching gears, resulting in a sudden change, which can put you off the track. Know how and when to change gears and become a pro at it before mountain biking.

• Climbing and descending:

  As we all know, mountain biking is all about the rises and drops, but that doesn’t happen on its own. You’ll need a certain level of precision to establish control over your bike and where it is going.

• Cornering:

  Last but not least, you need to practice and excel at cornering, which is basically being able to dodge any obstructions. Effortless turns and sharp cuts will always be needed when riding off-road, so cornering must be on your checklist.