Mountain Biking Training

Mountain Bike Lights Available In All Styles And Sizes

2008-08-20T05:59:00.001-07:00

Tooling through the wooded terrain on 29-inch knobby tires can be a lot of fun, accompanied by the excitement of the off-road experience. However, if the rider is having too much fun to pay attention to the clock, and end up riding into the night, having mountain bike lights to illuminate the path can bring them home safely.

Additionally, when making the last leg of the ride back home, even in daylight, mountain bike lights can make the rider more visible to other vehicles on the road, improving their chance of making the trip without a mishap. While many riders prefer not to install mountain bike lights on their rides, citing a lack of need for daytime use, others will have them installed for the benefit of the rare occasions when they may be needed.

The most simple mountain bike lights are those that clamp to the handlebars and are operated by battery. Problem with this type is that when the batteries run low, the lights go out and the rider is in the dark. The more advanced lights may also have batteries, but are powered by a small generator powered by the turning wheels on the bike. When the bike is stopped, batteries run the lights and when in motion, the generator supplies the power.

Night Races Illuminate Need For Better Lights

Many mountain bike races are also offering night runs and mountain bike lights will be necessary to complete the courses after the sun goes down. With some races running cross-country in a day and night format having quality equipment lighting the way can be the difference between finishing the race and walking in the dark.

Beyond the ‘D’ cell battery-powered lights; there are small rechargeable batteries that strap to the bike’s frame, kept charge by small, tire-powered generators that provide power for mountain bike lights ranging in power from 12 to 30 watts. These can include flood lamps that light a wider view of the approaching track along with a two-bulb system that supplies flood lights and focused lighting for better viewing of the upcoming landscape.

Those riding strictly during the day will probably have to reason to worry about mountain bike lights, however for the many who participate in riding events that often run 24-hours a day, having the lights will be a necessary part of their racing equipment. They may also want to consider a red taillight to let those following them know their position to prevent unnecessary meetings.

A Guide to Mountain Bike Pedals

2008-08-20T05:58:00.001-07:00

Finding the right and best mountain bike pedals truly does not have to be a difficult or complex process, you just need to know what to look for. Basically mountain bike pedals come in three different types: clipless, platform and cage. It is incredibly important to know which pedals to get for yourself, as the bike pedals that you get can make a significant difference in how you ride.

Figuring out Your Best Options

Clipless bike pedals are considered as generally being the best choice for average and typical riders, and with these bike pedals, all you need to do is snap your foot into place on the pedal, and a quick side rotation of your foot will work to release the connection, thus allowing you to get off the bike or to put a foot down if you need to rest or stop.

Clipless bike pedals are great for providing an incredibly stable connection to the bike, and this in turn allows you to be able to pedal faster and more efficiently. Even more experienced and professional riders often prefer these mountain bike pedals to any other, as they allow you to better use your leg muscles in order to power the cranks in a more efficient full circle.

Then there is also the option of cage style mountain bike pedals, which are generally only found on the more lower end bikes, namely because they are cheaper and so thus they are not of the best quality. If you are a novice rider or perhaps you just do not make it out on rides that often, then this may be the best choice for you, so that you do not end up spending too much on pedals that you are barely ever going to use.

The third and final major type of mountain bike pedals, platform or flat style bike pedals, are those which offer literally no attachment between the foot and the pedal, meaning that they provide a good amount of grip between the pedal and the shoe. However that is all that you really get, and so you really would not want to use these sorts of pedals if you are going on long or speedy mountain bike rides.

The efficiency of your pedaling is truly compromised with these pedals, and this becomes particularly noticeable during technical climbs. They are, however, considered as being ideal for beginners and as well for those riders who want to be able to put their feet down either very often or very quickly.

Choosing the right pedals for your mountain bike is obviously an incredibly important process, as if you do, your ride will not only be more efficient and effective, but a lot more enjoyable as well.

Preparing For Mountain Bike Races

2008-04-12T08:20:00.003-07:00

Before entering your first mountain bike race it is important to be prepared. This preparation does not begin on the day before the event, but well in advance to the actual day of competition. Mountain bike races, depending upon the difficulty of the race, can be an extremely demanding and rigorous commitment on the part of the mountain bike enthusiast.

Therefore, there are a number of steps that an individual should take prior to entering into their first mountain bike race. Those steps include the involvement in a mountain bike club, preparing yourself for the race and following a few practical tips to follow during the actual mountain bike race.

Joining A Mountain Bike Club

When beginning the preparation for mountain bike races, an important step is to be involved with other biking enthusiasts. This involvement can be satisfied by joining a mountain bike club.

There are many advantages to being a member of such a club. One of those advantages is that they will assist you in the training process. This assistance will be in the form of actually riding the mountain trail with you as you train for your mountain bike races.

An additional benefit to being a member of a mountain bike club is the accountability factor. This accountability to other members of the club will aid in maintaining focus, help the enthusiast to train consistently and provided encouragement so that the best effort is exerted for each training session.

Also, being a member of a mountain bike club will allow for the individual to learn from other club members. This learning may be in the form of receiving tips to improve one’s bicycling style or being advised as to what mountain bike race to participate in.

Preparation

Prior to participating in mountain bike races it is important to be prepared. Some of those preparations should include the proper equipment that considers all types of weather that may be experienced. It is also important to have the basics packed and ready to go in preparation for the mountain bike race. Those basics should include items such as shoes, money, a change of clothes, towel, money, etc.

Practical Tips On The Day Of The Race

On the day of the mountain bike race it is important to be properly nourished in preparation for the day's event. That nourishment should include the consumption of copious amounts of water. In addition, a breakfast should be eaten that is high in carbohydrates. A good breakfast containing large amounts of carbohydrates includes the use of bread products such as bagels, waffles, pancakes, etc.

In addition, prior to the race, it is important to scope out the track. This will alert you to any pitfalls such as loose gravel, holes in the course, water, etc. Finally it is important that you go through a series of warm-up exercises. This will help to get the blood circulating, flex the muscles and thus prevent serious injuries.

The Importance of Mountain Bike Ratings

2008-04-12T08:20:00.001-07:00

Mountain biking is thought of as a healthy, fun and rewarding hobby or pass time. However, beginning mountain bikers tend to have the problem of knowing exactly which kind of mountain bike they should buy, and don’t know just how much mountain bike ratings can help them make their decision. Mountain biking is a sport that not only takes a lot of endurance and some training to do it properly, but it’s the kind of sport that relies entirely on the kind of equipment used.

Before deciding to purchase a mountain bike, take the time to research your options and make a point to find as many mountain bike ratings as possible. This will help you to know which are better made, more reliable and worth the investment.

Some Popular Mountain Bikes and Their Ratings

The first thing to keep in mind is that mountain bike ratings are like reviews. The rating given to a particular mountain bike from one source may not be the same rating the bike will be given by another source. Because of this, make sure to read more than one mountain bike review or rating before you finish your research on a product.

A popular mountain bike is the GT Avalanche. The average rating for this mountain bike is 4 out of 5 stars, making it a popular pick for the majority of consumers who have purchased or used the bike. It’s a durable, tough sports bike made specifically for mountain biking and will run you about $1,000.

The Schwinn Mesa is a mountain bike with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. This bike is also a popular pick, both because it’s rugged but without the hefty price tag. At about $250, you can get yourself an awesome beginner’s mountain bike that will stand up to your falls and get you through the first few months of mountain biking. This option is also great for someone who doesn’t know whether they want to invest a lot of money in their own mountain bike.

Finally, the GMC Sport mountain bike has a rating average of 4 out of 5 stars, due to its sleek look along with the ability to uphold rough rocky and mountain conditions. The price of about $250 is a deal, and the bike is made to last as long as you need it to. This means that for the average mountain biker, this bike can be kept or traded in for a higher model at a later time without having to spend a ton of money until then.

America Has Wonderful Mountain Bike Trails

2007-07-29T03:23:00.003-07:00

Taking a mountain biking vacation is one of the best ways to explore America and also to relax and unwind and leave all your cares behind. You won’t be disappointed by the different mountain biking opportunities that present themselves to you. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodation to make your mountain biking that much more fulfilling. Add to that the fact that the United States offers some of the best mountain bike trails for the avid mountain biker and you will have your hands full checking out all the wonderful opportunities available.

Not Just The Most Important Mountain Ranges

These mountain bike trails are not just all about going to the most important mountain ranges; rather, you can enjoy mountain biking on any hilly tract or rough trail which are sure to provide the same type of thrill as the other more well known and oft visited mountain bike trails. You can choose between mountain bike trails that are situated in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest as well as the Southeastern parts of the United States, not to mention the many overseas destinations as well.

You should maybe choose the mountain bike trails in the Western parts of the United States, though a big competitor is emerging in the Southwest as well. In the Southwest of the United States you can find some of the best mountain bike trails in the form of Pinery Canyon Road in Arizona as well as the South Boundary Trail in New Mexico, and there is also the Flume Trail in Nevada that are all worth paying a visit to.

These mountain bike trails have earned their reputations thanks to their scenic splendors and also the tough challenges they pose to the mountain bikers. These trails are all of twenty miles in length and Pinery Canyon Road has as much as fifty miles of great mountain biking trails to offer you.

You can also check out the Pacific Northwest where you will enjoy the mountain bike trails of Surveyor’s Ridge that is located in Oregon as well as Mount Tamalpais in California, not to forget the Methow Trail System in Washington that together are the three best mountain bike trails in the region.

For those who want to go mountain biking in other regions such as the eastern United States, they can well find adventure in the Appalachian region where they can visit the Tsali Trail in North Carolina that is a difficult mountain bike trail, though it also is well suited for novice bikers. Another wonderful trail is the Bee Log Rid that extends from North Carolina to Tennessee and is very beautiful, and which will suit most avid bikers.

The Advantages of Mountain Bike Training for Fitness

2007-07-29T03:23:00.001-07:00

Using mountain bike training for fitness is a really great idea, not only because you will end up getting a fabulous workout, but also because you will enjoy yourself and have a lot of fun. Over the more recent years in particular, mountain biking has truly become an incredibly popular sport, and so if you have not tried it yourself before, you are definitely going to want to make sure that you give it a try.

The Advantages

There are plenty of advantages that you gain from using mountain bike training for fitness, particularly in regards to your legs. There is actually a term that they use, ‘climbing legs’, which describes the type of legs that you get from using mountain bike training for fitness – long, lean and toned.

You also gain a lot more stamina overall from using mountain bike training for fitness, as you are working out your lungs and other vital organs and you will notice as you get to be a more experienced rider that you can go further and further distances without tiring, and this is proof that you are gaining stamina and endurance.

As well, by using mountain bike training for fitness you are making use of the largest muscles in your body, and so it is really good for people who are trying to lose weight. Mountain biking is particularly good for this, better than any other type of biking, as you typically ride slower, and exercising at low intensity is better for people who want to lose weight without gaining a lot of muscle.

Fitness and mountain biking truly go hand in hand, and so using mountain bike training for fitness can really help you to reach your goals, whether that means getting in shape, making it to the top of a trail or winning a race.

Overall it is quite easy to see just how beneficial and advantageous mountain biking can be for your health and fitness, and although any exercise is really good for you, mountain biking provides some particular benefits that no other sport can. As well, because it is not considered as being a high-risk sport, anyone can really be involved with mountain biking, and so you can even bring your whole family along with you on rides if you want.

Just make sure that everyone has the proper equipment and that you do not start off on seriously rough terrain if you have any novices in the group, so that everyone can enjoy themselves and have fun without having too much trouble getting around on the trail.

The Most Important Mountain Biking Tips

2007-07-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Most Important Mountain Biking Tips

Before you go mountain biking, you should know that there are a few mountain biking tips that you will want to learn about first, so that you can be as informed and knowledgeable beforehand. After all, mountain biking is considered as being an extreme sport, and so it is definitely not something that you want to be involving yourself in if you are not properly aware of the important issues.

Mountain Biking Tips

One of the most important mountain biking tips is actually quite simple – wear a helmet. Some people seem to think that just because they are a talented or experienced cyclist that they do not need a helmet, but this is of course obviously untrue. After all, you never know when something could go wrong, and odds are that something will go wrong that one time that you go mountain biking without your helmet.

Particularly because with mountain biking you are biking up steep and rough terrains, you really need to make sure that you head is protected. Your helmet, after all, is the one piece of equipment which is most likely to save your life if something unfortunate ever were to happen.

Another of the most important mountain biking tips is in regards to keeping yourself hydrated. Especially if you are planning a particularly long biking trip, you absolutely need to make sure that you bring enough water and other fluids along so that you can keep your body properly hydrated and prevent yourself from becoming dizzy, nauseous, fainting, or even worse.

Dehydration is an incredibly serious issue, and you should always remember to bring extra water, just in case your trip takes longer than expected, you get lost, or you tire and need to walk part of the way, for instance. There are really so many different scenarios that could take place, and so you need to make sure that you are as prepared and guarded for them as you possibly can be.

Another of the key mountain biking tips involves getting the proper equipment, and this includes your bike, bike shoes, bike gloves, and so on. You need to ensure that you are going to be as safe and comfortable as possible, and you will definitely appreciate all the time and effort that you spend preparing beforehand once you are out on your ride.

By taking tips such as those previously discussed into serious consideration, you will not only be protecting yourself better on future rides, but as well you are making yourself a better and more informed rider in general. You can really never learn too much about something, and so doing as much research on the subject as possible is only going to result in benefiting you.

Understanding About Mountain Biking History

2007-07-06T20:12:00.001-07:00

There is actually quite a lengthy and complex history behind mountain biking and whether you are an avid mountain biker yourself or not, it is very important to learn about mountain biking history, so that you are simply more informed in general. Particularly if you are a biker however, you want to know about mountain biking history, because it can really help you to improve your biking skills.

Mountain Biking History

The history of mountain biking really begins in the mid-70s, when the sort of bicycling was actually beginning to develop and become popular. The culture in San Francisco was considered as being the high point of town in terms of biking at this point in time, and there were a few people in particular who made their presence in mountain biking noticeable during this time, people which became known as the pioneers of mountain biking.

The Pioneers of Mountain Biking

It was in the year of 1976 when Gary Fisher, a bicycle racer, and his partner Carles Kelly, along with Joe Breeze and Tom Ritchey, worked to organize and steadily increase the overall amount of races that were held at the 3 mile long Cascade Fire Trail near Fairfax. These people in particular were considered as being real pioneers in mountain biking history, as they were a few of the people who truly made mountain biking what it is today.

The continuous history of the mountain bike itself is most evident in Northern California, as there are a few areas that claim to be the first ever mountain bike community, but in fact every history book will lead you to Marin County. Mountain bikes differ from road racing bicycles in several ways, and they have evolved drastically since the time that they were first introduced in mountain biking history.

For one, they have a much smaller and stronger frame, knobby, wider and higher profile tires, which are mounted up onto a rim that is stronger than a standard bicycle rim. This is because mountain bikes are designed for much rougher terrain, and so they are able to go places that regular bicycles cannot.

The history of mountain biking is incredibly interested and packed full of information, and it is certainly surprising to learn just how long mountain biking has actually been around for and how much it has evolved over time, starting off small and now being considered as being one of the most popular and participated in sports of our time.

A Guide to Mountain Bike Training

2007-07-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in the sport of mountain biking, then you are definitely going to want to get in some time for mountain bike training before you head out on an adventure. After all, mountain biking is a very extreme and challenging sport, and so you really need to make sure that you are fully prepared, both emotionally and physically.

Mountain Bike Training

The first step to your mountain bike training is to actually find yourself a trainer. There are plenty of great ones to choose from, you just want to make sure that not only are they experienced and knowledgeable but also that you enjoy their company, because quite frankly, you are going to be spending quite a bit of time with them.

Although mountain biking is definitely an impacting sport, meaning that you can notice results and physical changes in your body almost immediately because of the serious intensity of it, it can still take quite a while to actually get your entire body into peak physical condition, and so you will generally be working with your trainer for at least four to six weeks before heading out on your own.

The next step in mountain bike training is to try a short ride on your own, so you can ride out to the woods or onto a trail, but just make sure that wherever you go you do not go too far out, as this is basically just a test run. If you want to be really serious about it, you can record your heart rate and speed during the ride, for instance, as you can then use this and compare it against your rides in the future.

As well in mountain bike training you want to make sure that you are constantly making your workouts more difficult, because if you continue to simply do the same level of exercise over and over even though your body is improving physically, then you are going to reach a plateau and simply stay there, whereas if you continue to increase the intensity of your workout at the proper times, you will be constantly improving your stamina and health as well.

There are some people who do not believe that training is necessary for mountain biking, and sometimes, if you are in good physical condition, it is not. But if you want to be able to be the best mountain biker that you can be, go on long and rough terrain biking trips, and just be healthier in general, than mountain bike training is definitely something you want to be involved with.