Tips for mountain bike beginners

Michaela Winterbottom shared some tips with the Alberton RECORD for anyone thinking about giving the sport of mountain biking a try.

Here is what she had to say:

For most riders, mountain biking is all about staying balanced while excelling at a race. Seems simple, right?

Just like any other sport, mountain biking is not for everyone and beginners can find it daunting while the experienced riders find it exhilarating.

After a lifetime of riding and after six years of coaching, kids, teens and serious riders, here are my recommended basic techniques to get you started:

Finger trigger

Let’s start simple. Practice pulling on the brake levers using only one finger on each brake lever. This teaches you to not grab the brakes while attempting a halt and causing an accident, especially on a downhill section or steep drop off.

Open those knees

While riding, we tend to grab onto our bikes or seats with our knees, especially when we’re nervous or tired. Practice loosening up your body and opening your knees freely, to help shift your weight and center of gravity.

Shift your weight

Corners, straights, downs, ups, they all require you to shift your weight and you’ll figure this out while you loosen up your body and just ride. As a general guide: Lean back while going down, lean forward while going up and lean on your side through corners.

Use your bum as a weight transfer

It’s advised to stand while descending. Use your bum to hover over your seat or even behind your seat to get your weight back. This allows you to keep a balanced position on the bike and increases speed too.

Keep those heels down

This may be uncomfortable at first but keeping your heels down allows you to transfer power from your legs to the pedals, and trust me, it helps.
For more tips or to get in contact with Michaela for training or to join in some of their rides visit the Courageous MTB Facebook page or take a look at their Instagram @courageous_mtb