Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport that offers an adrenaline rush like no other. It's a perfect blend of physical endurance, mental focus, and a deep connection with nature. However, as a beginner, you might find yourself making some common mistakes that could potentially hinder your progress or even lead to injuries. This blog post will highlight some of these beginner mistakes in mountain biking and provide tips on how to avoid them. 1. Incorrect Bike Setup One of the most common mistakes beginners make is not setting up their mountain bike correctly. The wrong setup can lead to discomfort, inefficient riding, and even accidents. For instance, having your saddle too high or too low can affect your pedaling efficiency and control over the bike. To avoid this mistake, ensure you have the right bike size for your height and body structure. Adjust the saddle so that when your foot is on the pedal at its lowest point, your leg has a slight bend in it. Your handlebars should be at a comfortable height where you can reach them without straining. 2. Neglecting Safety Gear Mountain biking can be risky due to uneven terrains and high speeds involved. Beginners often underestimate the importance of safety gear in protecting against potential injuries. Always wear a helmet designed for mountain biking as it provides more coverage at the back of your head compared to road cycling helmets. Additionally, consider wearing gloves for better grip and protection from scrapes, knee pads for protection during falls, and glasses to shield your eyes from dust and debris. 3. Lack of Basic Skills Another common mistake beginners make is hitting the trails without mastering basic mountain biking skills such as braking effectively, shifting gears smoothly, or handling corners properly. Before venturing onto challenging trails, spend time learning these skills on easier terrains or through mountain biking clinics or workshops. Practice makes perfect - so don't rush the process. Mastering these skills will significantly improve your confidence and safety on the trails. 4. Overconfidence While confidence is crucial in mountain biking, overconfidence can lead to unnecessary risks and accidents. Beginners often get carried away after mastering a few skills and start tackling trails beyond their skill level. To avoid this, always assess your skills honestly and choose trails that match your current skill level. Gradually increase the difficulty of the trails as you improve. Remember, mountain biking is not just about speed but also control, balance, and endurance. 5. Not Respecting Trail Etiquette Mountain biking trails are shared spaces with other bikers, hikers, and sometimes even wildlife. Beginners often make the mistake of not respecting trail etiquette which can lead to conflicts or harm to the environment. Always yield to uphill traffic when you're going downhill and give right of way to pedestrians or horses on shared trails. Avoid skidding as it can cause trail erosion and never go off designated trails as it can damage local flora and fauna. Conclusion: Enhancing Your Mountain Biking Experience Mountain biking is a thrilling sport that offers endless fun and challenges. As a beginner, avoiding these common mistakes will not only enhance your riding experience but also ensure your safety on the trails. Remember that everyone was once a beginner in mountain biking - so don't be too hard on yourself if you make some mistakes along the way. The key is to learn from them, practice regularly, respect others on the trail, and most importantly - enjoy every moment of your mount

Mountain biking is an adrenaline-fueled sport that attracts thrill-seekers from all walks of life. It's a challenging activity that requires strength, endurance, and a love for the great outdoors. But there's more to mountain biking than meets the eye. Here are six things that a mountain biker will never tell you. 1. The Fear Never Really Goes Away Mountain biking can be terrifying, especially when you're just starting out. The thought of hurtling down rocky trails at high speeds is enough to make anyone's heart race. But even seasoned mountain bikers experience fear. What they won't tell you is that the fear never really goes away; it just becomes part of the ride. It's what keeps them alert and focused on the trail ahead. They learn to use their fear as motivation, pushing themselves to conquer new challenges and improve their skills. 2. There's More Walking Than You'd Expect When people think of mountain biking, they often imagine cyclists speeding down trails, effortlessly navigating rocky terrain and steep descents. But in reality, there's a lot more walking involved than most people realize. Whether it's pushing your bike up an impossibly steep hill or carrying it over obstacles that are too dangerous to ride through, walking is an integral part of mountain biking. It may not be as glamorous as riding, but it's essential for safety and often provides a much-needed break during long rides. 3. The Importance of Falling Falling off your bike might seem like a failure or setback, but in the world of mountain biking, it’s quite the opposite. Experienced riders know that falling is not only inevitable but also an important part of learning. Falls teach riders about their limits and how to improve their technique. They're also reminders of the importance of safety gear – helmets, pads, and gloves can make all the difference when a ride takes a turn for the worse. 4. The Cost of Mountain Biking Mountain biking can be an expensive hobby. From the bike itself to the necessary gear and maintenance costs, it's not a sport for the faint of heart – or wallet. High-quality mountain bikes can cost thousands of dollars, and that's before you factor in the cost of helmets, gloves, cycling clothes, and other accessories. Then there are the ongoing costs. Bikes need regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. Tires wear out, chains break, and brakes need adjusting. All these costs add up over time, making mountain biking a significant investment. 5. The Camaraderie on the Trails One aspect of mountain biking that often goes unmentioned is the sense of camaraderie among riders. Whether it's helping each other navigate tricky sections of trail or sharing stories around a campfire after a long day's ride, there's a strong sense of community in mountain biking. This camaraderie extends beyond individual rides as well. Mountain bikers often band together to maintain and protect their local trails, working with land managers and conservation groups to ensure these natural resources are preserved for future generations. 6. The Love for Nature At its core, mountain biking is about more than just adrenaline and exercise; it’s about connecting with nature. Riding through forests, mountains, and open fields allows bikers to experience the beauty of the natural world in a way few other sports can match. However, this love for nature comes with responsibility. Responsible riders follow "Leave No Trace" principles – they stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and carry out everything they bring in. Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport that offers much more than just an adrenaline rush. It teaches resilience, fosters community spirit, encourages respect for nature and provides an escape from everyday life into breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, understanding these lesser-known aspects of mountain biking can enhance your appreciation for this incredible sport. So, gear up, hit the trails, and discover the hidden world of mountain biking for yourself.

Mountain biking is an exhilarating outdoor activity that offers a unique blend of physical exercise and adrenaline-pumping excitement. It's a sport that takes you off the beaten path, into the heart of nature, where you can explore trails and terrains that are otherwise inaccessible. But is mountain biking hard to learn? Let's delve into this question and explore the various aspects of mountain biking. Understanding the Basics of Mountain Biking Mountain biking might seem intimidating at first glance, with its rugged trails, steep inclines, and rapid descents. However, like any other sport or activity, it becomes more manageable once you understand its basics. The first step towards learning mountain biking is familiarizing yourself with the equipment - primarily your bike. Knowing how to handle your bike on different terrains and understanding how to use gears effectively are essential skills for any aspiring mountain biker. Next comes learning about trail etiquette and safety measures. This includes knowing how to yield to other trail users, understanding trail signs, wearing appropriate protective gear, and carrying essential tools for minor repairs or adjustments on your bike. The Learning Curve in Mountain Biking One of the most common questions beginners ask is - "Is mountain biking hard?" The answer largely depends on your physical fitness level and your willingness to learn new skills. Yes, there will be a learning curve involved in mastering this sport. However, it's important to remember that everyone progresses at their own pace. Mountain biking requires a combination of strength, endurance, balance, and technical skills. Beginners often find the technical aspect - such as navigating through rocky terrains or downhill riding - challenging initially. But with regular practice and patience, these skills can be honed over time. It's also worth noting that mountain biking is not just about speed; it's about control too. Learning how to control your speed during descents or how to maneuver your bike around obstacles is crucial. This is where professional training or joining a local mountain biking group can be beneficial. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and tips to improve your skills. The Role of Fitness in Mountain Biking Mountain biking is a physically demanding sport. It requires good cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength in your core and lower body. If you're already in good shape, you'll find it easier to pick up mountain biking. However, if you're not, don't let that deter you. Mountain biking itself is a great way to improve your fitness level. Start with easier trails and gradually increase the difficulty as your fitness improves. Regular cycling on flat terrains can also help build up your endurance for mountain biking. Mountain Biking: A Rewarding Adventure So, is mountain biking hard to learn? It can be challenging initially, but it's certainly not impossible. With the right mindset, adequate preparation, and regular practice, anyone can learn to navigate those thrilling trails. Remember that every expert was once a beginner too. Don't be disheartened by initial difficulties or falls; they are part of the learning process. Focus on enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings that come with it. Mountain biking offers an unmatched sense of adventure and freedom. It allows you to explore nature's hidden gems while challenging yourself physically and mentally - making it a truly rewarding experience. In conclusion, mountain biking might require some effort to learn, but the thrill of conquering rugged terrains on two wheels makes it all worthwhile! So gear up, hit the trail, and embark on your mountain biking journey today!

How Long Does It Take to Be Good at Mountain Biking? Mountain biking is a thrilling sport that combines physical endurance with technical skills. Whether you're a novice looking to get into the sport or an experienced rider seeking to improve, you may be wondering, "how long does it take to be good at mountain biking?" The answer isn't straightforward as it depends on various factors such as your current fitness level, how often you ride, and your willingness to learn and improve. However, this article will provide some insights into the journey of becoming proficient in mountain biking. Understanding the Basics of Mountain Biking Before we delve into how long it takes to become good at mountain biking, it's essential to understand what being 'good' means in this context. Mountain biking involves more than just riding a bike off-road. It requires mastering several skills such as climbing steep hills, descending safely and quickly, navigating through rocky terrains, and handling unexpected obstacles on the trail. Moreover, being good at mountain biking also means having the physical stamina to endure long rides and the mental toughness to overcome challenges along the way. Therefore, becoming proficient in mountain biking is not just about time but also about effort, dedication, and continuous learning. Time Frame for Becoming Good at Mountain Biking As mentioned earlier, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to be good at mountain biking. However, most riders agree that you can expect significant improvements within your first year if you ride consistently. For beginners with no prior experience in cycling or other endurance sports, it may take around six months of regular riding (at least 2-3 times per week) to build up basic fitness and bike handling skills. From there, another six months of consistent practice can help you become comfortable on more challenging trails. For those who already have a solid fitness base or experience in similar sports like road cycling or trail running, the learning curve may be shorter. You might start feeling confident on moderate trails within 3-4 months of regular riding. However, remember that these are just general estimates. Everyone learns at their own pace, and progress also depends on factors like age, physical condition, and the difficulty of trails you're riding. Tips for Accelerating Your Mountain Biking Progress While time and practice are crucial in becoming good at mountain biking, here are some tips to accelerate your progress: 1. Ride Regularly: The more you ride, the quicker you'll improve. Try to get out on the trails at least twice a week. 2. Mix Up Your Trails: Riding different types of trails will challenge you and help you become a versatile rider. 3. Learn From Others: Join a local mountain biking group or hire a coach. Learning from more experienced riders can significantly speed up your progress. 4. Work on Your Fitness: Mountain biking is physically demanding. Regular cardio workouts and strength training can boost your endurance and power on the bike. 5. Practice Skills Drills: Dedicate some time each ride to practice specific skills like cornering, climbing, or descending. Conclusion Becoming good at mountain biking is a journey that requires time, effort, and dedication. While it's hard to pinpoint an exact timeline due to individual differences, most people can expect noticeable improvements within their first year of regular riding. Remember that mountain biking is not just about speed or technical skills but also about enjoying the ride and connecting with nature. So while it's great to aim for improvement, don't forget to have fun along the way!

Why Certifications Matter!! We are starting to see more and more advertisements for mountain bike clinics and that only means one thing – it’s clinic season!! I recently saw an ad where someone could get ‘certified’ to teach mtn biking in three hours. Then go back to your local communities and teach ‘fundamental skills’ which include jumping according to the ad. So I want to take a moment to discuss certifications, why they matter and what is considered a legitimate certification. Every local group ride has the rider that loves to offer advice, ‘pull up on drop’ or ‘get way back on the bike when going downhill’ (don’t do either). Or this one – just send it!! There is this perception among some riders that you can just go do it and don’t need to learn the proper skills– yet ours is inherently a difficult and dangerous sport. Just ‘sending it’ could get you injured. Skiing utilizes coaches, golf has swing coaches, go to a gym and you will see multiple personal trainers hanging about. All of these ‘coaches’ have gone through an extensive certification and education process. Why? Because within each activity there is the right way and wrong to do something. Often the wrong way can lead to an injury. Along those same lines there is a right way and a wrong to teach an activity. The ad I saw offered to ‘certify’ you to teach the fundamentals of mountain biking in three hours. The two largest, internationally recognized certification programs are Professional Mountain Bike Instruction Association (PMBIA) and Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP). To get a level one certification with either program you must pass a three-day course that includes a written portion, riding portion and coaching portion. Both programs require homework prior to the course. Level one certifies you to teach fundamentals. Not three hours – three days. Both programs offer a Ride Leader/Guide course which is 8 hours long – and this is to lead rides not instruct. Why is this important? Because of methodology. There is a proven methodology that utilizes a progression of skills to help the rider achieve her/his goals. Skiing does the same thing (coaches in snow sports generally receive the Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors or PSIAA designation). For example, a rider wants to improve cornering. The lesson plan or curriculum (in the case of a clinic) is going to break down cornering into the skills required to corner faster and smoother (stop braking in the corner). We first Introduce the skill and begin to Develop it. As the rider gains muscle memory we start Experimenting and Applying the skill (the IDEA progression). Through progressive skills development, the rider learns the skills required to corner and by developing each skill, they will achieve the goal of cornering faster or smoother. As opposed to a coach just having to ride the corner over and over. These coaching methodologies have been proven over time and are used across several sports at the highest professional and Olympic levels. To take it a step further, to be certified to teach jumping or drops both PMBIA and BICP consider it an advanced certification and require passing a four day certification class. Both PMBIA and BICP are great organizations with great instructor trainers. Of course, they both vary in subtle ways – but taking a lesson or clinic with a coach that is certified through either organization will help to ensure you are receiving proper skills-based instruction through a proven methodology. There is one final certification that needs to be mentioned, Wilderness First Aid training (WFA). In addition to the PMBIA or BICP certification, make sure your coach is WFA certified and has a fully stocked first aid kit with him or her at all times. No one plans on getting injured; but they do happen. A WFA certified coach will be able to handle any minor injuries that may occur while riding. Please reach out with any questions or comments. Patrick patrick@dynamiccyclingadventures.com

Somewhere near the middle of the world, there’s a mountain bike trail on a farm that would not exist without Segundo. I spent the month of November building it on a farm meant for agrotourism that’s owned by some distant relatives, with the help of some friends and of course, Segundo. The trail is short, but the work was hard, due mostly to the hardy Andean grass we had to dig out miles of. Andean grass, much like Andean people, is tough and strong with deep roots. To understand the grass, is to understand the people I met here, and their connections to their culture. Ecuador was settled by the Spanish starting in 1530. As in most other parts of the world, the European settlers, who fought with guns and without mercy, were victorious against the indigenous people, at that time under a very large and imposing Incan thumb. Nowadays, the most populous indigenous community in the Andes is the Quechua (or Kichwa) people, who are comprised of many different groups with unique identities and dialects of Kichwa, the connecting language. Even while the language was ripped from them by colonial practices, much like the grass, they hold steadfast to their roots. Some Andean Indigenous Ecuadoreans continue to wear their traditional clothing or variations of it, and are increasingly connected to indigenous foods. Segundo is an Ecuadorean through and through. He was the undeniable MVP of the trail building effort, doing hard physical labor in collared shirts and wool slacks- which is curiously a typical professional style of Indigenous Ecuadorean laborers. He was hired by the owner of the hacienda (my great uncle’s brother in law) to help me complete the project after my friends left. In nine days of labor, he put more effort into the trail than anyone else had in the previous three weeks, even working when I was busy or injured (hoeing out Andean grass is hard on the wrists, while unfamiliar bacteria is hard on the fragile American digestive tract). His sections of trail were also significantly smoother and better looking than mine, to my surprise and delight. He didn’t understand the work at first, wondering why we were making the trail and what else it could be used for. I told him it was only for pedal bikes, he shook his head. I think he thought I was crazy. He certainly was not used to a white woman working alongside him in physical labor. The thing that struck me as most ironic about this whole situation was that Segundo had never ridden a bicycle. The first time I asked him if he wanted to learn how to ride a bike, he just laughed at me. The second time, he said no. He didn’t want to fall. As a day laborer, his job required him to be physically fit at all times. It made sense to me, why he didn’t want to learn, but it also made me sad. With a little more exploration, I found that none of the farm workers I met knew how to ride bikes. Most of their children also had never known the joy, and were too timid to try. And now, they live within walking (and biking) distance of a mountain bike trail. As a budding bike coach with a bleeding heart, I have an insatiable hunger to teach everyone mountain biking fundamentals, especially folks who seem disadvantaged. Segundo, however, was not interested. Neither was Kevin, another farmworker, who was eager to ride a kicking bull after a few beers, but wouldn’t ride a bike for fear of falling. Six year old Santiago seemed excited to learn until I showed up with a bike, at which point he hid from me. On Saturdays (market day) in Pintag, I noticed that the streets were full of people on mountain bikes. There’s also a shiny, brand-new looking bike shop in the center of town. It took me by surprise at first, because I knew that most of the people who live in Pintag had probably never ridden one. After a little observation and some friendly conversation, it was clear that these mountain bikers were very different from the people living in and around Pintag. They were mostly from Quito, the nearby capital of Ecuador, home to affluent areas such as Tumbaco and Cumbaya, and they were mostly people of Spanish descent, not indigenous Ecuadoreans. While European descendants have largely embraced their relatively new Ecuadorian cultural identities, there’s still remnants of what can only be described as a caste system comparable to indentured servitude. By this I mean only to say that the widespread trend, as far as I could tell, was that white people owned things and made decisions, and brown people provided labor and carried out those decisions. It is not very hard to see that the lines drawn centuries ago between settler and indigenous person are still very much present. It is this narrow set of opportunities for indigenous people that stop them from doing things the majority of Americans might consider simple joys; things like riding a bike. Sure, the Ecuadorian cycling community is growing, and there are many little kids to be found using bikes to get to and fro, but there are clear lines to who rides a bike and who does not. I was in Ecuador for five weeks. I built a bike trail, I made some friends, and I learned a lot. Unfortunately, I most certainly did not teach anyone how to ride a bike. I can’t stop thinking about the Pintag town square filled with lycra-clad white Ecuadoreans and their expensive mountain bikes, as they stopped in at the bakery for a little cafecito, while Segundo would never know the joy.

Spread the Joy: Mountain Biking for All Generally, the mountain bike community is a welcoming place, full of folks united by their love of bikes. It’s a special environment that includes folks of all ages, shapes, sizes, races, colors, and creeds, from the chilled out rider to the hardo. There are some parts of the culture that can be a little intense. If you’ve ever been to a bike park full of guys hopped up on testosterone chucking absolute carcass, you know what I mean. While these environments are important for progression and as an outlet for the dudes, it can also make any bike-related context intimidating for beginners, kids, or folks who don’t see themselves represented in the bike community. Being a good rider includes being a steward of the mountain bike community. Not only does this mean following trail etiquette and keeping our trail networks beautiful, it means we have to make the community a welcoming and inclusive place. The key to making mountain biking welcoming for everyone is recognizing the essence of the sport, figuring out why you ride, and trying not to take yourself too seriously. So, what is the essence of mountain biking? If we look at the sport like a tree, with roots, a trunk, and branches, we see that there are many moving parts to mountain biking. Our roots are our history, the hippies who rode through the woods on hard tails just for the hell of it. These folks loved the outdoors, loved to move their bodies, and were totally chilled out, my dude. Then we have the trunk, when mountain biking began to evolve into a recognized sport. Biking was an outlet for folks who loved adventure and wanted to learn something new. Contemporarily, there are so many branches! They are made up of so many different types of riders all over the world. We have our differences, but there are common threads that make us all mountain bikers, and those threads also connect us to the hippies in the woods way back when. What I call the essence, then, is the pure joy we’ve all found, one way or another, biking in the woods. Everyone who likes to mountain bike, whether they’re a beginner or a professional, should be in tune with their why. Why do you mountain bike? For me, I feel connected to my environment and my family when I’m biking. It’s also a way for me to get necessary exercise, be outside, and have fun all at the same time. I mountain bike because it’s challenging, it shows me that I can do hard things and overcome barriers. It requires focus, stamina, determination, and provides a rush of adrenaline. If I lose sight of my why, I lose the essence of being on a bike: joy! Even on challenging rides when nothing goes right, if you know why you ride your bike, you can still have a great time. Now for the hard part: don’t take yourself too seriously. We all know that mountain biking is cool. It looks cool, it feels cool, it happens in cool places with cool people! However, your skill or status as a mountain biker doesn’t make you cool at all if you’re a dick about it. Every mountain biker, even the best of the best, is constantly learning and evolving. We all have a why, and are connected by the joy we feel on our bikes. So the next time you’re at your local bike park, and someone you’ve never seen before is trembling with fear at the top of the jump line, spread the joy! Say hi, make them feel welcome, and help them out if you can. Think about your why, maybe even politely ask them theirs. If you’re that someone, know that we all started on step one, and we’re proud of you for trying, failing, and getting back up to try again.