A Women's Guide to Mountain Biking!
What can you Expect Riding Off Road?Well, just about anything! You'll find basic dirt roads like what you drive on sometimes, and more rugged roads—essentially just two tracks side by side with a strip of grass or gravel in the middle called double-tracks (formed by the rare trucks that travel the road) .And, then, there's every mountain biker's favorite, the singletrack trail, which is just wide enough for a single rider and usually as fun as riding a roller coaster because it zigs and zags, goes up and down and can include whoop-de-doos, drop-offs, berms and all manner of obstacles. Of course, you're usually in a somewhat remote location and should expect all terrain, too, from hardpacked dirt, to gravel, sand and mud, to even some pavement patches. And, you'll find many challenges, which can include very steep hills you'll have to walk up (and down!), streams or even rivers crossing the trail that you might or might not be able to ride through, ruts or washouts to watch out for, downed trees and even the occasional wild animal. All of which is why we recommend you start at your own pace and pick trails that suit you and your abilities. Just ask and we'll gladly point you to trails that match your riding ability so that you have as much fun as possible. |
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Get the Right Mountain BikeThese days there as many types of mountain bikes as there are trails and surfaces to ride them on. We're experts and are happy to help you pick out the perfect model. Here are some fun questions and things to think about that will help you choose and help us find you the perfect machine.1. Where will you ride? 2. What's your budget (be sure to include enough for important accessories you'll need such as a helmet, gloves, seat bag with key tools, etc.) 3. Who will you ride with and what and where do they ride? 4. Have you set any riding goals, such as learning new skills or even trying racing? 5. Are you the type of person who likes high-tech things or are you more inclined to prefer simplicity? Likewise, do you like to have the best of things or are you more interested in getting a great value? 6. What other sports do you enjoy and do you do them for fun or are you competitive? 7. What would you like to get out of your cycling, fun, fitness, friendship? Contemplating these questions and having the answers will help us help you select the right bicycle. And, when you visit our store be sure to wear comfortable riding clothing and shoes so we can put you on some bikes to find a perfect fit. Today, some manufacturer's offer women's-specific mountain bikes and all our bicycles can be adjusted to fit a wide range of women nicely. One detail that's key to riding comfortably is having the right seat, one that fits nicely, supports you well and feels great throughout your rides. Most new bicycles today come with nicely designed seats, even women's-specific models, however, you'll want to try the seat for a while and make sure it's right. If not, we can help you find a seat that is. Keep in mind that just because you're a woman doesn't mean you necessarily need a women's saddle. Most women's saddles are designed to fit a wider pelvis, so if you have slim hips, you may want to consider a narrower men's model, for example. Also, note that mountain-bike saddles are generally designed to allow you to quickly change position so you want to find one that's easy to slide off the back of and stand up from, too. When you visit you can take test rides to feel for yourself how different bicycles and seats feel, too. You'll see that we have a wide variety of off-road bicycles and there are interesting differences in the features and how they ride. In fact, a lot of people get so into mountain biking that over time they purchase several different bikes so that they always have the ideal bike no matter what or where they're riding. That's part of the fun. |
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Dress Right for the TrailWe recommend wearing mountain biking-specific clothing because it helps keep you comfortable and safe. For example, mountain-bike helmets are made to vent well even at mountain biking's slower speeds so you stay dry and comfortable, plus they include visors to guard you from the sun, mud, and branches. Of course, they pass all safety standards, too. Be sure to wear full gloves, too, for comfort and protection. Mountain-bike gloves have light padding to provide an optimum grip and excellent control, and they're typically reinforced on the backs and feature terry panels for wiping your face. They breathe well, too, even on hot summer days. |
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PracticeBelieve it or not you can start working on your mountain-bike skills in any open grass field or parking lot. Here are several tips that will make you more comfortable on your bike before you hit the trails. |
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Know and Follow the Rules of the TrailKnow the rules of the trail and your responsibilities as a mountain biker and you'll be much more confident when you ride. Only ride on trails that are open to mountain bikers and stick to the existing trails. If you find a section that's too technical for you, get off your bike and hike it instead of cutting a shortcut around it. If the trails are really wet, consider riding somewhere else to prevent damaging them. Like everything you do in wild places, leave no trace and pack out everything you pack in. |
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Be PreparedCheck the weather before you head out and be sure to tell someone where you're going as well as how long you expect to be gone. Although you may not see much more than a squirrel or two, know what kinds of wildlife are in the area where you'll be riding, when they're active, and how to deal with them. |
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Check your BikeInspecting your bike for safety before every ride ensures your adventures will be a success, too. Check that both tires have the right amount of pressure for the terrain you'll be riding—higher pressure for hard-packed dirt, lower pressure for soft, loose trails. You'll usually find the recommended maximum/minimum pressure for your tires written right on the sidewalls. Also, be sure the chain is lubricated. If the links are bright and shiny the chain is probably dry. Apply a drop of lube to every link. Ideally you'll do this the night before the ride to let the lube dry and stick to the chain, then wipe off the access in the morning before the ride. |
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We already mentioned riding with friends, but it's worth repeating: a great way to start and enjoy mountain biking, and the best way to be safe and enjoy rides more is to hit the trails with your buddies. And, a great way to do this is to join a group or club. Here, you'll meet new people to share mountain biking tales and trails with. We can help you find local clubs that suit your style of riding. Or, you can get some friends together and start your own riding group! |
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Please feel free to ask us any and all women's cycling questions you may have. We're here to help! For more info or to attend women's events in our store, contact Melanie at melanie@hylandbikes.com. |