Notes When Buying a Mountain Bike

There are several things that are to be considered when buying a mountain bike.

To the uninitiated, mountain bikes appear the same. High riding position, horizontal handle bars, wider tires, sturdier frames. There are however several variables to a mountain bike. While they may look basically the same, the components and the general build will determine the terrain that it will be best suited to.

What is your riding style?
There are so many variables and small alteration in mountain bike configuration but the general rule is that first you will have to determine the kind of riding that you intend to do.

• Will the mountain bike be used in riding smooth trails?
• Is the bike to be used in cross country cruising?
• Do you enjoy the back woods and mountain cruising?
• Are you thrilled most at the challenge of rocky trails?
• Or do you look forward to the adrenaline rush of rugged downhill riding?

Mountain bikes are not exactly cheap. Good mountain bikes come with a price tag. It will be very frustrating to shell out hard saved money only to end up with a good but wrong bike.

Find a good dealer

When sure of your riding style, find a good dealer. Good dealers offer good advice. Many mountain bike dealers care about the bike that is sold to you. They could also give you alternative choices when the cost is a question? They often speak the same language as the buyer. In the same manner, refrain from buying mass retailed bikes. There may also be good bikes on their display, but seldom will the sales pitch be of use when you want a serious bike that will suit you.

Get good deal
Like anything that is sold in the market, mountain bike prices are driven by supply and demand and so the prices fluctuate during the year. Sales for mountain bikes are up during spring until summer. If you are willing to wait, the prices of mountain bikes are significantly lower during fall and winter. During this time of the year, discounts are offered including those for the accessories and services. Technology in mountain bike design does not change so significantly every year and so it is okay to ride the previous year's model.

Set a price limit
Mountain bikes are one of those things that you will hate setting a price tag to. Just like buying a car you would as much as possible, want to have only the best and the temptation to pamper a bike is really great. However, just like buying a car, there is virtually no limit to the money that you could shell out for a bike. Take titanium frames for example. Anybody would want that in a bike but if the price is prohibitive, you will never start owning one if you wait for the right moment to come up with enough budget for a titanium framed bike. So set a price limit, upgrades could come later.

Test ride…
…and test ride some more. Different bikes feel differently. The more bikes you try, the more likely that you will arrive at the best bike that will suit your riding style.

Remember that more you will be stuck with the bike that you choose today for quite a while. Your planned upgrades will also depend much on the kind of bike that is chosen.

Night Mountain Biking for Beginners

Whether you are completely a nutter or simply want to feel the extra adrenaline rush that your 10 cups of coffee a day cannot give, hopping on the bike and become the modern-day night rider will certainly do the trick. So call your friend, wait until dark and put on your best costume because it will going to be one hell of a ride.

Go over your costume while you wait for the right time. Bright-colored shirt is good – similar to the ones of your favorite cartoon character. If you do not have a television when you were a child or you do not watch any cartoons, I suggest that you choose yellow, red or orange shirt. If you have a reflector vest similar to the ones worn by your local traffic enforcer, then put that on top of your tops. Wear layers of shirt, long sleeve and jacket if necessary. Open your drawer and look for a thick pair of pajamas or leggings. Get a good pair of socks and wear your usual bike shoes. The last thing you need is to be fashionable so you can wear anything as long as you can bear the cold night (unless you want to catch the attention of female insects and small animals which are busy searching for food).

Go to your garage and get the duct tape, a pair of scissors, your flashlight and your helmet. You know the drill, right? Find your gloves, preferably newly washed. Sunblock not required.

After dinner, callback your friend and remind him or her that it is time. Do not invite your Cinderella friend if you don't want to spoil the fun. Your best buddy who is as crazy as you will come in handy. Bring your backpack filled with tools kit and tire repair kit in case your bike breaks down along the way. Bring extra money and identification. Bring snack and liquid so that you keep your energy high and you can still go home.

Tell someone in your house where you are going. Don't say you will go spelunking, no one will believe you – besides, Batman wears black, you wear the colors of the traffic light.

I am not encouraging you to forget all the safety rules you have learned from your expert friend. All I am saying is that if you really want fun, then let loose and go out at night. Ride on the most familiar trail – the one you always ride during the day – so that you know every bend, curve and dip. Oh, make sure that it is nearest from your home just in case you forget the batteries of your flashlight.

Speaking of light, watch out for flat light. They are a bit hard to understand and may cause confusion in your brain. Also watch out for the gates. They are hard to spot and they spring out of nowhere. Cows can cause body pain. They are pretty big but just like gates, they are hard to spot and can spring out of nowhere.

There may be some "ohh", "ahh", "whow", "ooops" and "ouch" along the way. But these are all part of the fun. After all, mountain biking at night is better than thinking how much fun you are missing while watching television.

Mountain Biking Trip: What to Bring?

If you are setting out for a mountain biking trip, there are essential things you need to bring. I suggest you consider carrying the following items:

Bike
Obviously you need to have a bike. But I don't mean an ordinary bike. You see, not all mountain bikes are the same. Each is made for a particular terrain and weather condition. So before heading out for the trip, ask yourself: do I have the right type of bike? If your bike is not properly tuned with the terrain you are heading to, you may want to replace some parts first. Ask an experienced biker from your group what are the parts that must be changed. Remember this: riding on a wrong bike increases your chances of accidents.

Gears
After the bike comes the gear. Pad your hands with a good pair of gloves. Regardless if it is full or cut-offs as long as are wearing a pair and comfortable with it, it really doesn't matter.

A helmet is a no-brainer. Never leave without wearing one.

Sunglasses are equally important as it protects your eyes helps improve your vision of the terrain on all weather conditions. Sunglasses come in different styles and color. Choose one that has plastic frames and with the right color of the shade.

The type of clothes to wear depends on the weather condition. There are different brands that sell a complete line of biking clothes. This can be expensive so if you want to buy a set or two, shop around. But if the budget doesn't permit, I recommend that you just buy padded shorts. For tops, your everyday cotton shirts will work just fine. Make sure that you bring a wind breaker, extra t-shirts, a long sleeve shirt and water-resistant jacket in case it rains.

Food
Biking burns calories. Long hours of mountain biking burn even more. Pack up some high energy snacks that will give you power to pedal throughout the day. High energy bars or fruits like bananas and apples are good.

Hydration
Water is still the best form of liquid but with extra physical work, you may want to bring energy drinks. Stay away from coffee, caffeine tea and soda.

Hydration pack with a water bladder is highly recommended. It allows you to drink liquid more conveniently and also gives room to store some snacks, clothes and a pump. If you don't have one and are not planning to buy anytime soon, bring water bottle instead.

Tool kit and Puncture Repair Kit
Never go on a trip without any of these even if you have the most reliable bike in the world. If you haven't experienced a puncture before, there is always a first time. Tool kit is for mechanical repairs. Puncture repair kit help you repair tire blow out. Bring the most compact but complete and functional set of kits with you.

Link Extractor
Chain breaks happen because your sprocket and chain set do not match or if you have an old set that suffers a lot of stress. A link extractor allows you to repair damaged chain.

Pump and Spare Inner Tube
Mini pump with gauge will come in handy after repairing your punctured tire. If the damage is beyond repair, you must have an inner tube ready to replace the damaged one.

Where do you put all these stuff? Mountain biking backpacks are designed to house every thing you need for your trip.

Mountain Biking Safety Tips

Plan your trip

Safety begins in planning and right preparation. Learn as much information about the trail as you can; notarize local authorities, acquire advance weather forecast; check your bike; develop necessary biking skills; improve your endurance and strength; and prepare the necessary items for the trip. These are some of the things you must do before you set out on a mountain biking trip.

Watch out for change in weather.
Summer storms can happen instantly and they are often accompanied by high winds and heavy shower. If you are caught at the wrong place, you may be in big trouble. Stay away from lone trees or rocks during lightning storm. Get off ridges before the rain starts. Keep your team together. If you sense that the rain is coming, set up a makeshift shelter made from leaves and branches on high grounds.

Keep hydrated
Working your muscles for a prolonged period of time produces sweat. Make sure that you replace the lost body fluids by re-hydrating regularly. Smaller and frequent sips are better than gulping the whole content of your water bottle at once. Do not wait until you are thirsty, especially when riding on cold weather conditions. Cold weather suppresses thirst so follow similar hydration practice.

Water is still the best liquid to drink while biking. Energy drinks are also good. Do not substitute water with soda, coffee or caffeine tea. These fluids are proven to have diuretic effects.

Ride with a group
If you are riding alone, you are either suicidal or your life is just plain miserable. Okay, you are neither. Still, you should not be doing it in long biking trips. The importance of riding with a group cannot be stressed enough. A group makes riding fun and enjoyable. It is also your first line of defense in case you get into an accident while in the trail.

Bad things happen outdoors and help can be miles away. Make sure that there are people around you who can call for help in case you need immediate medical aid.

Ride properly
There is no better way to invite a disaster than by doing crazy things while on the trail. Never attempt to cross a cliff if you think you can't do it. Do not cross a river if you know you can't. Do not accelerate when approaching sharp curves and uneven terrain.

Always keep your speed in check. It will only take a split second of negligence for an accident to happen. Stay focus all the time. Walk and carry your bike if you can't ride.

Travel Light

If there is any rule that applies to anything that involves outdoor adventure, this may be it. During mountain biking trips, it is not advisable to carry a large bag on your back. Not only it tires you fast, it also reduces your balance while riding. Bring the things that are only necessary for the trip such as first aid kit, tire repair kit, multi-tool kit, enough food and water, flashlight, matches and some clothes. Do not forget to bring a cellular phone or a satellite phone – it is your saving grace in case something bad happens.

Give your complete itineraries to a friend or a family member.
On a piece of paper, write the names can contact numbers of each member of the group, the place where you are going and expected time of return. Give it to someone who will be left behind at home so that if you do not return as expected, they can contact authorities.

Mountain Biking Survival Tips

Man does not ride with bike alone. On the trail, he needs several things in order to survive. He needs different items, proper attitude and right knowledge to stay safe. The mountain biking survival tips are as follows:

Water and food
Whether it is summer or in the middle of the winter season, you as a biker need to drink plenty of fluid and eat substantial amount of food. Bring high energy food and enough water or energy drink to stay keep you hydrated during the course of the trip. Powerbars are recommended since they are compact and easy to carry. If powerbars are not available, you can bring fruits such as bananas and apples. Always pack extra food in case you have to stay longer on the trail.

Clothing
Wear clothes that are suited for the type of weather. If you are riding in summer, bring light clothes made from breathable fabric. Winter riding requires layers of clothing that may include a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a brightly-colored jacket so that you can be properly seen in the middle of the snow. Always bring pack extra clothing regardless of the amount of hours you will spend on the trail.

Gears
First things first: never ride without wearing a helmet. Then wear gloves for better grip and comfort. Gloves can also protect your hands in case you suffer a crash and use your palms to absorb the fall. Sunglasses are another important accessory you should wear. It serves as a protection against foreign objects that might enter your eyes. Depending on the color of the shade, sunglasses enhance the color of the road.

Tools
Bring a flashlight whether you are riding during the day or at night. Tire blow out can happen anytime while on the trail; always carry bike and tire repair kits that include multi-tool wrenches, pump, tire gauge, patches and glue. Do not forget a spare inner tube. It will come in handy in case the damage of your tire is not repairable.

Navigation
Bring a map, a compass or a GPS in case you are unfamiliar with the biking trail.

Trip Planning
Like a good Boy Scout, be prepared. Pack everything you need before the trip.

To summarize all these, your backpack should contain the following: enough food and water, sunscreen, cellphone, pump, tire gauge, patches, glue, spare inner tube, multi-tool kit, first aid kit, wallet with identification and extra money, flashlight, a navigation tool like compass or GPS, a map, and a lighter.

Let someone know where you are. Give your itinerary including your expected time of return to a friend or a relative.

While mountain biking is a physical activity itself, make sure that you are physically prepared especially if you are going out for a more challenging and longer trip. (Do not ride alone.)

On the trail
The best way to get rescued is to stay put and remain visible. Protect yourself from heat.

Mountain forest and desert have its own weather system. And weather condition can change in a matter of minutes. In case it rains, stay high and dry. Create a make-shift shelter on the highest area of the terrain. Do not ride the storm especially if it comes with lightning.

If you are going to stay overnight, make a fire before it gets dark. Keep it alive throughout the night. Fire keeps predators away.

Temperature can plummet when dark sets in. Make sure that you are properly insulated.

If you believe in prayer, pray. It can help relaxes your nerves.

Mountain Biking: Racing for the First Time

Contrary to the popular notion that only the very strong, well-sponsored and aggressive riders can enter a competitive mountain biking race, everyone - even you - can become part of it.

Who can race?
Everyone! Most mountain bike race events are divided into different categories: gender, age and ability. So even if you are just beginning to love the sport or if you have been riding for several years, there is a race for you.

Who organizes the race?
Many of the best mountain biking races for beginners are organized by local communities. And most participants can be your friends and neighbors. How many joins this race? Depending on its popularity – maybe 30 or 100. The good thing about community-organized races is that they are less competitive as they are often participated by average riders like you. So if it is your first time to join a race, this is a good starting point.

Check with your local bike shop and bike websites to find if there are race events nearby.

Why race?
Racing improves your riding skill and makes you a better rider. Racing gives you a goal, which drives you to perform better than in casual biking. It improves your focus on the road. Since you dare to ride as fast as you can, it increases your reaction time to every bend, corners, rocks and dips. Also, knowing that the race is coming up, you eat and prepare better.

How much does it cost?
Entry or registration fee for community mountain bike race usually costs between $10 and $35. This usually includes t-shirt. Regional races are a bit higher. Often, gift certificates and bike gears are given and prizes.

Speaking of prizes, awards are given in all categories like Women 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Beginner, Men 30-39 Expert, Men 40-49 Beginner etc. So there are several chances of winning. When they speak of the "depth", it means the number of places that is awarded for a particular category. If the awards are "five deep", that means prizes are given from first up to fifth place.

Either way, it is not about the prize but for the fun of biking.

What are the rules?
Know if you should be "self-supporting", meaning you have to provide everything you need during the race from water supply to repair tools. If not, ask if you can share tools and inner tubes with your teammates or other rides. Also, check if you can munch powerbars while riding or get water-bottle from your pit-crew as turn a lap. These are important details to know.

There are unwritten, non-technical rules in mountain biking race. First, do not mess with other riders. Do not block. Do not draft (riding directly behind another rider and use him as shield block the air). Do not endanger another rider. The aim of the race is fun and camaraderie so do not spoil it by kicking someone else's bike or throwing an empty water-bottle to other competitors.

What to prepare?
Be physically fit. Get stronger. Ride more often. Run the course at least once before the race to familiarize the terrain. Register in advance. Pack everything you need a night before.

On race day, arrive an hour early. This gives you time to rest, mingle with other racers and do some final check with your bike (do not change major parts on race day unless it is completely necessary). After the race, hang out with other racers, cheer for the late finishers, wait for the awarding and recall the day's event.

Mountain Biking: Keeping the Fun Side Alive!

Let us face it, most of us have the best intentions when we start mountain biking. And during the first few months of riding, the enthusiasm is high. You even tell to yourself, "this time I am serious and will not quit." You ride for hours several times a week; shop sets of bike gears; upgrade the parts of your bike; or even buy a new bike. But just like other leisure and sport, your interest may begin to go down because you begin to create excuses for yourself such as you are busy with your work or you are tired and you cannot ride even on weekends. Once you start feeling this way, everything is downhill unless you do something about it. Do you want to know how to keep interested on mountain biking? Read on…

Prioritize.
The best way to quit mountain biking is create excuses such as lack of time and doing other much important things. While you really have to work or to do some important stuff in your life, it is really not an excuse to skip. How come you are able to do things other than biking? Think of it this way, if you put mountain biking on the top of your "things-to-do," would you still have the reason to skip? Learn to prioritize.

Do not ride too much.
Many mountain bikers who have decided to sit on the couch and watch tv instead of ride their bike have reasoned that they have lost interest in it. This is probably because they ride too much during the first weeks and get tired immediately. What you should do is to make a schedule at least once a week but not more than 5 times a week.

Do not buy upgrades all at the same time.
Many beginners are very enthusiastic about their newly-found hobby that they spend big amount of money to buy everything to make their bike the best. While there is nothing wrong with this, the tendency is to become a victim of their own obsession and losing interest right after because there is nothing more to do. Why not buy a bike and upgrade one part of the bike, enjoy it for a while before you buy another upgrade. This way, you always have something to look forward to and keep your anticipation and interest high.

Get a riding buddy/join a group of rider
Riding alone is good but riding with someone is better. If you know that someone is waiting for you on the trial, you will likely not skip. Or if your group have a scheduled time and day to ride together, you are more likely to be there.

Music
If you are getting tired of hearing nothing but the sound of your own breathing, then why not bring your MP3 player and play some music while you navigate through the mountain? Music keeps you entertained during long hours of driving. It does the same thing when mountain biking.

Ride on different trails
You will certainly get bored and lose interest if you ride on the same trail over and over again. Find other places to ride. Take this time to explore other areas you haven't been to. Ride on at least 4 or 5 trails a month, one trail each week. If it is not possible to have many trails, change your riding route regularly and present yourself with new challenges.

Mountain Biking: Getting Started

Jump starting mountain biking as a hobby can be a bit scary for many individuals for one reason: they basically do not know where to start. Here, learn the basic things you need to know to get you started.

Bike and Gears
If you are starting off from scratch, you need to think of buying a bike first before anything else. I said "think" because not all bikes are the same.

When buying your first mountain bike, you have to identify the type of riding you will be doing most of the time as bikes are designed for specific style and terrain. To make matters simple, I suggest that you get an all-terrain hard tail mountain bike to start with (but you are free to choose from other types of bike depending on the riding surface you want to ride).

Then, there are gears. It's a no-brainer that you must have a helmet whenever you go out for a ride. Not only because it protects your head from any possible injury you may sustain during a crash, but also because it is prohibited to ride without wearing one.

Consider buying at least 3 pairs of gloves so while you are wearing one pair, the other pair goes to the laundry while the third pair goes to your backpack as a reserve. Mountain biking shoes are great for comfort and good grip on the pedal. Sunglasses regulate and enhance the light and serve as a protection from harmful rays and other elements that can enter your eyes such as dust, small rocks and insects.

Tools
Every biker experiences getting flat and mechanical damage. Get a good set of tire repair kit including mini pump, patches, extra inner tube and glue. A multi-tool that includes wrenches will allow you to repair any mechanical damage of your bike. Broken chains can be a big problem while on the trail. Make sure to include chain tool in your arsenal.

Location. Location. Location.

Common conception is that mountain bikes can only be used on unpaved surfaces. The truth is you can use your mountain bike no matter where you are. So whether you are stuck in the city that offers everything other than nature or you have an access on a local bike or a mountain trail, you are good to ride.

Riding companion
There is nothing wrong with riding alone but you really have to consider joining a group of riders especially if you are planning to ride on remote places where there are no people around. A riding companion will come in handy in case you need medical assistance or simply experience a mechanical breakdown while on the trail. Also, experienced riders are good sources of valuable information on the best places to ride and how to ride safely and properly.

Safety Concerns
While mountain biking is a relatively safe sport, taking proper precautions are necessary. Aside from wearing a helmet and gloves, consider wearing padded shorts, elbow and knee pads. Keep your speed in check. Do not ride beyond your capabilities. Do not ride if you are uncomfortable with the terrain. Keep your physical fitness high. Take it slow; do not spend your energy on the first kilometer of the trail.

And most importantly, keep your energy high by drinking fluids and eating right before and during the ride.

Five-Point Rule when Riding Downhill

Riding downhill is probably the most exciting part of mountain biking. But this doesn't mean that you have to ride hard like there's no tomorrow. There is a big difference between having fun and wiping out. Take these 5 simple advices to ride down the hill in one piece instead of spending the rest of your day in the hospital.

1. Pre-ride preparation – Even if you are physically ready and capable to ride downhill, never attempt it if you have not checked your bike. Check if you have the right set of brakes and if it works properly. Do not forget to wear your trusted helmet, a pair of gloves, and pads if available.

2. Keep it balanced – As you move downhill, shift your body weight as far back on the saddle as possible to counter the angle of descent. If you feel that the front end of the bike wobbles or you are losing control, you may be too far back. Compensate it by leaning forward until you get the right control. Keep your body properly aligned on with your bike. Bend down and hold your body as close to the bike as possible. Bend your arms and legs. They are best shock absorbers especially if the trail is very rough and rutted. The bike is harder to control with stiff body. Relax your muscles and do not grip the handlebar too tightly.

3. Pick a line and stay on it –Instead of picking a spot that you want to avoid, pick a line where you want to go. Make sure that you align your front tube towards that direction. Scan your path in advance for possible hazards and prepare your next action. Planning is essential. It will keep your feet on the pedal and your hands on the handlebar. When scanning, look 15 to 20 feet ahead. Then align your tire towards or away from that direction. Do this throughout your descent.

Even if you have a good set of suspension, try to choose the smoothest path possible. A less rugged path gives you better control of the bike and less body pain after the ride.

4. Keep your senses intact – Do not get carried away with the adrenaline rush. While you can go wild and get crazy, keep your mind focused on the direction of your bike. Remember, lack of concentration for a brief moment can speed a disaster and can send you rolling down the hill ahead of your bike. Always play it safe but still having fun.

5. Control your speed – Sure, you want to feel the wind brushing your face. That is just part of the thrill. But do not substitute wind with mud or rocks. If you want to let go of the brake during descent, it is entirely up to but make sure that you have a complete control over your bike. If fear starts to replace the thrills, better think of slowing down. Do not hit the brake hard though. Gently squeeze both front and rear brake to get to the desired speed.

Watch out for other bikers or unsuspecting hiker ahead of you. You may be riding down too fast and may hit another person. This doesn't mean that you should not go fast, it only means you have to take control of your speed.

Mountain Biking Expedition: Do's and Don'ts

There are lots of good reasons to be free and be wild on the great outdoors. After all, this is the time to relax, forget work, have fun and be with your friends. Just make sure that you remember the following:

Do's

• Arrive in good physical condition.

Improve your overall physical condition at least one or two months before the trip. Train harder as the day nears. Ride regularly and combine it with weight training to develop muscle.

• Bring the right equipment.

Your backpack should include multi-tools (wrenches for nuts and bolts), tire repair kit (pump, spare inner tube, patches and glue), first aid kit, blanket/sleeping bag, flashlight, matches, cellular phone or satellite phone, and money.

If possible, assign someone to carry one or some items that need not to be duplicated like multi-tools and pump.

• Wear the right clothes.

Being trendy is good but it is often unnecessary. Wear clothes that are comfortable and right for the weather condition.

• Check your bike.

Just like your car, mountain bikes need to be checked, especially if are going for a long trip. Check the tires, suspension, chains, gears, brakes, nuts and bolts. Any small damage can become a big problem on the road. Replace parts that need to be replaced to minimize the chances of breakdown.

• Know the trail

Any seasoned mountain biker would agree that experience and skill is no match with knowledge of the trail. Learn every curve, bend, dips, terrain condition, and everything that can be learned about the trail. This way, you will be able to plan your sleep and anticipate danger even before you arrive in the area.

• Take extra caution

Wear your helmet and gloves. Keep your speed in check. Do not ride too fast. Keep in control of your bike and plan your crash at all times.

• Inform a family member or a friend about your trip

Write down everything about your trip including, the location, your itineraries, and expected time and day of return.

Don'ts

• Don't ignore safety warnings

Most biking trails have rules, safety warnings and markers. They are designed for your safety so make sure that you follow all of them. There are places where you can bend or even break the rules; this is not one of those.

• Don't ride beyond your skill

Most beginners commit one common mistake: becoming too proud of themselves. This can be dangerous as they try stunts and stuffs that are beyond their capability. Remember, there is no shame on walking and carrying your bike if you are not comfortable riding on it. If you are not sure that you can cross rivers or traverse cliffs on your bike, do not even attempt to do it.

• Don't try anything stupid

If you don't want to be airlifted and spend several days in the hospital, then make sure that you keep your actions checked. Never ride alone. Keep up with the pace of the group. If you think you are the weakest person, insist that you ride in the middle of the pack. If you think you are the strongest, then don't think that you can do everything you want. Stay as a team at all times. Do not ride ahead or behind of the main party.

Mountain Biking Conduct and Etiquette

As a recreational activity, mountain biking should be fun. But that doesn't mean you free to do whatever you want. When riding on national parks and public trails, you are more likely to encounter hikers, joggers and horseback riders using the same trails. Since you are traveling at a faster speed than others, it is important to take precautions, observe proper conduct and show consideration for others.

Below is the list of proper conduct and etiquette that you must observe while in the area:

Go easy with hikers. When you have to pass them, slow down and make sure they know that you are there. Do not pass in top speed, otherwise you will startle them. You may even receive negative reaction if you do not slow down. Once you have seen persons in front of you, reduce substantial speed as you get near and make some noise so that they will know that you are coming. A greeting or a bell is good but sometimes, foot scrape, gear shift or any subtle noise is enough. Never assume that they have seen you until they look up.

Do not forget to thank them for giving you their right of way. Pass with care especially if there are young children and pet animals. The key is to show respect and be polite.

Give way - If you see other bikers or hikers coming your way, the best thing you can do is to slow down until you reach full stop and let them pass, especially if the track is narrow or if they are coming from above. Add some smile on your face and a polite nod.

Never scare horses and other animals - Horses are often scared of bikes. If you see equestrians coming your way, make sure that you dismount at least 15 meters from the horse. Most horse owners will appreciate this gesture and will thank you. Also you will never know if you are dealing with horseback rider or an inexperienced horse so initiate courtesy.

Moreover, do not make any abrupt movements that will scare the pet animals of other people on the trail. Be respectful with the owners and they will surely appreciate you. Keep your distance from any animals you have seen on the wild whether it is dangerous or not. Do not disturb them because they may attack. Remember that animals are more scared than you but they will not hesitate to fight back if you pose any threat to them.

Leave no traces - Do not throw anything on the trail. Bring a small bag to place all your trash. Candy and food wrappers, plastic cups, empty glue tubes and bike parts are non-biodegradable. Stay on the trail. If you cannot ride the trail, dismount, carry your bike and walk through it. Do not create new paths to avoid bike tracks that may be followed by other bikers. If you are going to ride on private property, make sure that you ask permission from the owner.

These are some of the things you must do as a mountain biker to show your respect and consideration to others and the environment. Take this in mind whenever you set out on a mountain biking trip or even if you are going for a quick ride to a public park.

Top Reasons Why You should not Quit Mountain Biking

Not because you hit a wall or crashed 20 feet down the cliff, it doesn't mean that you can hang your bike in the garage and watch television all day. Mountain biking, in the first place, should be fun. And some accidents, while often humiliating or painful, are just part of the sport. You probably have several personal reasons to quit. Instead of entertaining these negative thoughts, why not ask yourself, why should I not quit? Here's why…

Because some jerks expect you to quit
Your neighbors or probably even your friend will just roll their eyes if you tell them you have started mountain biking. They might say, "You are just wasting your time because you will quit anyway." If stirring skepticism is all that you create, why not put it in a positive way. Whenever you feel like quitting, remember all these people who do not believe that you can stay on your bike. Prove them wrong.

It makes you feel good about yourself
You might have seen some changes in your body after just weeks of regular mountain biking. What more if you maintain it for several months?

When you ride, you burn lots of calories that should have turned into fat if you did not decide to get moving. Riding helps you keep in shape. And if you are in shape, you start to feel good about yourself, which can be reflected to the way you act, communicate and relate with others.

Also, you are often judged as a person through physical appearance. If you look good, many will think of you as trustworthy and smart. If you are fat, you may be labeled as dumb, lazy and untrustworthy. This is not morally right but it is true; and many studies have testified to it.

It makes you feel better when you bump to an old friend
Isn't it nice to bump to an old friend from high school looking chiseled and fit? Isn't it great to attend a reunion and become the center of talk because you have lost a lot of weight? Losing weight may be the reason why you started mountain biking, looking good is a bonus.

Mountain biking is fun
Fun can be defined in many ways. Being able to improve your endurance, breathe fresh air, challenge yourself, learn new skill, see new places, meet new people and stay in shape are some of those. Mountain biking allows you to enjoy them all at the same time.

The beach season
Can you still remember the last time you have taken your shirt off and put on a swimwear? Or, have you done it? Confidently? If you love the beach or planning to go to the beach this summer, wouldn't it be nice if you can show off how good your body looks? Mountain biking, although it may not be able to give you those big muscles, will certainly keep those fats off and help achieve a trimmed body.

The opposite sex
For some strange reasons, human beings still posses some attitudes of animals even if we claim that we are the superior kind. We still have the idea that if we look good and look strong, we attract the opposite sex. But is it true. Good looking people get more attention; and you have to admit that you want to belong in this small, lucky group.

Bike Maintenance

Any seasoned biker would agree that physical preparation is important to keep you going on the trial. But no amount of exercise and training is enough if you do not ensure the condition of your bike. As your body needs to be prepared, your bike has to be fit for the trip as well.

Bike maintenance is divided into 3 basic frames:

Pre-trip check

Just like checking your motorized vehicle before you go for your long trip, checking your bike before you ride is a very critical pre-trip procedure. Your aim is to find and if necessary, repair parts of the bike that need immediate attention so that you minimize the risk of breakdown while on the trail. Check the tire threads and pressure. Make sure that the wheels are aligned and the seat is at the right angle. Check the quick-release levers. Clean the bike. Lube the necessary parts.

Post-trip check

Before throwing your bike into your car and drive home, turn the bike upside-down and remove mud, twigs and other foreign objects using damp cloth. Pop off and clean the wheels. The key is removing everything that can be an avenue for moisture to enter. (Rust starts on moist parts of the bike.)

Long-term repairs and storage

Assuming that your bike performed well while on the trip, do not hang it yet. Clean it thoroughly and check for parts that might be damaged during the trip. This is a good time to take parts of your bike apart to make sure that they are properly cleaned. (Make sure that you remember which part goes where. Do not take your bike apart if you don't know how to put them back.) Check the suspension, inspect the brake pads, tighten the cables, and check the chains and gears. After the whole procedure, dry the entire bike off with a clean cloth.

If you are using your bike regularly (at least 2 times a week) it may get a share of wear and tear. Routinely check your bike before and after your ride to stop problems and fix them if necessary.

If your bike spends most of its time in the garage and only gets a taste of dirt once in a while, make sure that you follow these storage and maintenance procedures to keep it in tip-top shape:

Take the gadgets (GPS, lights, bells, speed meters, etc.) off your handle bar before storage. Designate a box for these gadgets or store it with all your bike tools.

Store your bike in a dry place. Moist can enter your bike and start rust build-up if it is wet in storage.

Hang your bikes with wheels off.

Check the inner tubes of the wheels for leaks. Use patches to seal the tubes.

Clean the chains, gears and brake discs. Make sure that they are dry before storage. Lube the chains at least once a month.

If you are going to use your bike, follow the pre-trip check before riding. You have invested so much on your mountain bike and other upgrades; the last thing you want is a useless, rusty and cranking bike.

A well-maintained bike not only prolongs its service, it also ensures your safety while on the trial. Keep your bike working properly by doing everything that is mentioned above.

Mountain Biking Accessories Must Haves

Entering a bike shop, it is very overwhelming for beginners to see a wide array of mountain biking products, each shouting, "buy me!" The question now is, "should you give in?" While many biking product are indeed necessary, there are some you can ride without or nice to have. Here is a list of necessary mountain biking accessories that you must have. Unmentioned ones are optional.

Helmet
Not only it is stupid not to wear one, most public parks and trails prohibit riding without a helmet. Buy it the moment you buy your bike. Many serious head injuries can be prevented by just wearing a helmet. Look for a helmet that provides better insulation; fits properly to your head; and with chin strap to secure it to your head.

Gloves
Gloves serve double purpose: to improve your grip on the handlebar and to protect your hand from cuts and bruises in case you crash. Since the natural tendency during crash is to stretch the arms to cushion the fall, the palms take the most beating. While I do not advice you to use your hands to protect your body from the fall, I will not recommend riding without it. You can choose between cutoff and full-fingered gloves, but I suggest full-fingered. Gloves are the second most important accessory you should have next to helmet.

Repair kit
There is nothing worse than having a breakdown in the middle of nowhere and you cannot do anything about it. Make sure that you put equal importance to repair kit as you can never tell when you will hit a major bump and blow your tire out or when will your chain break due to excessive metal stress. That said, your repair kit should include chain repair tool and tire repair tools such as patches, glue, portable pump with gauge and a spare inner tube. Also include multi-tool set with wrenches to repair mechanical damages.

Hydration system
Just like any other physical activity, mountain biking causes your body to heat up and sweat to keep your core temperature normal. As you sweat, you lose substantial amount of water, and even more if biking is extended for a longer period of time. To replace the water lost and avoid dehydration, you must drink fluid regularly. Water bottle is enough but if you can afford a hydration pack with bladder, it is much better.

Eye protection
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. Glasses offer protection from dust, insects, wind and other foreign objects that can enter your eyes while mountain biking. Glasses also protect you from infrared radiation and ultra-violet rays and it can be used to filter or enhance lighting.

Clothes
The point of buying clothes especially made for biking is to provide enough protection and comfort while riding. But regular shirt and sweatpants are good enough.

Choosing among different brands of bike clothing can be difficult and expensive. Your task is to prioritize what to buy. I suggest that you invest on padded biking shorts first since you have shirts and jackets you can readily pull out from your closet.

Shoes
To add comfort while pedaling, specially-made bike shoes are available. Pick the right shoe that will fit to the terrain you will be riding in and will fit to the type of pedal your bike has.

The accessories are listed according to importance. If the combined cost of all these products goes beyond the budget you set, prioritize on buying the things from the top of the list down.

Keeping the Fun Side Alive!

Let us face it, most of us have the best intentions when we start mountain biking. And during the first few months of riding, the enthusiasm is high. You even tell to yourself, "this time I am serious and will not quit." You ride for hours several times a week; shop sets of bike gears; upgrade the parts of your bike; or even buy a new bike. But just like other leisure and sport, your interest may begin to go down because you begin to create excuses for yourself such as you are busy with your work or you are tired and you cannot ride even on weekends. Once you start feeling this way, everything is downhill unless you do something about it. Do you want to know how to keep interested on mountain biking? Read on…

Prioritize.
The best way to quit mountain biking is create excuses such as lack of time and doing other much important things. While you really have to work or to do some important stuff in your life, it is really not an excuse to skip. How come you are able to do things other than biking? Think of it this way, if you put mountain biking on the top of your "things-to-do," would you still have the reason to skip? Learn to prioritize.

Do not ride too much.
Many mountain bikers who have decided to sit on the couch and watch tv instead of ride their bike have reasoned that they have lost interest in it. This is probably because they ride too much during the first weeks and get tired immediately. What you should do is to make a schedule at least once a week but not more than 5 times a week.

Do not buy upgrades all at the same time.
Many beginners are very enthusiastic about their newly-found hobby that they spend big amount of money to buy everything to make their bike the best. While there is nothing wrong with this, the tendency is to become a victim of their own obsession and losing interest right after because there is nothing more to do. Why not buy a bike and upgrade one part of the bike, enjoy it for a while before you buy another upgrade. This way, you always have something to look forward to and keep your anticipation and interest high.

Get a riding buddy/join a group of rider
Riding alone is good but riding with someone is better. If you know that someone is waiting for you on the trial, you will likely not skip. Or if your group have a scheduled time and day to ride together, you are more likely to be there.

Music
If you are getting tired of hearing nothing but the sound of your own breathing, then why not bring your MP3 player and play some music while you navigate through the mountain? Music keeps you entertained during long hours of driving. It does the same thing when mountain biking.

Ride on different trails
You will certainly get bored and lose interest if you ride on the same trail over and over again. Find other places to ride. Take this time to explore other areas you haven't been to. Ride on at least 4 or 5 trails a month, one trail each week. If it is not possible to have many trails, change your riding route regularly and present yourself with new challenges.