Yes, we call it Mountain Biking. But the truth is, there is a lot of walking involved. This is especially true for beginners, and for anyone who is riding an unfamiliar trail. Please don’t be disconcerted by this. It’s one of those things. It passes. As riders become familiar with the skills required, and become comfortable with a given trail, the amount of walking decreases.
There is an old adage that goes, “If you’re not hiking then you’re not biking!”
To that, it should be added, but you’re in the woods, and it beats the snot out of the office or the couch!
Very simply, walk what you’re not sure of. Walk what you can’t see! If you are not pretty sure you can “clear” a given obstacle, then dismount and walk your bike over it. There is no shame attached to prudence. It doesn’t matter how many cool points you lose by walking. What does matter is not breaking your silly fool neck. Remember! You have to report for work on Monday! Let caution be your guide. The cool stuff will come to you, in good season. But you will have to walk part of the way to get there.
Remember! A short walk beats a bad crash.
Important! This one goes for everyone, Beginner and Expert alike. If you cannot see what is coming, and you do not know what is coming, then dismount! Walk ahead and check out the terrain. Know what you are about to get into before you commit to it.
Technique: (I can hear it. “Technique!? For walking?!” Bear with me, please.) There are some good techniques. Remember, you are always sharing the trail. You may not be aware of riders who are rapidly overtaking you. So when you are about to stop and dismount, always
Call out a warning, such as “Slowing and stopping!”
Pull to the side of the trail, to allow following riders (or the unexpected oncoming rider) room to pass.
Dismount completely. Do not try to walk over an obstacle while straddling your bike!
For tough descents and climbs, it’s not a bad idea to prop the bike and then walk forward without it. Check out the terrain. Then go back for the bike.
Special Technique for steep descents and climbs:
If you have to walk down a steep section, or climb up it dismounted, there is a good procedure to follow. Walk beside your bike, with both hands on the controls. Lean over the bike slightly. Use the bike’s brakes to control your descent and stabilize you. (The same tan help you keep your footing on a steep uphill.)
Bonus:
The best way to learn how to get down a tricky descent is to walk it first. Then go a little faster (still on foot) following the route you plan to use with the bike. Then do it again, with short, almost running steps. When you have mastered the section on foot, you will know how to go down it on the bike.
Today’s Term: Singletrack ~ A path or trail, unpaved, and usually in wooded areas. Singletrack is generally just wide enough to accommodate one bicycle at a time.
This series, running every Tuesday, is intended to help those who are new to mountain bike riding. By no means is it an exhaustive treatment, but it is our fond hope that it will help you, the beginner, to begin to enjoy riding your bike off road.
Future Topics:
Reading the trail
Trail Care & Maintenance
Preparations (secure your stuff!!)
Shifting
Dressing for it
Standing and staying loose
Hydration
Track Stand
Bunny Hop
Wheelie
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