There is probably more skill to mountain biking than you realize and there's a lot more to it than just jumping on your bike and riding up and down hills! Here are some more advanced skills that will only improve your experience. Remember, if there is an obstacle that's just too large, don't worry about your reputation, get off of your bike and carry it!
Lifting the Front Wheel -
- You will need to have your bike in a low gear while learning how to lift the front wheel. Slide to the back of the saddle and bend down low over your bike-bend your elbows and lower your head. Your stronger leg should be at the top of the pedal revolution.
- Now, while pushing down with your stronger leg, pull up on the handlebars. The front wheel should be well off of the ground at this point.
- Once you've mastered lifting the front wheel, you will be able to tackle the rest of these maneuvers along with the obstacles.
Carrying Your Bike -
At some point in your mountain biking career you'll probably have to carry your bike! Here's how you do it: the frame should go over your right shoulder so that the crankset won't hit your body. Your right arm should go under the top tube and then around it so that you will be able to grab the handlebars. Now, grab the left handlebar to keep the front wheel steady.
Falling -
This again is a given, you will probably end up falling during every ride, but that's okay, once you learn how to fall then you'll be just fine! Here's the trick: let go of the bike as soon as you feel like you're going to crash. Try to find a soft spot to land on rather than something like a rock! As you are falling try to roll so that you won't be injured by your bike.