Mountain Bike Skills for Beginners

Mountain biking is a rapidly growing popular sport that combines skill with talent and daring.  Anyone who can ride a bike can learn the techniques needed for mountain biking, however, keep in mind that because of the risks taken, it can be considerably more dangerous than riding a common bicycle.  Consequently, you should master these primary skills prior to hitting the trails or the dirt.  Parks and  vacant parking lots are a good place to start.  If you can find a place with a hills, that will also be helpful.   

Know Your Pedals
Begin by learning to move your foot off from the pedal, initially when sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground.  Follow this by practicing removing and returning your foot to the pedal while pedaling around for a while.  Mountain bikes with toe clips and clip-less foot pedals will require you to spend more time practicing before you will be ready to move on.

Ride Your Mountain Bike
This part is easy and fun.   Sit on your bike and pedal around.  Be sure you practice keeping your arms slightly bent.  Your seat should be adjusted to a height that will allow your legs to be 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every rotation of the pedal.  Your body should be relaxed and make sure you do not lock either your knees or your elbows.

Learn to Shift Gears
Now start shifting gears on your mountain bike.  You will soon discover that while it is harder to pedal in the higher gears, you will go faster and are used on flatter ground.  The lower gears are used to help you when climbing hills and are easier to pedal.  Make sure you shift into a lower gear before you start ascending hill rather than waiting until you are already climbing the hill.

Riding While Standing
Start practicing riding your mountain bike by standing on the pedals while coasting.   Make sure you keep your arms bent and do not lock your knees.  While coasting, try moving your body around by shifting it towards the back of the bike.  Now, try pedaling your bike while standing.  Keep practicing until you are completely comfortable with pedaling while standing.  Experiment with standing up from your bike seat and beginning to pedal immediately using both the higher gears on flat surfaces and lower gears while climbing hills.

Making Your First Drop
Find a curb that you can freely ride up to and simply or drop off while riding.  To do this, start at a moderate speed while standing, then coast right off the curb.  Practice at different speeds until you can drop off a curb without having to think about it.

Repeat these techniques over and over until they become second nature to you.  When you are sure you have mastered the skills, you are ready to it the trails.  It may still take a little getting used to, but you will soon be able to enjoy your mountain bike with comfort and confidence.