Hello, new guy here …

[btimm]

I just started getting into going on the trails near my home, since I got a helmet and car rack. I have attempted to do the North Mecklenberg trail and the Jetton trail near Charlotte, NC. I have a few questions about mountain biking.

First, I am pretty large and out of shape. Are their track types I should be targeting or avoiding?

Also, I admit I get pretty nervous on the downhill sections, especially near roots. 😏 Is this normal, and how is this overcome? It is a bit annoying to hit the breaks and then not have close to enough momentum to get up an uphill section, even pedaling hard as I can.

Is there any advice that someone can give me to help get me started? I would definitely appreciate it. I read the sticky on uphill climbing, had awesome tips that are definitely good to know!

Thanks,
Brian

[Syd Patricio]

First off welcome to singletracks.com glad to see you.

Now to answer your question. If your just starting out I could give you a tip on decending.

First off keep your centre of gravity a bit towards the rear of the bike. It will prevent you from going over your bars.

Second when coming to an unknown section. Please stay within a speed to be able to stop and dismount. ((later on when you get more comfortable you can skip this))

When using the chicken switches ((brakes)) use both except when cresting the obstacle use more rear and keep the front from locking.

What ever you do…DO NOT lock your brakes thats bad. First off if you lock you no longer have control to avoid or steer away…

On the topic of steering what your looking to do is look far enough down trail to choose your line and aim for that…Do not look at what the wheel is doing.. You should be concentrating ahead so that you do not do crazy steering inputs that will either high side you or cause you to turf the bike (High side…To fly over the bike down range…In otherwords OUCH))

If you have a paticular section you felt was difficult.. Try and walk it first and see where you can and cannot have the bike. Find a line of least resistance. Or see where the trail has been "cleaned" from other bikes (( usually a good indication of the line)).

Hope this helps..

[Devin_P]

Hey man welcome to Singletracks. I’m not sure what trails you are currently riding but as a new rider in the learning stages I would suggest that you spend as much time as you can on the bike. Even just riding around your neighborhood or a local park will get you into better riding shape and make you more comfortable and familiar with the bike. Also, it is tempting and all to easy to "bite off more than you can chew" when it comes to picking a trail to ride. Make sure you ride at level that you can handle and gradually add more challenges as you become able to clear them (the obstacles and trails). There is nothing wrong with riding "easy" rated trails or using by-passes on more difficult sections. And there are several threads within this site that talk about different skills and techniques used while riding. I hope you are having a good time and enjoy the progress you will make.

[btimm]

Thanks guys! I am looking forward to getting back out there and trying some things I learned here!

[Shane_Thompson]

"element22" wrote

What ever you do…DO NOT lock your brakes thats bad. First off if you lock you no longer have control to avoid or steer away…

.

Welcome to the forum. Thats what I have to work on. I will lock my rear wheel up in a heart beat 😕

Feathering the "chicken switches" is the key to braking no matter what you are riding, but especially important when running some form of DH.

Feathering = "No Lock Up"

[IATyler]

Hey welcome to the site, everybody here is cool, you can get some good info and its fun to just chat about biking on here

[CraigCreekRider]

"btimm" wrote

I just started getting into going on the trails near my home, since I got a helmet and car rack. I have attempted to do the North Mecklenberg trail and the Jetton trail near Charlotte, NC. I have a few questions about mountain biking.

First, I am pretty large and out of shape. Are their track types I should be targeting or avoiding?

Also, I admit I get pretty nervous on the downhill sections, especially near roots. 😏 Is this normal, and how is this overcome? It is a bit annoying to hit the breaks and then not have close to enough momentum to get up an uphill section, even pedaling hard as I can.

Is there any advice that someone can give me to help get me started? I would definitely appreciate it. I read the sticky on uphill climbing, had awesome tips that are definitely good to know!

Thanks,
Brian

Welcome to the forum BTimm. Start on easier trails and work your way into more advanced trails. Same with hills. As you put more and more miles behind you the roots, rocks and downhills will be less intimidating. You can always ride doubletrack forest roads if you don’t feel quite ready for singletrack.

I started riding forest service roads and an old rail to trail. Kept riding by a couple of trailheads for old logging roads and one day I could not resist. Those roads were tough at first, but became easier and easier each time. Rest in history. Just have fun and your skills and confidence will improve. 😃

[Author]

Posts