New to MTB and looking forward to learning!!!

[BDeclark]

Hey guys,

Just signed up to the site earlier this week after my first true singletrack ride this past weekend….it was at Hardwood and I loved it!!!

I’m looking to get into the sport and learning as much as I can over the winter in preperation for next season….I say next season cause there isn’t much of the season left being from the London Ontario area….heavy winter snow and all!!!!

That being said, any tips that you guys could give me about training over the winter to get ready to possible run some singletrack races next summer would be great….I’m looking to run at least one epic 8 hour and the 24km singletrack challenge at Hardwood next year…more if I can squeeze it into my sched….

As well, right now I have a totally stock 09 Giant Rincon that I’m either going to upgrade or keep as a casual rider and purchase another ride for singletrack riding…..which if I do decide to keep it as is and get a new ride I’m thinking about getting a Giant Trance X2….any thoughts on this would be great……as well as any thoughts on other equipment that I should look at getting either way would also be helpful…..

Thanks in advance dudes!!!!

Oh ya….any riders in my area that would be gracious enough to show a newbie the rope would be awesome!!!!

Cheers B

[brianW]

If you are not used to pedaling long distances I would suggest finding a "Spinning" class at your local gym. Will build up you endurance for sure. I have been riding since ’92 and every so often I still pick up a mt bike book or magazine to read up on skills. Find other riders to ride with. It is amazing how much you pick up by following a more experienced rider. Also, you can ride year round. I used to ride on snowmobile trails in New Hampshire.

[pinkmtb]

During the winter i still ride in the snow. You would be surprised how nice it is. I do go to the gym as well to keep up my endurance. Like Brian said. Magazines are great! Get out and ride too that in itself will help. I ride with to X DH racers and I have learned so much from them too. As far as equipment, that will come down to preference. I usually do google searches and then look at the reviews for the products. You will get so many different responses. Trial and error too will help you learn likes and dislikes.

Enjoy

Lisa

[jaybone]

Very cool. I remember my first ride on singletrack….blew my mind.

Since you are new to the sport, a couple suggestions. Pick up a copy of the book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Lee McCormack and Brian Lopes and without a doubt, pick up a copy of the DVD from Fluidride Like A Pro. Good stuff.

Mastering Mountain Biking Skills
http://www.leelikesbikes.com/mastering_ … nd_edition

Fluidride Like A Pro
http://fluidride.com/2008/06/25/fluidri … pro-video/

Sample clip from Fluiride DVD (not sure how to embed it here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR89Umu6vt4

[BDeclark]

Thanks for the tips guys……looks like a great day for a ride, so that’s what I think I will go do…..

Cheers
B

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

"jaybone" wrote

VPick up a copy of the book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Lee McCormack and Brian Lopes and without a doubt, pick up a copy of the DVD from Fluidride Like A Pro. Good stuff.

Mastering Mountain Biking Skills
http://www.leelikesbikes.com/mastering_ … nd_edition

+1 for this book, it’s great!

[brianW]

saw this today for winter training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYjZPUL0Pfk

[BDeclark]

Found a copy of the book and started to read it the other day……looks like it’s going to be a big help.

Thanks guys

[gholt]

I just saw that the library had the book. It could be good reading over the winter.

[Author]

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