Eight Tips To Ace Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a thrilling adventure that one must experience at least once in their life. The challenging trails, scenic beauty, and the rider are all a beautiful amalgamation of man interacting with nature in a very raw and original method. Whether it is Manali to Spiti or Mangalore to Ooty, whatever may be your trail, there are ways to ace it, and this blog post will explore a few of them:

1) BIKE MAINTENANCE

All bikes need maintenance, whether a hybrid or an ATB and MTB cycles are no different. Bicycles need to be cleaned with a delicate detergent and water regularly to remove any mud or grime stuck to them. Dirt often hinders the smooth process of riding a bicycle. The chain, too, needs to be greased regularly. It is essential also to check the air pressure on the tires, especially when planning on taking a strenuous and perilous trip. A cursory glance across the bike regularly or taking it to a service center is essential. Ninety One Bikes offer services in this department.

2) DO YOUR RESEARCH

It is better to be overprepared than to be underprepared and sorry. The same can be applied to your forthcoming mountain biking trip. Do your study about the trail you'll be riding on, study the terrain, the weather conditions, and various other demanding features. Prepare for the trip accordingly. It is never a bad idea to carry a small first-aid kit with you to administer minor injuries. Keep a list of hospitals or clinics that can help you in emergencies. Contact details of the local authorities are crucial too. Understand any hazardous conditions that may come across the trip, talk to fellow cyclists who rode across the trail, and gather their input.

3) FOCUS ON THE DESTINATION

Sometimes we may come across an obstacle or hazard on our way, and it may cause panic and increase our chances of hitting the object. This is called Target Fixation. Whether it is a rock or a tree, our biking adventure will get us face to face many obstacles. Instead of letting it overpower you, understand that it is only a tiny hiccup in the journey of reaching your destination. If you are feeling particularly panicked, it is best to slow down or stop altogether than hurtling down the path and putting yourself in the way of potential danger. Ask for help from fellow cyclists or revaluate your situation with and composed mind.

4) DEVELOP YOUR FITNESS AND ENDURANCE

Gauge your fitness from the days leading up to your mountain biking trip. Are you in the shape and form to take up an arduous journey? Don't underestimate the power of daily exercising such as yoga, strength training, and cardio. They build up your stamina and make you fitter and ready to take on the adventure challenge. Without these exercises, you may still be able to push past your bodily boundaries and complete the trip, but you are harming your muscles and body with intense wear and tear.

5) FUEL YOUR BODY

This is essential not just during the trip but before it as well. Create a healthy diet plan for yourself; in fact, this point goes hand in hand with point number four. A healthy body combines a consistently good diet and exercise regime. Hydrate your body with an adequate amount of water, and make sure to include as many fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your diet. Consume a balanced meal of all the macro-nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and replenish your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Take dietary supplements at the prescription of a dietician but put forth your health as a priority. A weak body will not help you during the trip.

6) MINDFULNESS

This tip is essential regardless of whether you are taking a mountain biking adventure. However, its importance increases since a complex trail requires you to be conscious of your resources and limitations. You must be aware of your obstacles, dangers, and mental state. An alert and ready form of mind is needed on this adventure. Build the practice of being mindful each and every day. Make it a part of your daily routine. The more you develop this muscle, the better and easier it gets. In a high-stakes situation, this skill will save you in ways that no other tip will.

7) BUILD YOUR SKILLS AS A CYCLIST

A trail would have a few obstacles, perhaps a small rock or a big log of wood, and this is where your skills as a cyclist are tested. Learn how to trail over a small obstacle without letting it affect your momentum too much. Learn how to do a wheelie over obstacles. Wear the proper equipment such as knee and elbow pads and a helmet to avoid accidents.

8) RIDE YOUR CYCLE REGULARLY

Consistency is the way to succeed. The more habitually your cycle, the better you will get at it. Explore the different types of MTB cycles and understand their features. You may also buy a mountain bike online, and Ninety One bikes cater to all your biking requirements; their customer service is always ready to solve your doubts and help you arrive at a better decision. Apart from this, you must also explore different local biking trails and test your abilities there before taking on a daunting route. Understand your body and your bicycle before arriving at this decision.

Bicycling is always a thrilling adventure if done in a systematic manner. A little bit of extra planning and care will enhance your trip in numerous ways. Mountain bikes are beasts but tamable; with the above tips and tricks, you will take your skills to another level. An adventure with your bike on a trail will develop you as a person, and you will come out learning so many new things.