Trigger warning for blood !!
But here’s my first post in this sub. Enjoy if you want to embark on this adventure with me for a second time. 😭🤣
I’m a literal noob. I picked up mountain biking a little bit a couple years ago but didn’t stick with it. Got back into it this summer, have been working out like crazy and getting in shape, upping my endurance and just getting used to being on a bike again via normal riding through my area. I went to a MTB trail area near me and did a beginner .3 mile loop a few times, and thought, okay.. I can do this. Then I set in on a 6 mile Phase 1 trail from hell. Wrong. Choice. 😃
The narrow turns, massive roots, drops, features. Omg. I was screwed the second my feet hit the pedals to enter the trail. I fell 3 times and truly I’m so lucky, as it could have been so much worse. Halfway through I took an evac route and got to the trailhead, blood all down my leg, covered in mud and my face red as could be. I asked a kind man for some napkins if he had any so I could attempt to clean myself up. We chatted for a bit and he informed me of a 1.8 mile beginner trail across the way (FML, how did I not know that), said to do that for a while to build up my skills to then take on Phase 1. I felt so defeated and I have no idea how you all avoid death because it felt like at any minute my reflexes (albeit, not very strong to begin with) could fail me or I’d hit a rock wrong and I’d go head first into a tree at 15 mph or fly over the handlebars into orbit. How do you guys do this?!?! I’d love some insight and beginner tips or anyone who can even just
relate. But alas, here are some fun pics from my eventful journey. It may have been rough and made me think I’ll never go back to a trail again, but at least I burned 945 cals. 😉
by fight_thealchemy
13 Comments
Looks about right. Carry on.
Probably 2-3 stitches to start
These trail photos remind me quite a bit of Fountainhead trails in VA.
Better mtb specific shoes and pedsls will help out a lot when it comes to not slipping off the pedals as often. The rest is just up to practice!
Good job getting out there.
How deep are you wanting to go into mtb? There’s a ton of mtb how to vids on YouTube.
It’s not about how fast you go, it all about just keep peddling and even then sometimes walking is part of mountain biking. Just keep trying. The next time you will know not to hit that root or take a wide turn. Then remember what you had trouble with so you can practice in grass. A little road laps always help too, after work and don’t have much time? Do five faster laps around the block. Build legs build balance build comfort. It’s all about experience.
tldr; get yourself a comfy protection gear and keep riding green trails then try more challenging trails as you get more confident.
start with getting a good knee pad, elbow pads, and full face helmet. even better if you manage to get a chest and back protection. the sooner you start riding with them the more comfortable you’ll be with them. then try to learn how to tuck and roll on your spare time on the bed or on the floor. I am relatively new as well but when starting I fell several times and between the protection gears and tuck and roll (thank you soccer! learned the roll from years of playing it) I’ve managed to avoid more serious injuries.
the more you ride to more confident you become. the bike will feel like an extension of you. until then keep riding green trails and slowly try certain challenging features when you feel confident. oh and take it slow. if speed is something you’re wanting, it’ll come in time so don’t rush it. Anyways, keep up the good work.
Don’t get discouraged and ride with confidence.
I just started MTB a few months ago. For the first few weeks my legs looked like a cat had used them as a scratching post.
I realized that whenever I got hesitant during a steep descent or tight corner, I’d slip off the pedals and lose traction. Either resulting in me falling or the pedals scratching the crap out of my legs.
Generally, use both brakes at the same time. Keep your feet sorta flat, even on the downhill (3&9 o’cllock), with your toes up a bit, because your weight is shifted back on the downhill. I’ve leaned so far back at times I’ve felt my back tire. So I’m just exaggerating a bit so that you understand you can shift backside pretty far. Keep your wheels moving through those technical features and learn to lean your bike left n right through the turns (bike body separation).
I’m in a similar situation. I’m taking it pretty easy, staying on green trails and focusing on building my skills and technique over speed. I watch Roxy’s skills videos and just try and work on basics. All I’m doing right now is paying attention to body position and getting comfortable with that. Then I’ll start working on cornering, drops, jumps, etc.
[https://www.youtube.com/@Roxybike_Ride.and.Inspire](https://www.youtube.com/@Roxybike_Ride.and.Inspire)
Also, after washing out my front tire in a berm and slapping the dirt with my face (I now chew differently, great…) I’m rocking a full face helmet, gloves, knee pads and elbow pads.
Keep moving forward. Push the bike if you have to. My 4 broken ribs hated me at the time, but they have gotten over it.
Guinness is great for pain. If it doesn’t work for you, at least you enjoyed a great beer.
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First thing I learned when picking up mountainbiking: no shorts and wear gloves. Your skin will thank you.
Knee pads! I wear them for every mtb ride. If I don’t, it’s a guaranteed crash slamming my knee down. That and get comfortable keeping your arse out of the saddle. Let the bike do the work under you and work on keeping your weight centered to keep momentum over roots and chunky little rocks.
Yes!! The sacrifice is complete… you will shred.