3 Tips For Going Mountain Biking For The First Time While On Vacation

For many people, traveling and being on vacation is a great time to try new things that you’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t gotten around to yet. In some instances, this might be certain foods or dining experience. In other situations, you may want to try an activity for the first time, like mountain biking. So if you find yourself traveling to an area that’s known to have great mountain biking trails but have yet to try your hand at this adventurous activity yet, here are three tips for going mountain biking for the first time while on vacation.

Try To Relax

First and foremost, the best thing you can do while attempting to mountain bike for the first time, according to Scott Adams, a contributor to Active.com, is to relax. If you lock your knees and elbows too much and have too firm of a grip on your handlebars, it can be much more challenging for you to feel the freedom that mountain biking can give you. Although it can be scary to go downhill at times and you might be nervous that you’ll get in a bike wreck or accident, you do need to relax enough to allow your body to help you down the trail rather than become just another obstacle that you have to manage.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Momentum

To some, the scariest part of mountain biking is the downhill part. While climbing can be challenging physically, going down the mountain trails may have you fearing for your life at some sections. And although you might think that going at a slow pace would be safer for you, Selene Yeager, a contributor to Bicycling.com, maintaining your momentum can make it much easier for you to get through tough sections of the trail and safely maneuver your way along the trail. Even if this way of thinking seems counterintuitive at first, you’ll soon find that keeping your momentum, or even speeding up at times, can keep you on your bike and get you down the trail.

Keep Your Finger Off The Brakes

If speed is something that you’re afraid of, or even if you’re just a bit nervous to be on a mountain bike traveling downhill, you may find yourself with your fingers right over your brake, ready to grab them at a moment’s notice. But according to Julie Hughey, a contributor to SingleTracks.com, it’s safer for you to just keep your fingers on your handlebars and not actually resting on the brake. By doing this, you’ll ensure that you don’t accidentally grab the brakes when you really shouldn’t or don’t want to, which could send you flying off your bike. Your reflexes are going to be good enough to get your fingers to the brakes when you need to stop.

If you’re about to go mountain biking for the first time on your upcoming vacation, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you have a safe and enjoyable time.