Mountain biking is an adventure sport that has become extremely popular over the years. It is an adrenalin filled sport which costs very little and is ideal for a wide range of fitness levels. Advanced mountain biking requires a great deal of skill and yet does not have the level of maintenence costs of many similar sports. Bicycle touring has also become very popular, many individuals like to travel long distances on bikes requiring endurance.
Although mountain biking is accessible to almost everyone, advanced mountain biking requires high levels of fitness and skill. You need to make sure that while your ride is exciting, it is also safe. Make sure when going mountain biking off road, you have carefully planned your trip in advance. Carefully study a map to locate existing trails and do not stray from them. Also consider the weather and season when planning the difficulty of your trip. For example, in the summer look for trails that are shaded and avoid biking midday, try to ride in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat.
There are some general tips to follow when advanced mountain biking. It is important to keep a loose grip on the handlebars. Also make sure your shoulders are loose and your elbows are bent. This will help you to absorb shock and will mean you will tire slower.
When riding make sure you keep looking ahead, not down at your wheel. You need to be alert to obstacles in order to keep safe. Don`t only look at the immediate obstacle but potential obstacles further up the trail. If you are in mud, water or a similar soft surface you should change to an easier gear and shift back in your seat. This will allow you to glide through across the surface.
It is vitally important to ensure you have a top quality bike for advanced mountain biking. Your bike should be of a high quality and kept in top condition. One of the most highly regarded mountain bikes of this year is the Trek Fuel EX 8. This is a high end specialised bike that has a light alloy frame. Other top bikes include the Scott Genius 10, Raleigh XXIX Pro, Santa Cruz Blue LT and the Cannondale Rize 3.
As well as a high quality bike, advanced mountain bikers require the correct biking gear. Make sure you have a good quality waterproof jacket for insulation and for keeping dry, vital for any trip. A waterproof jacket is particularly vital for winter, do not skimp on this item. You should buy waterproof jackets from recognised adventure sport brands such as Cannondale, Rip Curl, roxy clothing and O’Shea. Make sure you also have suitable gloves and in the winter, wear a base layer. You can find a whole range of accessories from many extreme sports brands and retailers.