| You are probably used to riding a bike on road and | | | | time, destroying trails and tires in the process. The |
| have years of experience doing so. That being said, | | | | horror stories of people flipping over the handlebars |
| riding your bike off road is a completely different | | | | come from riders who were not experienced or |
| experience. There are several things you need to | | | | practice and just grabbed the front brake. With a little |
| keep in mind when riding offroad. | | | | practice you can become a much better rider, one |
| 1. When you are coming up to bumps, get off the seat! | | | | who uses all the brakes all the time. Go to a flat |
| Unless you like sitting to be uncomfortable for the next | | | | parking lot and practice practice practice till you get the |
| week, do yourself a favor and stand up on the pedals | | | | hang of it. |
| in a low position when you are going over bumps. It will | | | | 3. Wheelies: You might have done wheelies all the time |
| prevent you a lot of pain and crashes in the long run | | | | as a kid as just a stupid trick to impress your friends. |
| once you get the hang of it. Make sure to not lean too | | | | Well its not just a stupid trick when your out mountain |
| far forward though as that can leave you vulnerable | | | | biking! Wheelies have all sorts of uses while riding, such |
| to a flip. | | | | as picking the wheel up to get it over obstacles and |
| 2. Don't be afraid to use the front brake! Most of your | | | | increasing rear wheel traction while going uphill. Oh and |
| stopping power on a bike does not come from your | | | | they look pretty cool. Find a flat grassy area and |
| real wheel brake, it comes from the front one. If you | | | | practice them till you get the hang of it. |
| only use your rear brake you will end up skidding all the | | | | |