My husband is a huge fan of mountain biking, so it was no surprise that as soon as Meme could walk, we started the process of learning to ride a bike. Starting with a balance bike, followed by a bike with stabilisers and, before we knew it, she was just three years old riding her princess bike with no stabilisers and no problems! Of course, as soon as she was a bit bigger she got her first mountain bike. Harri was the same and now, aged 4, she can confidently go on 5 mile bike rides with her Dad and big Sister.
Which just leaves me I guess, truthfully I have so far used the excuse of being pregnant or having to look after Alfie but, now my baby days are well and truly over and Alfie is big enough to go in a bike trailer, it is time for me to join my clan and get biking.
As nervous as I am about riding a mountain bike I know my girls would love me to join them on their bike riding trips, and not only that it will be so good for me to start exercising and getting in shape for the summer and truthfully there is no better way than getting out and about on your bike.
Here are some of my husbands advice (he is quite the expert and I’m possibly the worst student) for mountain biking for beginners.
Choose a mountain bike that suits you
There is so much choice of bikes out there. I actually remember feeling a little overwhelmed when choosing Meme’s mountain bike. Think about the size of the bike, wheel size, tyre type, suspension – but I guess more importantly trust the experts. Halfords have put together a Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking which has all the information you need including some great trails.
Go at your own pace
Start slow, if you haven’t been on a bike for a while then you definitely need to build up your confidence. There is no rush, find a nice easy trail and just start off with what you are comfortable with.
Wear a helmet
I am so strict with this. I don’t even let my children sit on their bike without a helmet. There is nothing silly about being safe. If I don’t wear one then my children wont want to wear theirs. A bike helmet is a must!
Seat height
Seek advice when buying your bike about the correct height for the seat, having the bike setup correctly can make biking so much easier
Gears
Learn to use them if you have them and practice looking at the terrain ahead and changing accordingly before you get to it
And Finally
Once you have got used to your bike, push yourself, take risks and, most importantly, enjoy it!
So there we go, I hope these Mountain Biking for beginners have helped. I am all ready to get exploring with my family on some bike rides especially in this glorious weather….all I have to do now is actually buy one! Now I am pretty sure the lovely people at Halfords can help me with that!
This is a collaboration post
How nice that the whole family go bike riding, I recently learned to ride a bike at an adult bike class but I am not very confident yet.
I have been thinking about getting a bike for a little while but didn’t really know where to start so this post has been really helpful. I hope you find the right bike for you and enjoy your rides with the family
Gosh, I can’t recall how long it’s been since I’ve been on a bike. I do encourage the little ones to cycle and they love it! Halfords is my go to for all our bike needs as they are so helpful at assembly and even just fixing little odds and ends.
I’m in the same position as you, with a hubby and 3 kids who all love to bike together and I need to get one. Mich x
My boyfriend is really into cycling so we love going for bike rides in the summer. Never been mountain biking though.
My boyfriend is really into cycling, so we always go for bike rides in the summer. Never been mountain biking though.
My boyfriend is really into cycling, so we always go for bike rides in the summer. Never been mountain biking though.
My boyfriend is really into cycling, so we always go for bike rides in the summer. Never been mountain biking though.
We all have bikes but just never seem to find the time to go out on them! We defiinitely need to make more of an effort.
I hadn’t been biking for many years until we went to Centreparcs with our children. At the time they were really small and we pulled them along in a pod, until they were old enough to have their own bikes.
Whilst I don’t have a bike at home, I always love arriving at Centreparcs and going to get my bike. Even being quite unfit, the feeling of flying along on a bike is one I adore. I wish I could do it more!