20th March 2017. When the spring weather is at its peak, and the conditions outside are perfect, you have the perfect motivation to find ways to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The whole family should want to seize the opportunity to enjoy the weather and some physical activity too. What about bicycling? While cycling together can be fun, your local area may not have many interesting routes to use. Traffic and other safety issues also come into play. What if you could enjoy the vigorous physical exercise of cycling in a vastly more attractive setting? You and other members of your family can do just that with the exciting sport of mountain biking. Not just a way to change the scenery and reignite your interest in bicycles, it's a thrilling activity, too. Have you ever watched a video of a pro biker tackling a tough course? They can make even the biggest drops look easy to handle. Though you won't need to "catch air" in such an extreme way with your family, even basic trails can provide plenty of excitement. Before we dive into the "hows" of starting to use mountain bikes, though, we should take a quick look at the "whys," too. There are plenty of ways that mountain cycling is good for your body and mind.

Why choose to ride mountain bike trails at all?

Cycling around the city can be a very effective way to develop one's fitness. It's easy to ride long distances and institute a regular program. So why switch to mountain biking instead? Setting aside the ways in which it is more fun and exciting, let's look just at the health benefits. First up is the cardio question. Is it more effective for your heart health than riding a touring bike? The answer is yes ? it certainly can be if you ride often enough. Mountain biking requires you to use a much larger group of muscles across your body than a plain old cycle. Just think of how much of the body one must use to "hop" a bicycle over a root or another obstacle. While it works on improving your heart and cardio endurance, this type of biking won't put undue stress on your joints. There isn't any significant pressure on your joints throughout the activity, and the undeveloped ground is often more forgiving than hardened asphalt. All of these elements combine to create a sport that's easy on your body in crucial ways. Meanwhile, it's still tough enough to give you a complete workout across the whole body. Cycling already requires a good ability to balance, but going off-road takes it to another level. The more time you spend navigating narrow, winding dirt paths and avoiding obstacles, the better your ability to balance. This type of stability is good for your body and well into old age. While it's most useful on the bike, you'll find it helps you feel better off of it, too.

What you'll need to start mountain biking

Clearly, there are benefits for every family member who tries their hand at this sport. So how do you begin? Getting started involves equipping yourself with the right gear first. If you already ride a bike regularly, you shouldn't need to buy a new helmet just to go on an off-road trail. The helmet you regularly use is sufficient, so long as it meets the usual requirements of a snug and safe fit. The clothing you wear while riding is important; you may want some gloves to provide better grip on the handlebars and added protection. Padded clothing can help absorb some of the impacts and make your overall experience more comfortable, too. Now, let's focus on the most important part of all your gear: the bike itself. There is a cost barrier to beginning this activity; your family will need the right type of bicycle to tackle the trails. These bikes have components designed to endure substantially more stress than a road bike. Their gear ratios are lower, and they often come equipped with front and rear suspension, and their brakes are much more powerful, all of which combines to provide you with the control necessary on rough surfaces. Choose a bike that fits your body and allows you to ride comfortably. The tyres on mountain bikes are wider than road bikes. You may need to spend some time experimenting before finding the ideal bike. The good news, though, is that the rugged nature of these products means they should last you for years of rough riding.

Adjusting to the mountain riding style

Okay, you have your bike, and you're geared up and ready to begin. What next? As a beginner, you'll want to take it slow. Find a trail (more on that in a moment) that isn't too challenging, but which has a good mix of obstacles and varied terrain. Check the web for areas local to you suitable for this type of cycling. Once you get out on the trail, you'll quickly find that it's a very different type of riding. What should you know to be successful? When riding on level terrain or in areas free from obstacles and drops, keep your knees and elbows just slightly bent. Remain relaxed on the bike, and keep your eyes focused on where you're riding. Pay attention to the angle of your shoulders; where you point your body is where you'll ride. When you need to tackle obstacles, it?s best to rise up out of your seat and assume a more readied position. Develop a good feel for your centre of gravity and use it to your advantage when controlling the cycle. As you develop your skills, you can begin to practice more advanced manoeuvres, like wheelies and jumps. Braking is different here, too. If you squeeze suddenly, you'll likely find yourself saying goodbye to the handlebars as you fly over them. Instead, always apply even pressure to both sets of brakes. This way you can control your speed more efficiently. In a worst-case scenario, never be afraid to bail out; it's safer to jump off the bike than try risky braking in some cases. (Note: this is also why beginner mountain bikers should avoid clipless pedals.)

Where to take your bike for practice

When you feel it's time to plan a family outing for an afternoon of cycling excitement, where should you go first? If you live in a highly urban area, you may need to trek a long way outside of the city. Otherwise, there are often plenty of places to explore. Public parkland, for example, is often very suitable for this activity. Some nature trails and parks specifically designate off-road bike paths within their grounds. In other cases, you could simply ride on a regular trail. The addition of the uneven surface and tree roots will make it a challenge all on its own. There are also areas which bill themselves as perfect for mountain biking. These could be specially-built courses or an area that is maintained with biking in mind. The difficulty level you'll find on such courses could range from being perfect to beginners to trails only suitable for advanced riders. If you find you're having trouble discovering a place you enjoy riding, ask around! Is there a local club for mountain bikers, or an online forum you could ask? Relying on the experience of others is key when your family starts out with this activity. A more well-versed rider can point you towards local trails where you can develop your riding skills and gain confidence in the saddle.

Introduce the whole family to this exciting activity

Though it can take some practice and time before you feel entirely comfortable on a mountain bike, soon you'll enjoy the confidence that comes from practice. Because you can choose trails as easy or as difficult as you like, you can take your time as you adjust to the new challenges. Therefore, mountain biking is such an excellent family activity. Mountain bikes are excellent for off-road use so the whole family can go for a ride through nature with ease. If you have the right gear and take the appropriate safety precautions, this is one of the best ways to head out and make the most of spring. Grab your helmet and start looking for a trail to explore. It could be the beginning of a lifelong hobby!