Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a fun way to connect with nature and exercise. Mountain bikes are quite different than road bikes. These contain fatter tires, more upright positioning, a suspension system, and more. There are various ways to enjoy the benefits of mountain biking. However, having all the essential knowledge about mountain biking is necessary to make the most out of this activity.
Whether you are a seasonal mountain biker or a beginner in mountain biking, here we have some important information about mountain biking that you must know.
So, let’s have a look at the information below:
Introduction to mountain biking
Mountain biking is riding a bicycle off-road, usually practiced on rough terrains. These terrains often include mountainous trails, rocks, desserts, etc., with specialty-designed mountain biking terrains. Seasonal or professional mountain bikers love exploring adventurous terrains to test their skills.
However, on the other hand, for beginners, it is always better to get started with easier terrains to train themselves before hitting any hard mountain biking terrains.
Bikes used for mountain biking are also specifically designed for off-road usage. A variety of mountain biking has been available since the late 19th century. People enjoy mountain biking as an enjoyable recreational activity across the world. With the increasing popularity of mountain biking, the activity has become more accessible for everyone than ever before.
Benefits of mountain biking you should know.
Whenever it’s about why you go mountain biking, there are numerous reasons and benefits of mountain biking to encourage you. From getting an opportunity to explore scenic terrains to the amazing exercise benefits, mountain biking comes up with multiple benefits. Let’s explore some of these benefits below to understand things better.
So, here we go:
• Improved mental well-being
Mountain biking is an amazing source of exercise that can improve your physical and mental health. The activity can help in reversing depression and low mood. Mountain biking is a lucrative aerobic exercise that can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, improve sleep, and increase energy levels. If you are experiencing any mental health problems, spending time in nature while mountain biking would benefit you to feel better.
• Mountain biking helps to lose weight.
Mountain biking can also help you shed a few extra pounds. According to Harvard Health, biking at a moderate pace can let you burn up to 300 calories within 30 minutes only.
• Connect with nature
Another amazing benefit of mountain biking is that it helps you connect with nature. Spending more time in nature can improve your mental health and help you feel happier.
So, planning a mountain biking trip would be a great idea whenever you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are in an area with forest, hills, or beautiful scenery, indulging in mountain biking will be a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty and calmness of mother nature.
• Better sleep
A mountain biking trip may make you feel tired quickly after completing it. However, the condition can ultimately cause improved regenerative sleep at night. The mountain biking exercise can help in reducing cortisol which makes us awaken. This practice will ultimately improve your sleep quality and sleep cycle.
*Important information*
It is always important to avoid getting into mountain biking late in the day, as it can release endorphins which will disrupt your sleep cycle.
In addition, always carry a bike water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the mountain biking activity.
• Better heart health
Mountain biking serves as a great source of cardio exercise. Cardio exercise benefits in strengthening heart muscles. It can also reduce resting heart rate. Mountain biking also effectively reduces blood pressure and improves blood circulation levels. These things can benefit from reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart disease, and more.
So, if you want to experience better heart health, mountain biking is a great activity to practice.
• Build stronger muscles and endurance.
Mountain biking is also a great way to build stronger muscles. The activity can also lead to increased endurance over time. Stronger muscles will ultimately protect your joints from unexpected injuries.
In short, mountain biking is a great sport overall. It can improve your agility, confidence, social life, and mental and physical well-being. The most magical part of mountain biking is the exhilarating feeling you experience while descending. It is blissful and pure adrenaline and offers you whole loads of fun. The spectacular views you will experience at the end of a long trail will add worth to the whole journey. So, it is the right time to pack your gear and hit for mountain biking to experience all the amazingness of this sport.
Some must-haves to make the most from mountain biking
1. Mountain bike
There exist endless options when it’s about to buy a mountain bike. From mountain biking styles to suspension, wheel size, and more, understanding the right specs for your mountain bike may take time. There exist different styles of mountain biking. Mountain bike manufacturers usually categorize their bikes as per these styles. Learning a bit about these different mountain biking styles here will help you choose the best bike.
- Cross-country
- Trail
- Downhill
- All Mountain
Consider your preferred mountain biking style and specs to choose the best mountain bike for you.
2. Protective gear
Wearing protective gear is vital for a safe and enjoyable mountain biking experience. Here are different protective gears that you must use for mountain biking:
- Wearing a helmet is the most important protective gear for mountain biking. Wearing a high-quality helmet can help you reduce the chance of concussions or severe hand injuries in an accident.
- Wear specially designed mountain biking eyewear to protect your eyes from dust, debris, insects, and dirt. Protective eyewear can also increase your comfort level significantly.
- If you want to keep your hand protected in case of falling on the terrain, wearing gloves would help you here.
3. Bike Water Bottle
A bike water bottle is another must-have essential for mountain biking. A bike water bottle can help you stay hydrated and drink enough water throughout the trip. Investing in WIDE MOUTH SINGLE TONE can help you carry enough water. It has a double-insulated wall, which helps maintain water temperature for hours.
Investing in WIDE MOUTH SPORTS CAP W/STRAW can provide a convenient way to sip water on the go. This straw cap can provide added convenience in drinking water on mountain biking trails.
4. Repair kit
A repair kit is another best accessory to have with you during your mountain biking trip. A repair kit comes in handy in repairing most of the breakdowns easily.
5. Mudguards
Investing in a high-quality mudguard pair is also necessary if you are going mountain biking. It can help you to create a barrier between the tires. The key purpose of mudguards is to protect your tires from debris and rough road conditions.
Quick mountain biking tips for beginners
Here are some quick mountain biking tips for beginners:
- When riding a mountain bike, you prefer keeping your head up and watching what's coming ahead to your route.
- Always bend your knees and elbows to absorb bumps on the road
- Keep your weight on the back when descending a terrain to control the speed.
- Mountain bikes usually feature suspension and fatter tires. So, handling rough terrain isn't a problem with these bikes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, mountain biking is a great way to enjoy numerous health and wellness benefits. However, when it's about to go mountain biking, keeping essential gear with you is necessary for an enjoyable and safe experience.