| Mountain bike racing is a demanding sport, as anyone | | | | itself, as you will know how to handle your bike |
| who has attempted it will know. If you're thinking of | | | | depending on what conditions you'll be up against. Just |
| trying it for the first time it's important to make sure | | | | as you would give your car the once over before |
| you are prepared for the demands it will put on you | | | | setting out on a long journey, so you should also check |
| physically. This will ensure you are able to enjoy the | | | | your bike over to make sure it's race ready. Make |
| race without running the risk of injury. If it's been years | | | | sure the tyres are pumped up adequately and |
| since you have even ridden a bike, you will need to get | | | | everything is well oiled for the best performance. |
| some practice in before you even think about going | | | | Loose chains are a real hazard in mountain bike racing, |
| mountain bike racing. If you don't, getting saddle sore | | | | as they can easily get caught on a loose branch or |
| on race day will be the least of your problems. To | | | | stick as you go flying along. Do the best you can to |
| begin with, a regular program of cycling will build up | | | | ensure everything is in tip top condition. Be ready for |
| your fitness levels and strengthen your leg muscles. | | | | whatever the weather may throw at you during the |
| This is vital if you are going to stand the pace when | | | | race. Wear comfortable sneakers and lightweight |
| mountain bike racing. Cycling on the road is an ideal | | | | clothing that will dry easily if it should rain. As you gain |
| way to begin to improve your fitness levels, but as | | | | experience you will find a combination of clothing that |
| soon as you can you should venture off road to get | | | | suits you best. You may even want to invest in proper |
| used to the rougher terrain that is the key feature of | | | | cycle clothing. Mountain bike racing is a great way to |
| mountain bike racing. Experiment with gears and speed | | | | spend a few hours and improve your fitness levels at |
| as you begin to gain confidence over the terrain, and | | | | the same time. Preparation is the key to having the |
| try and ride different areas during both wet and dry | | | | best time, so make sure you're ready for anything. |
| conditions. This will prepare you far better for the race | | | | |