| Mountain biking is not all about the extreme, white | | | | will gain. |
| knuckle shenanigans you see on TV. There is a sector | | | | Step number 3. Get active in your mountain bike club. |
| of the mountain biking community who love a good | | | | Start networking with other riders and find out when |
| climb, a good view, and meeting new riders. Even if | | | | the club rides are. There may be a weekly ride that |
| you have never ridden a mountain bike before there is | | | | fits perfectly with your schedule or you may meet |
| probably a trail near you that is perfect for your level | | | | riders who work the same schedule as you who are |
| of riding. Trails range anywhere from rugged single | | | | looking for people to ride with. |
| track, to fire roads, to old railroad beds. Mountain biking | | | | Step number 4. Ride your bike! Have fun, meet new |
| is a great way to meet new people, gain a new skill, | | | | people, enjoy the views, get in shape, lose weight, and |
| enjoy the outdoors, get in shape, and lose weight. | | | | make friends for life. |
| Step number 1. Go to your local bike shop and let them | | | | Tips on finding a club or other riders in your area. |
| know you are interested in beginning mountain biking. | | | | Check Google. I did a search on Google for "mountain |
| See if you can arrange a bike rental and ask them if | | | | bike club" and received 144,000 results. Try (mountain |
| they can put you in touch with a local club that caters | | | | bike club + your town) in Google and you will surely |
| to new riders. Once you come in contact with | | | | find something. |
| someone from the club - be clear to them about your | | | | Your local bike shop. Your local bike shop knows all |
| level of fitness and riding skills. Most clubs have a "no | | | | the riders and all of the clubs. Get to know them. They |
| rider dropped" policy but you certainly don't want to go | | | | want your business and they love new riders. |
| out with extreme riders just yet. Enjoy your first ride | | | | If you can't find a club - Start one. Work through your |
| and quit before you want to quit. You don't want to | | | | local bike shop, place brochures, and run free |
| overdo it on your first ride. | | | | classifieds. You undoubtedly will get some interested |
| Step number 2. Get to know the folks at your local | | | | people. |
| bike shop and they will put you on the bike that is right | | | | Of course you need to check with your doctor before |
| for you. Plan on purchasing a bike, helmet, water | | | | beginning any exercise program. Learn the rules of |
| bottles, some clothing, and possibly a bike rack for your | | | | mountain biking and stay with riders who will be patient |
| vehicle. The cost of all of this is minimal compared to | | | | with you. Get in shape, lose weight, and have fun! |
| the hours of enjoyment, scenic views, and fitness you | | | | |