Six Widespread Questions Requested by New Mountain Bikers

Posted on December 8, 2021 @ 3:24 PM in

As we have talked about in earlier blogs over the previous 18 months, mountain biking in Northern Eire has seen a surge in reputation. With that in thoughts, we have requested new mountain bikers what their greatest questions had been and tried to reply them!

Q1. How doubtless am I to get injured?

It is a massive one and never one thing to instantly brush over with assurances that mountain biking is a totally protected sport. It is not, which can be a part of the explanation so many people adore it. Not solely will telling a brand new rider that they will not get damage be disinegenous – they're going to in all probability simply not consider you.

The very best factor you are able to do right here is to handle expectations and advise on the easiest way to minimise harm. Sure, it's attainable you may come off your mountain bike within the early days, however you may scale back the chances of this taking place considerably by doing just a few issues. Firstly, solely driving on trails of acceptable potential.

So, not this one then.

Follow inexperienced trails till you get used to your bike, then to blue trails till you get used to attempting obstacles on the bike. Do not be in any rush to progress – mountain bikers are extremely supportive of latest riders and everybody began out on these trails at some stage. One other tip to make sure you minimise harm should you do occur to come back off, is to make sure you have the appropriate gear. Helmets are a non negotiable and ideally , effectively reviewed helmet at that. Gloves, knee and elbow pads additionally assist to minimise the sting.

2. How can I discover the closest mountain bike trails?

Time for somewhat self promotion! MountainBikeNI.com lists all the official path centres in Northern Eire. Every path centre has it is personal profile web page with details about the path and the issue ranges you may anticipate, in addition to different info like trailhead suppliers and descriptions of the route.

3. Are there any native golf equipment to affix?

Beginning out could be a little intimdiating, so becoming a member of a MTB membership (or a highway biking membership with a MTB contingent inside it) could be a good technique to get out with just a few skilled heads. You will discover a map outlining the checklist of official clubs in Northern Ireland here*. Golf equipment typically will be capable to direct you to an acceptable path and particular part of path, will pair you up with different riders and encourage you to have fun when you decide up the fundamentals.

Studying the ropes at Castlewellan MTB Trails

*In case your membership is not talked about, get in contact by emailing [email protected] and we'll make sure you get placed on!

4. Is mountain biking costly?

This reply sadly is ‘it relies upon'. Bikes aren't precisely low cost however a primary one might be bought comparatively cheaply. We're biased clearly however Chain Reaction Cycles, who sponsor the nationwide mountain bike trails, have some nice entry stage bikes at good costs.

When you get into mountain biking you may not consider the variety of variations you may supply on your bikes

After that, the game is as low cost or as costly as you need to make it. Actually, many of the path centres are free to journey which frequently surprises folks. The chance comes should you get into into it, you then will not be glad with simply the one bike. Some folks aren't even glad with two bikes. It's possible you'll snicker, however you too could grow to be that individual.

After all if buying a motorbike is not an possibility, it's also possible to rent bikes from native trailhead suppliers similar to Belfast Activity Centre for Barnett Demesne MTB Trails; Sperrin Bike Hire for Davagh Forest; Campbase Adventures for Gortin Glen Forest Park MTB Trails and Life Adventure Centre for Castlewellan and Rostrevor MTB Trails. This may be useful in deciding which bike you want the texture of earlier than truly making a purchase order.

5. What's the greatest time to go mountain biking?

Mountain biking is a 12 months spherical sport, which is nice for us right here in Northern Eire the place 85% of the time the climate is chilly and moist. It additionally means from a riders standpoint that it is good for getting folks out and lively the 12 months spherical, the place as sports activities like highway biking typically can solely be performed when the times are longer and the climate much less inclined to blow you into oncoming site visitors.

Rain truly can add to the journey

6. What ought to I put on?

This was a shocking level of angst for a lot of new riders. Our essential tip – do not panic. Mountain bikers usually are not notably involved with vogue on the paths. A pair of shorts, tough trainers you do not thoughts getting bogged and a jacket are normally start line. Knee and elbow pads are plus, and having a water-proof jacket with you by no means hurts.

Lacking from picture: Trend

We hope this helps handle a number of the worries for brand new riders. If in case you have any questions on beginning mountain biking, do not be afraid to e-mail us to [email protected] or PM us on Facebook. It's also possible to comply with us on Instagram and Twitter.