Our Favourite Tips For When You’re Learning to Mountain Bike
Cover photo by Robin O’Neill for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park
As an adult, it takes some serious bravery to start a completely new sport. Let alone one as rowdy as mountain biking. Where do you even start?!
Here at Peak Training, we’ve been there. Being based in Whistler, BC - ie. the MECCA of world-class mountain biking, we couldn’t not learn how to mountain bike.
And sure, some of the more hearty among you might think, “I’ve known how to ride a bike since I was 5 years old - I’ve got this!”
And that’s awesome! Get out there and get shredding. But for those that might need a few tips before hitting the trail - we feel you too. So here are our favourite tips from when we started learning to mountain bike.
Gear up
When you first start riding, you’ll probably notice all of the different types of gear out there. You’ve got your full-face helmet, your enduro helmet, trail helmet, elbow pads, full body armour, knee sleeves, knee pads, shin guards… and that’s just the protective equipment!
And don’t even get started on the prices.
Now, let’s not put your firstborn child up for sale on Facebook Marketplace just yet. When you’re just learning, take it slow. Buy one piece of equipment every couple of weeks, or even once a month. Soon, you’ll have everything you need to feel (at least a little) more comfortable on the trails.
MTB and Training Coach, Becky Jordan
What items should you prioritize? A lot of experienced riders will tell you to get a good trail helmet (that one is given), get some flat shoes (your old pair of Vans will do, although proper MTB shoes are the best) and get some gloves (because, guess what hits the ground first when you fall?).
From there, take your time, save up and invest in the gear you want!
Looking to save? Check out Whistler Mountain Bike Buy/Sell/Swap here.
Ready to invest? Check out Arbutus Routes in Upper Village or through their online shop.
Find your safe space
There are so. many. trails. in Whistler. And even if you don’t live here (side-note: what are you doing?!), MTB trails are springing up all over the place!
When you first start, find a trail system, or even better, a loop that has a wide variety of different challenges; rooty sections, uphills, downhills, bridges, corners, maybe even the odd rockroll or drop. Get familiar with that trail and use it as your personal proving ground. Soon, you’ll know every crack and crevice along the ground and you’ll be able to hone your skills on terrain that you know and are comfortable with. Those skills will transfer over when you’re ready to take on your next level-up.
Enjoy beautiful lake and mountain views after you ride around Lost Lake.
If you’re in Whistler, we highly recommend the Lost Lake trails. There’s some great loops in there and the variety is perfect for those that are just starting out!
Check out the Lost Lake mountain bike trails here on TrailForks.
Look ahead
This one is so simple but so easy to forget when you’re on your bike. Make it your mantra. Look ahead, look ahead, look ahead.
When we ride, we tend to look down at what’s right under our front wheel. Which is okay, but you’re missing what’s coming up! And how to navigate that! So, look ahead.
And, in tandem with this mantra, here’s another: look where you want to go. That big rock on your left? Don’t look at it; don’t get fixated on it. Because the moment you do, your arms will turn your handlebars in that direction as if they are independent from your body. To you, that rock may as well not exist - because you’re not paying it any mind.
Speed is your friend
Admittedly, this is a controversial one. But hear us out.
Athlete and Coach, Katrina Strand.
It’s only natural to take things at a slower pace when you’re learning something new. You’re literally training your brain and body.
But once you start to get into the flow of things, start experimenting with charging over obstacles and natural features just a liiiiittle faster than you normally would. You’ll find that the bumps feel smaller and that your bike goes over things more smoothly. And as you get better and better, speed will quickly go from acquaintance to BFF status.
Don’t let the falls get you down
Here’s the thing you probably don’t want to hear: you are going to fall. It is inevitable. Most likely, you will be able to stand up and walk away from said tumble. Your body will be fine, albeit maybe a little bruised. But you know that those scrapes and scratches will heal quickly.
What might not heal so quickly is your head. Your mentality. A fall, no matter how minor, is scary. And it can rattle even the best riders. When you do get back on the bike, you may find yourself imagining all the ways you could bail on every feature.
If you’re in this for the long game, you’ve got to get back on your bike ASAP and yell at the little scared voice in your head, “we will be fine! We are capable! We can do this!”
Because that’s what 99% of MTBing is (we may have guesstimated that statistic): a mental game. It’s rolling over the top of something f*cking terrifying and at that last second knowing - with absolute certainty - that you’ve got this; and then totally rocking it.
That’s the feeling that keeps us coming back to this incredible sport. The pure adrenaline of conquering something that used to scare our pants off. The progression and pushing boundaries. And we promise, if you stick with it; you’ll fall in love.
Oh and we’re also in it for the post-ride beers.
Cheers and see you on the trails!
Looking to build your confidence and skills on two wheels? Check out our Mountain Bike Strength class by clicking here.
