Fitness. - Here are 2 Pro Tips To Make You A Better Mountain Biker from Men's Journal that written by Lindsey Emery.
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| Photo Courtesy of Dan Barham / Getty Images |
It’s one thing to go off-roading every now and then, but learning how to take your mountain biking to the next level — off the rail trails paths and deep into the woods — can be an intimidating process. And here are 5 Pro Tips To Make You A Better Mountain Biker as follow:
1. Pick the Right Ride
"These days there’s a bike designed for every conceivable terrain, so you want to ask yourself what type of riding you’ll be doing and what sort of trails you’ll be tackling most often before you go looking for a bike at your local dealer," says Lee McCormack, skills development director for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association and author of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills.
2. Assume the Attack Position
Ride with your elbows out a little bit, which puts you in prime attack position and keeps you more balanced on the bike. “That way, when you get to a rocky or root-filled section, it’s almost like you’ve got a second suspension tool to help absorb shock,” says Keene.
3. Keep an Open Mind
When you see a big drop or a bunch of rocks ahead, it’s easy to freak yourself out. But don’t. “Stop if you need to, but stay calm, take a look at what you’re working with, visualize the ways that you could potentially go through, and then take the smoothest line you’ve got,” recommends Keene. “If you start braking or are going really slowly, it’s going to be much harder, so instead, simply trust your tires and just roll with it.”
4. Take Turns Carefully
Blindly flying around the bend is usually a bad idea, especially if you’re on a new-to-you trail. “You should brake before you enter, make the turn, and then immediately look for the next one,” notes McCormack. Also, to stay balanced on the bike, keep the outside pedal down and your inside pedal up, placing most of your weight on the outside foot, says Keene.
5. Prep Your Body Off the Bike
Riding isn’t the only way to become a stronger mountain biker. “My favorite cross-training exercise to perform regularly is the squat row. It teaches you how to simultaneously pull with your upper body, push with your lower body, and balance on your feet — just like you should on your bike,” says McCormack.
Attach a resistance band to a fixed object at waist-height. Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding ends of band in both hands (there should be slight resistance in band), arms extended in front of you. Squat, pushing butt behind you, keeping knees in line with ankles, and then stand back up as you pull elbows behind you. Do 20 reps.
Original Article : "10 Pro Tips To Make You A Better Mountain Biker"
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