(Cycling) Trail Riding

Riding on the trails
is quite fun and a nice change from flat grey pavement of suburbia or the city. When you go trail riding, you’re forced out of your comfort zone and rely on balance and stamina. Overcoming the obstacles you’ll encounter on the trail will keep you encouraged. You’re forced to dig deep down to find it within you to DO it. This is a psychological booster that can go a very long way.

Riding on a trail frees you, it frees your mind, it frees your body from being locked in a seated position behind a desk in front of a computer screen all day long. You’re free from your car and the hustle and bustle of the city. And taking in deep breaths of fresh air can really help clean out your system and reenergize you.

Getting a Fresh Start
Riding on a trail requires a different type of bike, one that is specifically made to endure the stresses and blows. Even on beginner or intermediate trails, a mountain-bike is the safest. The frames are usually more solid and the gears enable you to climb hills a little easier than on a cruiser or road-bike. Mountain bikes usually have a high clearance, so you won’t get tripped up going over a mound.

Grab a helmet. This you should already know. Make sure the helmet is one that fits you snuggly, not too tight, but one that won’t slide off.

We also recommend gloves. Yeah, yeah, there are tough guys who say you’ll never get calluses if you wear gloves. But if you are just starting out, chances are your palms will not be able to handle the constant squeezing, pulling and tugging on handle-bars. Doing so without gloves can lead to blisters, and if you develop a blister while riding, you may hesitate to grip the handle bar when you most need it, losing control.

Find a pair of shoes with a good grip on them; booties for road bikes can work, but don’t expect to be aerodynamic anyway. It’s a completely different type of speed on the trail.

And finally, get out there and ride!