Mammoth Mountain is home to a popular bike park with world-class bike trails and a nearby trail system that’s just as appealing. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert mountain biker to enjoy this form of exercise and the amazing scenery often found in places like Mammoth Mountain. The friendly folks at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for everything from top-tier Mammoth Mountain bike rentals to high-quality fishing gear, discuss some of the steps you can take to get better at mountain biking regardless of where you choose to ride.
Make Sure Your Bike Is Set Up Right
If it’s not set up right, you can actually blame your bike if you’re not as good at mountain biking as you’d like to be. Pay attention to essentials such as the height, angle, and position of the saddle as well as the bar roll, shifters, brake levers, suspension, and tire pressure. Once you’ve done this, do a test ride to see if any further adjustments are needed
Build Your Confidence on Easier Trails
If your issue with mountain biking is a need to brush up on your general skills, you may be frustrated if you try to tackle trails that are a bit too challenging for you. Should this be the case, take a step back and master an easier trail like Mammoth Mountain’s Horseshoe Loop Trail to boost your confidence and work on your technique.
Stop & “Session” Difficult Areas
You don’t need to completely avoid difficult trails to get better. Whether you’re being held back by a steep downhill, a tight corner, a rocky climb, or another challenge, take some time to analyze the section that’s giving you difficulty. For instance, you might try different bike positions until you nail it.
Try Some Climbing Trails
Get better at mountain biking by paying equal attention to climbing trails. This allows you to improve your ability to shift your body positioning, pedaling, gearing, and other key riding factors more effectively. With climbing trails, it also helps to maintain a neutral position, even on root- or rock-strewn climbs. Mammoth Mountain’s Paper Route Loop is a good place to experience both downhill and uphill terrain.
Ride with the Right Partner
If your goal is to progressively get better as a mountain biker, pick a riding partner who will encourage and push you at the same time. This should also be someone who will urge you to try new trails once you get comfortable on ones you normally use. The individual could also help you by pointing out technical issues or other things he or she observes that can be corrected.
Include Strength Training in Your Workout Routine
Mountain biking is a physically demanding activity. For this reason, one other way you can get better at it is by building and maintaining your upper body and core muscles when you’re not on your bike. Postural exercises can be beneficial as well. A combination of exercises of this nature can make you a better rider by improving your grip and giving you the strength to maintain your position as you tackle challenging terrain.
If you need biking tips, trail information, or top-quality gear before you hit the mountain, call or stop by ASO Mammoth. Whether you’re looking for premier equipment or the best place to rent bikes in Mammoth, our friendly staff can help you with everything you need to have a great time while you’re here. When you’re in Mammoth, drop in to see us, or give us a call at 760-965-3444.