Mountain Biking - Newbie Tips?

[Newbie555]

So I got tired of using my mountain bike I got for christmas on country roads. I hit the local nature reserve where one part features a load of jumps. It went well the first 4 times I went down the hill. The 5th time I face-planted, tearing up both my hands requiring bandages and splitting my helmet. My face is also all grazed and swollen.

At that point, covered in mud and dirt and blood I was scared. I was alive. I realised that this is what I wanted to do. I fell in love with a sport ive hardly tried.

So I am getting a friend who is in the same situation (mountain bike, but never used for mountain biking terrain) and we will (hopefully) be going on two-person rides through various nature reserves. I am going to do a BIT easier routes to get more used to it before going back to the one I nearly killed myself on.

So my question is this:

Any tips for a 17 year old who, with a friend, is about to enter the world of Mountain Biking?

I have a helmet and first aid kit, but thats about it as far as safety gear. Im saving up for more, but my family is not a wealthy family. We struggle. So its a bit difficult. I love my helmet though, as that face-plant would have killed me since the rock split my helmet open!

Always wear a helmet kids

Eventually I hope to get 2 more mates on board (ive put a facebook status to find anyone who is interested) and have ourselves a 4-man (well, boy lol) team.

 

[MtBikr]

The one thing I tell every newbie is do not take that last run. All too many times I've seen riders say I'm tired but have time for one more and this ends up being the one they get hurt on. After several runs stop when you think "I've got one last run in me" that is the time to stop as that will be the run you crash on.

 

[hummerhead2002]

Quite an initiation to get into a real rugged outdoor sport---but that's the deal bro! Try to take it easy on your first spins---go to dirt roads with no risks ( from lethal switchbacks and drop-offs) and FEEL the road ( with front or full suspension-it really gets your adrenaline flowing)--drop the stunt possibilities-and do some uphills and fire roads---on dry then wet conditions ( which will challenge you & your rig in the process! ) Then after getting on the groove---you will have the strength, the instinct of the SOLID mt. bike rider! read declinemagazine.com and mtbaction.com for MORE!

 

[jcaddyer]

You seem like a real cool kid! On steep descents do not be afraid to lean real far back on the bike. Don't worry about speed when it comes to getting through the course rather stop and plan out what your going to do when you get to a real technical spot (next time you will fly through it).

 

[K K]

Here's a tip: Take off your bicycle seat, wear pink spandex, and ride your bike through the roughest terrain. Oh, and take pictures-