I learned three key things during my first mountain bike adventure.
#1 I shouldn't have tried to learn to mountain bike while ON the mountain
#2 I need a good bike and the right equipment
#3 I was going to love mountain biking!
After these discoveries I did three things.
#1 Bought a Juliana Bicycle which is designed specifically for females
#2 Enrolled in a "Mountain Biking Basics" class with REI
#3 Practiced mountain biking on some fun, less challenging trails
In a separate blog I want to talk more about my experience shopping for a bike and why I chose a Juliana. For now I want to share a little about my experience with REI in their clinic for beginner mountain bikers. Thousands of people are moving to the Denver, Colorado area each year. Many are like me and are getting into mountain biking for the first time. With so many beginners REI saw a need to hold this basics skills course class. I'm thrilled that they did because I discovered right away that you really need to know what you are doing on these Colorado trails. Mountain biking is certainly fun and a great work out but it is also dangerous. I personally don't have a death wish so I decided to work on my skills. REI's class provided a good starting point for me.
The class was fun, informative and gave me the opportunity to meet other beginner mountain bikers. The class was held in an area that was safe and not too challenging. The beginner trails still gave us the opportunity to learn basic skills like changing gears while going up hill and how to break coming down hill. We also learned basic terminology and mountain bike etiquette. Jess, their bike maintenance expert, even demonstrated how to change a flat.
REI offers a wide variety of classes and workshops in their outdoor school. The Denver flagship store offers other courses related to mountain biking including mountain bike maintenance. If you don't live in the Denver area you can go to your local REI website for a list of classes offered. If you are in Denver and would like to take advantage of the basic mountain bike course check out the info below for dates and times. Happy biking!
Class Description:
On easy terrain, REI instructors teach basic techniques such as shifting, braking, ascending, descending and maneuvering around obstacles. Novara mountain bikes are provided free for those without a bike. Recommended for ages 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Next class: April 26th 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Boulder: Flatirons Vista |
#1 I shouldn't have tried to learn to mountain bike while ON the mountain
#2 I need a good bike and the right equipment
#3 I was going to love mountain biking!
After these discoveries I did three things.
#1 Bought a Juliana Bicycle which is designed specifically for females
#2 Enrolled in a "Mountain Biking Basics" class with REI
#3 Practiced mountain biking on some fun, less challenging trails
In a separate blog I want to talk more about my experience shopping for a bike and why I chose a Juliana. For now I want to share a little about my experience with REI in their clinic for beginner mountain bikers. Thousands of people are moving to the Denver, Colorado area each year. Many are like me and are getting into mountain biking for the first time. With so many beginners REI saw a need to hold this basics skills course class. I'm thrilled that they did because I discovered right away that you really need to know what you are doing on these Colorado trails. Mountain biking is certainly fun and a great work out but it is also dangerous. I personally don't have a death wish so I decided to work on my skills. REI's class provided a good starting point for me.
The class was fun, informative and gave me the opportunity to meet other beginner mountain bikers. The class was held in an area that was safe and not too challenging. The beginner trails still gave us the opportunity to learn basic skills like changing gears while going up hill and how to break coming down hill. We also learned basic terminology and mountain bike etiquette. Jess, their bike maintenance expert, even demonstrated how to change a flat.
REI offers a wide variety of classes and workshops in their outdoor school. The Denver flagship store offers other courses related to mountain biking including mountain bike maintenance. If you don't live in the Denver area you can go to your local REI website for a list of classes offered. If you are in Denver and would like to take advantage of the basic mountain bike course check out the info below for dates and times. Happy biking!
Class Description:
On easy terrain, REI instructors teach basic techniques such as shifting, braking, ascending, descending and maneuvering around obstacles. Novara mountain bikes are provided free for those without a bike. Recommended for ages 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Next class: April 26th 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Boulder: Flatirons Vista |
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