After your first ride, look back and think about what made the ride fun, and what made the ride hell (it’s ok to hate parts of ride, everyone goes through moments of their own personal hell on the trails). Did you love the ripping desecents? Did you hate your boyfriend taking you out for the first time and nearly killing you? (note: boyfriends, don’t take your S.O.’s out for their first ride, let some other friends do it; makes your relationship last longer). Take what you’ve learned from the first ride and apply the proper changes for the next ride. Oh and after your first ride, you may also want to go out a buy a pair of riding shorts to alleviate that painful soreness between your legs . . .
For you riders who are a little more advanced, ride, ride, find some new trails, and ride some more! Add some road work to your normal ride schedule, mix things up. Be sure to also work your technical skills, try riding up and down stairs if there are not technical trails near you (note: going up is a lot harder then descending, watch out because that stem does hurt!). Once you've deemed yourself to be a fairly advanced rider its time to think about races.
Racing is a whole new experience for the average rider. My first race was the Monterey Sea Otter Classic; it was great. If it is your first race, some of the best one are the preseason ones, like the Sea Otter Classic or the Specialized Cactus Cup. Try the beginner category; plenty advanced riders sandbag, esp when the prizes are good. Besides, riding in the beginner class also will teach you some humlility. Remember what it feels like when the sport and expert class racers are coming up your ass on the single track whenever you try riding some newbie off the trail. Just wait until there is a good opportunity to pass, it won't kill you . . .If you are going to a race make sure you bring your credit cards, take out a few loans, and stock plenty of cash. At the big races some of the best action is in the expo pits. The deals on the products will make your mouth water. Everything you could want, they sell there, and it’s usually cheap. How often can you meet the guy who actually makes that Ti widget on your bike?
Anyway, that's about all with mountain biking. If you're ever out on the trail and you see me don't forget to say howdy (no one these days has any trail courtesy. Grumble, grumble, grumble . . .). So grab your bike, get your gear, and hit that trail because were going to ride!
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