Mountain Bike Page

Welcome to the Mountain Bike Page of Burnettfitness.com

Biking has become a challenging hobby for me over the last year and I would like to dedicate this space to my experiences with the sport. I am still a beginner by most any standard, but I have learned a lot about gear, training and nutrition and I would like to share some of it with you. I am currently counting down the days until my first endurance competition in October '06, a 24 hour relay race. More details about that to come.

Getting Started

As with any sport there is a ton of equipment, gear and gadgets to spend your money on. If you are like me, then you can be a sucker for gear and gadgetry and this doesn't have to be a bad thing. I have found that most specialty items including clothes, tools and protective gear can be a legitimate expense and may help you enjoy the sport more. That is not to say that you can't make due without the newest toys, sometimes you don't have a choice.

Must haves:

Helmet- If you can spend money, don't be afraid to do it here. You can spend anywhere from $20.00 to $200.00 or more, but the cheaper models will work just fine. The pricier models tend to fit better and have better ventilation. If you want to save a few dollars, try them on at your local bike store and get the model number and size and then look for it online for the best price. This can be said for most any item like this.
Pump-A small frame pump is a good starter. This type of pump is great because you will most likely have it with you when you need it. Look for a pump with a gauge.
Spare Tube and Patch Kit-Flats happen, enough said.
Mini-Tool- A bike mini tool is a good idea, it will have all the correct allen wrench sizes, a couple of different screw drivers and a tire tool and you will need all of that at one time or another.

Good to haves:

Cycling Shorts- I wanted to put this in the must have section, but, if you are brave enough you can start without them. Look for a good pair with a quality chamois or pad. I prefer shorts with "gel" pads, they seem to work better on longer rides. This is another item that can be pricey and the more expensive the higher the quality.
Gloves-Biking gloves have 2 features that you should look for; padded palms to relieve pressure points and a terry cloth back to wipe sweat from your face. They also help protect your hands when you land gracefully on the ground.
Shoes-Once you try them you will realize that they do make a difference. Bike shoes have a solid firm sole that helps transfer power to the pedal, and if you want clippless pedals then you will need the special shoes to go with them.
Seat or Frame Bag-to carry small gear like your extra tube, mini tool, cell phone, patch kit and keys.

After you get into it:

Performance shirt/jersey- Quick dry material that helps keep you dry and cool. This becomes very important in hot climates and during hard long training sessions. Cotton clothes are death.
Eyewear-Sunglasses help protect your eyes from branches, dirt and debris, oh and the sun.
Heart Rate Monitor-Great help when you are training for most any sport.
Tool Kit-A more serious tool kit with full size tools and accessories will come in handy when you start getting more serious about the bike and the sport.

Getting started is the most challenging time. I remember the first off road ride I did with a couple of more experience friends. I had been riding for a month and thought I had a good basic start. They took off through the trails and it was the most punishing, difficult and discouraging ride I have ever been on. It seemed that I was fighting the bike and every root and rock I hit gave me a punishing blow. I was embarrassed and had to walk the bike through some deep sand and other basic obstacles. During this time it is important to realize that you have to stick with it, read a book and try new skills, get experienced friends to help you and get time on the bike.