Lesson Learned

soy_sauce

went out yesterday to Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeen with a few mates for some MTB action and it was my second time off road biking since i got my bike back in Sept last year.

The first time when i went off road was in Nov last year and i just been cycling for 3 months (yup, the rockhopper is my first ever bike and i only cycle a couple of time before about 8-9 years ago :oops: ) and i had an accident within the first 5 mins in the Fun Park... :oops: and got off the bike and walk some of the trail instead as they when too difficult for me...

This time round with almost 9 months of commuting experience under my belt, i finally able to do the trails that i couldn't manage last time plus i find myself more confident to attack a few which i wasn't sure about.

so lesson learned.....
1) always ride with better riders as you will be able to learn from them and also they will encourage you to try even though you don't think you can do it.
2) never use the front break (EDIT: going down hills).... bad habit of mine... :oops:
3) even though can't go off road all the time but general commuting still improve skills and confidence
4) need to fix my breaks as they are not working too well... :shock:

MTB_Ads

Sounds good! I'm in the same boat as in finding myself pushing my own boundaries more and more often and in turn my riding is improving a lot. Definatly agree with the better rider comments, while I can't keep up with some people i go riding with for the times that I do, you can pick up and see a lot of stuff which really helps you, that and as you say just more saddle time!

Northwind

Woah, never use the front brake? It's your main stopping force. You need to be careful how you use it, but don't just avoid it!

soy_sauce

MTB_Ads

yeah, the more saddle time def help me the most, specially with my balance.
also alot of time spent reading advice on here also help with the theory side of stuff.

Northwind

sorry, i meant going down hills. just edited the OP now.
i always prefer the front break to slow down but you are right, i def need to use it carefully or i will end up over the handlebar

Chaz.Harding

It's good when you get it right ay?? 8)

XxxBFGxxX

bigchazrocks wrote:

It's good when you get it right ay?? 8)

it sure is chap. but it anoys me when i then go and screw it up again lol

XxxBFGxxX

bigchazrocks wrote:

It's good when you get it right ay?? 8)

it sure is chap. but it anoys me when i then go and screw it up again lol

soy_sauce

bigchazrocks wrote:

It's good when you get it right ay?? 8)

oh aye.

Northwind

henry_ho_yin wrote:

i always prefer the front break to slow down but you are right, i def need to use it carefully or i will end up over the handlebar

Ah, that's cool. I never used to use the front at all when I first started riding, skids are cool yo But you've got it. You can use it going down hills but you need to watch your weight.

soy_sauce

i also learned that my cycle computer is fully waterproof.... it even survive in the washing machine. :shock:

projectsome

I learned if I pedal fast enough then hit the front brake, I would get ejected from the seat and the bike would grow wings and fly over my head....

Chaz.Harding

projectsome

It's alrite to f*ck it up though. As long as you don't injure yourself! Like I said, makes when you do get it right, all the sweeter! 8)