One of the best ways for those who love cycling to enjoy the exhilaration of the outdoors is mountain biking. While getting started in this sport is physically and mentally demanding, it becomes easier as skills and strength develop. Keep the following tips in mind when striving to boost your performance on the trails.

1. Develop a Base Level of Strength

Mountain biking differs from road biking in that it’s much more demanding of the rider’s body. Therefore, it’s important to build up strength and endurance before hitting the trails, especially if you’ve only ridden gentler beginner trails. The four to six weeks before heading to the mountains should be spent on consistent, low-intensity exercise in preparation for handling rapid downhills and tough climbs. Set aside time for at least three rides of no more than two hours each per week to be in great shape for the next challenge. While riding in Downieville, beginning mountain bikers can take advantage of building their skills on the many fire roads and hills of the mountain town. 

2. Change Gears

More advanced and intermediate mountain biking trails consist of sections that can vary significantly in height and grade. This is both the challenge and the fun of the sport, but you can make it easier by taking full advantage of your bike’s gears. Shift into lower gears when climbing and back into high gears when cresting to ensure you maintain control and a comfortable speed at all times.

3. Maintain Loose Posture

While the trails of Downieville are expertly groomed by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, expect challenging terrain in your near future. Riding over obstacles like small logs and rocks is one of the most important basic mountain biking skills. You can achieve this by maintaining momentum and staying off the saddle in rough spots. Picture your arms and legs as shock absorbers and keep them comfortably bent to absorb impacts without losing speed or control. 

4. Learn Basic Repairs

It’s not uncommon to encounter mechanical problems on the rougher trails in Downieville, whether a slipped chain or a punctured tire. Unfortunately, out on a long trail, there’s no guarantee of help, so learn how to perform minor repairs before heading out. Visit a local bike shop for help learning repairs like patching flats, repositioning slipped chains, and properly tightening loose bolts and nuts.

5. Come Prepared 

Weather taking along a backcountry electronic gadget, such as our favorite, the Garmin In-Reach, or remembering to pack enough water or sunscreen, take some time to think your trips through before heading to Downieville. The town of Downieville has limited supplies. The town grocery store excels more in the craft beer and liquor department than in substantial trail snacks, so remember to pack some high calorie grab-and-go items to satiate and fuel your ride. Other items to consider packing are some basic first aid items, a packable jacket and small headlamp for the unexpected, emergency gear for your bike and tires as well as chain lube. Lastly, the most oft forgot and missed during a long ride in Downieville, lip balm.

The best end to a long, rewarding day riding the trails is relaxing in the refreshing mountain air at Riverside Mountain Lodge, in Downieville, CA. Just a short drive from the Bay Area, this outdoor destination offers comfortable, spacious rooms in proximity to various outdoor activities. The nearby mountain biking network features a range of trails for all different skill levels, and shuttles are available to reach trailheads. Call (530) 289-1000 to book a reservation, or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.