Going mountain biking for the first time. Any suggestions?

Taking a trip to Michigan the first weekend in August. We are going mountain biking on the Boyne Mountain Trails, and I have never been. I'm both terrified and excited at the same time. Any suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by David P. on July 30, 2013 at 5:30am

Stay loose!

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on July 30, 2013 at 5:34am

I don't know. Try not to fall? :-)

Have a blast...

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Permalink Reply by BruceBikes on July 30, 2013 at 5:46am

Don't even think about breathing on your front brakes on steep/fast downhills. Keep your butt low and back.

Shift into a low gear before hitting a steep uphill. Try to keep your butt in the saddle to avoid unloading/spinning the rear tire. Lean forward toward handlebars.

Have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Schmoe on July 30, 2013 at 6:08am

...and keep your pedals level when coasting.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on July 30, 2013 at 6:18am

try some of the local trails around here to practice

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 30, 2013 at 7:16am

this is exactly what I would suggest. If you feel yourself going to fast for your comfort level (going downhill or on sharp turns, etc.) don't be afraid to slow way down and put your foot down. there is

no shame in stopping. and if you happen to fall (knocking on wood here) remember to roll. I never remember btw. enjoy !!! I am guessing you will be hooked immediately. I have done it and it is a

totally different kind of rush than flying on the roads. think roller coaster where YOU are the driver !

BruceBikes said:

Don't even think about breathing on your front brakes on steep/fast downhills. Keep your butt low and back.

Shift into a low gear before hitting a steep uphill. Try to keep your butt in the saddle to avoid unloading/spinning the rear tire. Lean forward toward handlebars.

Have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Siepmann on July 31, 2013 at 9:00am

Have fun and bring bug dope. Mosquitos can ruin a ride.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on July 31, 2013 at 9:27am

It will be a lot easier than this, so enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on July 31, 2013 at 9:51am

Holy wipeout, Batman!

Gene Tenner said:

It will be a lot easier than this, so enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Willoughby on July 31, 2013 at 10:54am

When I took my family mountain biking it was their first time. Biggest complaint was getting used to the disc brakes. They tended to squeeze too hard on their front and kept flying over the bars. Not sure your setup or experience but either way you're going to have a great time!