<?php include('includes/config.php'); ?>
<!doctype html public "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 //EN">
<html>
<head>
       <title><?php echo SITE_NAME; ?> | Mountain Biking: Getting Started</title>
       <meta name="keywords" content="<?php echo SITE_KEYWORDS; ?>">
       <meta name="description" content="<?php echo SITE_DESCRIPTION; ?>">

       <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css.css">
</head>
<body>

<table width="750" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="boarder">
  <tr>
    <td height="87" colspan="2" valign="top"><img src="images/header.jpg"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="496" height="113" valign="top" id="main">
      <?php include('includes/adsenselinks.php'); ?>
      <br> <br> <h1>Mountain Biking: Getting Started</h1>
      <br> <br> <div style="padding: 8px; float: left">
        <?php include('includes/adsensetop.php'); ?>
      </div>
 Jump starting mountain biking as a hobby can be a bit scary for many individuals for one reason: they basically do not know where to start. Here, learn the basic things you need to know to get you started.<br><br>Bike and Gears<br>If you are starting off from scratch, you need to think of buying a bike first before anything else. I said "think" because not all bikes are the same.<br><br>When buying your first mountain bike, you have to identify the type of riding you will be doing most of the time as bikes are designed for specific style and terrain. To make matters simple, I suggest that you get an all-terrain hard tail mountain bike to start with (but you are free to choose from other types of bike depending on the riding surface you want to ride).<br><br>Then, there are gears. It's a no-brainer that you must have a helmet whenever you go out for a ride. Not only because it protects your head from any possible injury you may sustain during a crash, but also because it is prohibited to ride without wearing one.<br><br>Consider buying at least 3 pairs of gloves so while you are wearing one pair, the other pair goes to the laundry while the third pair goes to your backpack as a reserve. Mountain biking shoes are great for comfort and good grip on the pedal. Sunglasses regulate and enhance the light and serve as a protection from harmful rays and other elements that can enter your eyes such as dust, small rocks and insects.<br><br>Tools<br>Every biker experiences getting flat and mechanical damage. Get a good set of tire repair kit including mini pump, patches, extra inner tube and glue. A multi-tool that includes wrenches will allow you to repair any mechanical damage of your bike. Broken chains can be a big problem while on the trail. Make sure to include chain tool in your arsenal.<br><br>Location. Location. Location.<br><br>Common conception is that mountain bikes can only be used on unpaved surfaces. The truth is you can use your mountain bike no matter where you are. So whether you are stuck in the city that offers everything other than nature or you have an access on a local bike or a mountain trail, you are good to ride.<br><br>Riding companion<br>There is nothing wrong with riding alone but you really have to consider joining a group of riders especially if you are planning to ride on remote places where there are no people around. A riding companion will come in handy in case you need medical assistance or simply experience a mechanical breakdown while on the trail. Also, experienced riders are good sources of valuable information on the best places to ride and how to ride safely and properly.<br><br>Safety Concerns<br>While mountain biking is a relatively safe sport, taking proper precautions are necessary. Aside from wearing a helmet and gloves, consider wearing padded shorts, elbow and knee pads. Keep your speed in check. Do not ride beyond your capabilities. Do not ride if you are uncomfortable with the terrain. Keep your physical fitness high. Take it slow; do not spend your energy on the first kilometer of the trail.<br><br>And most importantly, keep your energy high by drinking fluids and eating right before and during the ride.<br><br><br>
<? include('author.php'); ?>
<br><br><div id="ajaxnotes">
<? include('comments.php'); ?>
</div>
<? include('includes/form.php'); ?>
 <br><br>
    </td>
    <td width="250" valign="top" id="sidemenu"> <br><?php include('flags.php'); ?><h2> <?php echo MENU_NAME; ?></h2>
      <?php include('includes/menu.php'); ?>
      <br> <h2><?php echo MENU_ARTICLES; ?></h2>
 <A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/night-mountain-biking-for-beginners.php">Night Mountain Biking For Beginners</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-bikes---suspension-choices.php">Mountain Bikes – Suspension Choices</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-accessories-must-haves.php">Mountain Biking Accessories Must Haves</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-expedition--do-s-and-don-ts.php">Mountain Biking Expedition: Do's And Don'ts</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/safety-tips-when-mountain-biking-in-cold-weather.php">Safety Tips When Mountain Biking In Cold Weather</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/notes-when-buying-a-mountain-bike.php">Notes When Buying A Mountain Bike</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/shopping-for-mountain-bike-for-the-first-time.php">Shopping For Mountain Bike For The First Time</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking--keeping-the-fun-side-alive.php">Mountain Biking: Keeping The Fun Side Alive!</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking--racing-for-the-first-time.php">Mountain Biking: Racing For The First Time</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/gift-ideas-for-mountain-biking-enthusiasts.php">Gift Ideas For Mountain Biking Enthusiasts</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-bikes---frame-designs.php">Mountain Bikes – Frame Designs</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-bike-upgrades.php">Mountain Bike Upgrades</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-safety-tips.php">Mountain Biking Safety Tips</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-survival-tips.php">Mountain Biking Survival Tips</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking--five-point-rule-when-riding-downhill.php">Mountain Biking: Five-Point Rule When Riding Downhill</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking--bike-maintenance.php">Mountain Biking: Bike Maintenance</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/top-reasons-why-you-should-not-quit-mountain-biking.php">Top Reasons Why You Should Not Quit Mountain Biking</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/index.php">Mountain Biking: Getting Started</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-conduct-and-etiquette.php">Mountain Biking Conduct And Etiquette</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/getting-ready-for-mountain-biking-race.php">Getting Ready For Mountain Biking Race!</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/before-buying-a-mountain-bike.php">Before Buying A Mountain Bike</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/how-to-prepare-for-winter-mountain-biking-adventure.php">How To Prepare For Winter Mountain Biking Adventure</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/mountain-biking-trip--what-to-bring.php">Mountain Biking Trip: What To Bring?</A><br><A HREF="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/stay-away-from-danger--an-idiot-guide-to-mountain-biking.php">Stay Away From Danger: An Idiot Guide To Mountain Biking</A><br> <br>
                  <!-- Search Google -->
<form method="get" action="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/search.php" target="_top">
<table bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top" align="left" height="32">

<input type="text" name="q" size="25" maxlength="255" value=""></input>
</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" align="left">
<input type="submit" name="sa" value="Google Search"></input><br>
<input type="hidden" name="client" value="<?php echo PUBID; ?>"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="forid" value="1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="oe" value="ISO-8859-1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="GALT:#008000;GL:1;DIV:#336699;VLC:663399;AH:center;BGC:FFFFFF;LBGC:336699;ALC:0000FF;LC:0000FF;T:000000;GFNT:0000FF;GIMP:0000FF;FORID:11"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="hl" value="en"></input>
</td></tr></table>
</form>
<!-- Search Google -->
          <center>
     <br>
      <?php include('includes/amazon.php'); ?>
      <br> <br>
      <?php include('includes/adsense-referral.php'); ?>
      <br>
      <?php include('includes/adsense-firefox.php'); ?>
          </center>
    </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td height="147" colspan="2" valign="top">
        <center>
        <table width="730" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <tr>
    <td width="365" height="137" valign="top"><?php include('includes/adsensetop.php'); ?></td>
        <div id="articles">
    <td width="365" valign="top"><p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><?php echo MENU_ARTICLES; ?></font><br>
<?
include("clsSn.php");

$Snippets = New Parser;
$Snippets -> Parse();

?>
                  </p></td>
        </div>
  </tr>
</table>
<br><br>
        <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#000000">

          <tr>
            <td width="748" height="5" valign="top"><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#efefef">
                <tr>
                  <td width="742" height="25" valign="top"><b><?php echo SITE_VIDEO; ?></b></td>
                </tr>
              </table></td>
          </tr>
          <tr>
            <td height="94" align="center" valign="middle"><embed src="http://www.blinkx.com/w?g_sApiQuery=%2Fapi%2Fstart%2Ejsp%3Faction%3Dquery%26databasematch%3Dmedia%26totalresults%3Dtrue%26text%3D<?php echo SITE_VIDEOS; ?>%26start%3D1%26maxresults%3D25%26sortby%3Drelevance%26fieldtext%3DBIAS%7B1166549385%2C1000000%2C20%7D%3Aautn%5Fdate%2520AND%2520BIAS%7B1166549385%2C10000000%2C20%7D%3Aautn%5Fdate%2520AND%2520NOT%28MATCH%7BPodcast%7D%3ACHANNEL%29g%5FiQueryOffset%3D1&g_StageWidth=700&g_StageHeight=150&g_ApiServer=www.blinkx.com&g_sImgServer=http://emea-store.blinkx.com" width='700' height='150' quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="newwall" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></td>
            </tr>
        </table>
<p><?php include('includes/adsensebottom.php'); ?></p>
<p>
        <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" bgcolor="#f5f5f5">
          <tr>
            <td width="744" height="99" valign="top"><p align="left"><b><?php echo SITE_RSS; ?></b></p>
              <p align="left">
<?php include('rss.php'); ?>
              </p></td>
            </tr>
        </table>
</p>
<!-- Search Google -->
<center>
<form method="get" action="http://<?php echo SITE_URL; ?>/search.php" target="_top">
<table bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top" align="left" height="32">

<input type="text" name="q" size="40" maxlength="255" value=""></input>
<input type="submit" name="sa" value="Google Search"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="client" value="<?php echo PUBID; ?>"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="forid" value="1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="oe" value="ISO-8859-1"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="GALT:#008000;GL:1;DIV:#336699;VLC:663399;AH:center;BGC:FFFFFF;LBGC:336699;ALC:0000FF;LC:0000FF;T:000000;GFNT:0000FF;GIMP:0000FF;FORID:11"></input>
<input type="hidden" name="hl" value="en"></input>
</td></tr></table>
</form>
</center>
<!-- Search Google -->

        </center>
        </td>
  </tr>
</table>
<div id="copyright">
  <p align="center"><?php echo SITE_COPYRIGHT; ?></p>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
</div>
</body>
</html>
