hello

[giant rock]

Hi my name is Nadeen and I am new here. I have bought myself a giant rock as a beginners bike for some trail riding and I am looking at getting into some cross country/endurance riding. I have been riding the bike around our streets with my 15kilo son on the back not that he will be on their when I go on trails. But what I was wandering is where is the best place to start?? And I am still struggling on hills and my quads start to burn but I love it because you know that you are working a part of your body. I am 30yrs old and live in East Maitland NSW.
Thanks Nadeen

[krizbike]

Hey Nadeen,
welcome aboard. :)
Best place to start? Well, sounds like you are on your way already by riding around with a heavy load. :)

Have you done much off-road riding before?
Do you know any trails in your area?
Chat to the staff in your LBS (Local Bike Shop - you'll see that acronym get used a lot around here) about places to ride, and people to ride with. Also see if there is a MTB club in your area. I would advise against riding alone on trails, as if there is an injury you may be a long way from help.

Remember that off-road riding is easily twice as hard as on-road in terms of endurance, so get plenty of trail riding practice.

If you want to race - either look at some shorter rides first (<50km), or even better - get in a team event. I did a 6 hour race with 2 friends as one of my first races. That way you can go out and have fun for a bit of time and then rest while your team mates ride. They are great fun events and the camaraderie between MTB riders is fantastic.

Good luck and enjoy.

Chris

[scalpel]

Hi my name is Nadeen and I am new here. I have bought myself a giant rock as a beginners bike for some trail riding and I am looking at getting into some cross country/endurance riding. I have been riding the bike around our streets with my 15kilo son on the back not that he will be on their when I go on trails. But what I was wandering is where is the best place to start?? And I am still struggling on hills and my quads start to burn but I love it because you know that you are working a part of your body. I am 30yrs old and live in East Maitland NSW.
Thanks Nadeen

Hi Nadeen,

You need to hook up with HMBA, (Hunter Mountain Bike Association), they should be able to help you with club days where you can meet other riders and have a good time. The networking side of things will then lead you to getting to know "how" to ride, and most importantly "where" to ride. I live in Newcastle and know the places around this area, but I am not sure about the maitland area. You will find the numbers of the association on the net if you google it. Whatever you do do not ride alone ! Especially in trails that you do not know !! Accidents happen..... But, good on you for getting on the bike, my wife loves it !!

Cheers, Dan.

[jdh]

Good on you for getting into the sport, It's (arguably) the best on earth! :D
If you keep at it, and have a bit of determination, you will soon build up your fitness level and start enjoying your rides even more. Regular lengthy rides are the best way to do this. Going for short sprints are most likely a waste of your time.
Good luck and have fun!:D