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Complete and absolute newbie- advice please?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi all,
Complete newbie to the Newcastle area really, and have never mountain biked before. Was riding down the fernleigh track and saw the track used off to the side- walked around there for a bit and decided i definately need to learn mountain biking!
So, what advice can i get on renting/trying it for the first time, how most people learn and and any groups that will allow a girl like me to join them?
Thanks!
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They are called newy coggettes in there race form but am sure they do social rides as well
Renting can be expensive. A lot of mountain bikers have more than one bike. Im sure a local may be able to meet up for a social ride and bring a spare bike for you to try.
Comfort plays a big part in a good Mountain bike experience. Biggest tip is making sure you have the right size bike. Visit a local bike shop, tell them you are thinking of getting a bike and ask them to help find the bike size you need. This is also beneficial to anyone who may be able to loan you a bike.
Clothing also plays a big part in comfort. You will see a lot of cyclists wearing lycra. Its not so much about the aerodynamics but because its more comfortable to ride in. Chafage is the most common pain that can be experienced by new riders. Now you don't have to wear lycra to be comfortable. But a pair of knicks with a chamois pad makes a huge difference. You do NOT wear underwear under your knicks. That is very important. Underwear will hold sweat and you can very quickly become sore from chafage. You can wear some shorts over the knicks if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Wear quick dry fabric for clothing. Just like underwear, your common shirts and shorts will collect a lot of sweet. So make sure you're wearing quick dry clothes.
Those are my biggest beginner tips.
One more would be to walk anything you don't feel confident in riding. There is no shame in this.
Now many brands have women bikes. I saw one has free event for woman beginner as well. I know Sydney city has 3/4 shops with women section. Go to the shops and get a demo if u like.
Facebook has a group on there called Hunter Women Ride. You can post on there about learning Mountain Biking and finding people to ride with.As for getting a bike - Drift Bikes at Kotara have demo bikes available for you to try before purchase and I found them very helpful when buying my last bike. Good luck with it, great sport to get into!
You can often find a bargain 2nd hand bike. I just did a quick search and turned up this Specialized Myka, female specific mountain bike hardly used.
Really helpful advice and tips, thanks!