How can I get better at mountain biking?

Question

My dad and brother are both good and can go on just about any path. We have really high quality bikes with hydraulic brakes and good components.

Last year when I took the bike out for the 1st time I fell doing a tight turn where the back end slid b/c there wasn't much traction.

This year when I've tried to go I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster and I just brake and hold on for dear life. Every time I see a rock or place that isn't even I get really scared.

I also never learned how to get on the bike properly so when its uneven I don't know how to get on the bike.

Is there a website or anything that has tips about how to get better?

Answer 1

Keep on practising again and again.

Falling off and crashing  is part of the fun. Just get a good helmet !

Answer 2

i would say pratic a lot but heres a website

http://mountainbike.about.com/od/tipsand...

Answer 3

some very good advice already, especially the part about just riding your bike around on errands and stuff...I feel completely at home on a bike because it is my main form of transportation in the summer...when I go trailriding, it is just a more exciting form of 'transporting' my self on the bike.....if you are having trouble getting on your bike then it sounds to me like you are not very comfortable with your bike yet, so I wouls start right there.....

....that being said, I have a really nice mountain bike myself, but even at $1900 it came with tires that needed to be replaced because they constantly washed out in muddy turns. an excellent resource online for information, reviews and advice would be MTBR.com.  I am on that site nearly everyday lately.  It's a great resource.  good luck.

Answer 4

No matter how good your bike is, its all about the skill of the rider, practice!!!!  

Answer 5

More practice..... that what you need. Don't be scared, it a part of the game. Try flat roads then go to rough roads before you to the mountain. Down hill is the best just wear full gear for your protection. Enjoy the nature. Happy biking.

Answer 6

I have this book, there is a lot of helpful stuff.

Still look through this book after 7 years of racing downhill.

http://www.leelikesbikes.com/mastering-m...

Answer 7

You may not be cut out for off-road biking; its not for everyone.   Anticipating finding a gnarly trail should pump you up, not scare you.  

That being said, real confidence comes thru experience.  You need to build up your skill set so you can handle the various terrains you'll come across.   If your dad and bro are way more skilled than you, then you shouldnt ride with them on the tough stuff.  Find some tamer trails and get comfortable on the bike first.   I find the book "Mastering Mountain Bike Skills" by B. Lopes to be invaluable to me.   There is a lot to learn about mountain biking before you even get on a bike such as tire pressure, types of bikes, etc.  Check out the link and also look on YouTube for some clips from the pros....

Answer 8

My best advise is to ride with others including doing some racing if you can.  A simple trick is to force your focus out further in front of you.  Staring at what you are trying to avoid 5 feet in front of your front tire is the best way to hit it and tighten up.  Try to focus out at least 20 feet and trust your brain to do the rest.  You will find that you stay looser and go faster.  

Answer 9

try riding on the street for awhile

ride the bike everywhere you go

after awhile youll get used to it