Where can I learn?

Any forest with bike tracks or local area where people ride. BMX tracks. On the internet you can find links to local people who ride or run training sessions.

What equipment do I need to get me started?

A bike is always useful! A helmet is essential and elbow and knee pads are recommended.

Where can I get the gear from?

Web sites on the internet provide information on where to ride and where to buy bargain equipment. Your local bike shop may be a good place to start. That is always my first port of call in a new area. Mountain biking is the most friendly sport I have ever been involved in.

Who can I talk to?

Everyone talks to each other and helps one another out; you will never be stuck for advice or info if you ask a mountain biker!

Is there a basic fitness level required at entry level?

You don’t need to be that fit to start riding a bike, but the fitter and stronger you are, the easier the sport becomes and the faster you can go.

A Blagger’s Guide… So I can sound like I know what I’m talking about!

Berm – Banked up corner.
Kicker – Small built up jump.
Plush – Soft suspension on your bike.
Manual – Rolling through a jump on your back wheel.
Big air – Kinda obvious and nothing to do with bad perms!

Good places in the UK to try out the sport

There are loads of places in Scotland or Wales. Both have amazing purpose built tracks and mountain bike areas. Fort William is one of the best as it has a 4x track, downhill, cross country and a chairlift!! The majority of the decent tracks in England are from are south of the midlands.

Any big events coming up that we should know about?

I’m really looking forward to the Fort William round of the World Cup (27th 28th May) and the Fat Face Night Race.

Do you know any good websites?

www.descent-world.co.uk
www.southerndownhill.com
www.downhiller.co.uk