Mountain biking can be an expensive hobby to get into and maintain, but enthusiasts agree: The thrill is well worth the price.
But expert bikers will also tell you that their favorite sport is a lot more work that taking a few laps around the neighborhood.
You encounter unforeseen obstacles and challenges that, without practice, could seriously hurt you.
Here is a guide to some basic techniques you should master before hitting the trail for the first time.
Practice them in your neighborhood or local park to make sure you have a great experience your first time out.
First off, invest in a quality helmet--and wear it.
This simple advice saves thousands of lives each year, maybe even yours someday.
Every mountain biker wears one, and you would look stupid not to.
Today, helmets are designed to be both comfortable and stylish; your local bike shop will be happy to help you choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Second, get used to your pedals.
Experiment with grip control at different angles so you know exactly how well they will respond to you going up or down hills.
Practice taking your foot off and on the pedal--do this first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground.
For beginners who use toe clips or clipless pedals, you might want to practice this a little longer because they take some getting used to.
Third, become acquainted with proper bike fit and position.
Sit on your bike in a relaxed position and pedal around; your arms should be slightly bend and your seat height adjusted so that your legs are about seventy to ninety percent extended at the bottom of every pedal stroke.
Remember that you should never have your knees or elbows locked.
After you've gotten into a comfortable position that keeps good form in mind, it's time to practice shifting gears.
Lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you power up hills.
Higher gears are harder to pedal and will make you go faster.
Now try practicing the different gears you will need for various hill grades.
As you do this, remember that it's best to shift gears before you get to a hill rather than as you are on it.
Learn to anticipate changing grades and the proper gear for each one.
Fourth, with your arms and knees slightly bent and your pedals in a horizontal position, spend some time coasting while standing on your pedals.
As you get comfortable, try shifting your body toward the rear of the bike.
This rear-shifted standing position will help you coast over obstacles or a rough trail.
The next step after you've practiced coasting while standing is to pedal while standing.
Do this by lifting yourself off the seat, standing on the pedals, and pedaling.
Try this technique in lower gears on the hills, and in higher gears on flat areas.
Next, practice dropping down a curb.
Stand and coast straight off the curb from the upper to lower level at moderate speed.
Remember to stay in position and absorb the drop with your arms and legs.
Make different drops at varying speeds until you feel comfortable with the technique.
After you've practiced dropping down a curb, try going up.
This final technique will help you clear obstacles on the trail at slow speeds.
At a slow to moderate speed, approach straight at a curb in the primary standing position we discussed in step five.
Right before reaching the curb, push down on the handlebars to get some spring from the front tire and then quickly pull the handlebars up, lifting the front wheel to reach the upper level of the curb.
Now quickly lighten your weight on the pedals and let the rear wheel come to the top of the curb.
These are the basic techniques to get you started, and with practice and experience you can become the insane mountain biker you want to be.
Once you have gotten these basics down, test your skill by enrolling in a mountain biking course.
Professional bikers can give you more hands-on tips and training before you head out on your own.
Happy biking!