Mountain Bike Tip #1

Sharp turns on loose gravel? Try leaning the bike (and your lower body) into the turn but keep your torso upright. Your body should bend like the hands on a clock at 4:00 or 8:00.

Mountain Bike Tip #2>

If riding in a lot of soft sand ... lower you air pressure ... this makes your tire flatten out and allows you to "float" on top of the sand.

Mountain Bike Tip #3

To Improve your Skills: Try to find a riding partner that is better than you. Tell him/her you want to follow them closely. While following ... watch how this more skillfull rider handles different situations and try to mimic her/his moves.

Mountain Bike Tip #4

Look down the trail as far as you can while riding. Don't stare at obstacles right in front of you ... instead look past them and focus on the next section. You will still see the whole trail yet you've given your mind a chance to plan a line to follow.

Mountain Bike Tip #5

When washing your bike ... rinse with water, spray with multipurpose cleaner (e.g. 409), let cleaner soak for 5-minutes, scrub with long vinyl-bristled brush, spray with hard stream of water, turn bike over and do the same, wipe down with old towels, spray WD-40 on all moving parts, dry in the sun if possible.

Mountain Bike Tip #6

Always land on your rear tire first when going off a drop.

Mountain Bike Tip #7

When traveling to a new mountain bike area, go to a couple of bike shops to ask about the best trails and current trail conditions.

Mountain Bike Tip #8

To climb up on a steep rock or log, pedal hard and stay seated until you are about 2-feet from the object ... set your pedals horizontal ... quickly thrust your entire body forward and upward (without pedaling) lifting the bike ... then resume pedaling. Practice at home on a curb or a railroad tie.

Mountain Bike Tip #9

For pedaling on mostly uphill or flat ... set the seat high. Get on your bike and lean against a wall with your butt on the seat and your leg straight ... the heel of your shoe should just barely be able to rest on the down pedal.

Mountain Bike Tip #10

Always carry a GPS, whether riding alone or with others ... familiar trail or new ... short ride or Epic. If you should need to be flown out because of injury or sickness, having the exact coordinates really helps.

Mountain Bike Tip #11

Need help riding SWITCHBACKS?

• Uphill: Approach the curve wide and look past the turn where you want to exit. Pedal hard.
• Downhill: Approach the curve wide and look past the turn where you want to exit. Keep your weight back and inside pedal up.

Mountain Bike Tip #12

Lower your seat about 4-inches to descend a steep, rocky stretch of trail. It will lower you center of gravity and make your ride handle more like a downhill bike.

Mountain Bike Tip #13

When preparing for a ride ... don't put any sunscreen above your eyes. Your helmet will shade your forehead, and your eyes won't burn from the sunscreen.

Mountain Bike Tip #14

Use only one-finger for front breaking (left hand) ... use two fingers for rear breaking.

Mountain Bike Tip #15

In preparation for a long, hot, ride .... drink plenty of liquids while getting ready and driving to the ride. Often people get severely dehydrated due to a "liquid debt" at the start of the ride.

Mountain Bike Tip #16

Downshift to the small front gear when approaching a creek or stop sign. You will then be able to climb the opposite bank with that lower gear.

Build sandcastles on world famous Cabarete Beach (on the north shore of the Dominican Republic) - or go driftwood hunting near by at a very affordable family vacation spot called "Vecinos"!
Your Canadian expat hosts, Les + Lynda welcome your whole family and promise to make you feel right at home :)

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