Paul Molenberg - Lets Mountain Bike!

Lets Mountain Bike! stands out as the most comprehensive book ever written on the sport of mountain biking. Detailed information is provided for all of the important facets, including purchasing the right bike, upgrades, accessorizing, bike set-up, bike care, skills training and how to maximize your performance on the trails, fitness training, trail dangers, trail etiquette, and much more.

Presented with clear and understandable explanations and visuals, the information is easy to digest and apply. Everyone from the complete beginner to the more advanced rider will benefit from the depth and variety of advice and tips revealed in Lets Mountain Bike! Its an indispensable guide for those looking to hit the trails and become their best.

Thousands of trails are waiting... so Lets Mountain Bike!

Lets Mountain Bike! is the perfect book for someone just getting into mountain biking. A novice rider can quickly become an expert on choosing, setting up, and riding mountain bikes. There is also plenty of information that experienced riders can learn new skills from. In a thorough and readable way, Paul Molenberg covers details on everything from training to racing to caring for trails.

Lennard Zinn author of Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance and builder of Zinn Custom Bicycles

Valuable insight and years of experience shared by Paul Molenberg into everything beginners and intermediate riders need to know about mountain biking.

Hans Rey Mountain Bike Hall of Famer

After reading Lets Mountain Bike!, I had to take my bike for a spin. I can appreciate how this book can help riders, especially newbies, avoid errors.

Jacquie Phelan 3x U.S. National Mountain Bike Champion and MTBs first skills coach

Lets Mountain Bike! is a great introduction to anyone getting into the sport of mountain biking while helping those who are looking to get more information on the adventurous or competitive side of the sport, whether it be racing or just recreational enjoyment and exploration on the bike.

Dylan Renn owner/founder of A Singletrack Mind

The book that should come with every riders first mountain bike.... Lets Mountain Bike! allows newbies to develop a base of mountain bike knowledge in a short amount of time without frivolous details. The content is in-depth and will cover the basics for many years to come. Lets Mountain Bike! belongs on the coffee table of every mountain biker...

MTBR.com

Lets Mountain Bike!: The Complete Guide to Mountain Biking

Published by Gatekeeper Press
2167 Stringtown Rd, Suite 109
Columbus, OH 43123-2989
www.GatekeeperPress.com

Copyright 2019 by Paul Molenberg
All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

ISBN (paperback): 9781642374018
eISBN: 9781642374025

Printed in the United States of America
E-book by Bulaja Naklada, Zagreb

H ave you ever gone mountain biking?

Imagine flying through the forest with the wind whistling in your ears and the tires crunching the ground below. Trees are zipping by as the narrow winding trail rapidly unfolds before you. Your senses are fully engaged, and youre feeling a connection with the terrain as it dictates your every move... flowing over and around the bumps, through the turns, and over the hills. Your heart is pounding and youre ready for anything. This is when you grin broadly, knowing that theres nothing else you would rather be doing.

The mood will begin to take hold as soon as you leave the motorized clamor of the asphalt jungle and enter the serenity of the natural world. Then, as you set off through some incredible landscape, the thrill of the action will quickly take hold of your attention. You could be whipping down a trail through a thick forest, skillfully navigating your way along a rocky riverbank, or even weaving your way through the wind-worn canyons and rock outcroppings of a desert landscape. These are the types of places that will provide some of the most incredible cycling experiences of your life.

Most people know how to ride a bike; its an activity thats typically learned in childhood. But if youve never mountain biked on the narrow single-lane trails called single-tracks, then youre not familiar with the thrill of real mountain biking and how much fun it can be. Its much more than just riding a bike. Its an awesome experience thats difficult to meaningfully describe to those whove never tried it, something that instills a passion that can turn into an outright addiction and a way of life.

All work and no play can be a real drag on the psyche. Busy schedules, work, bills, deadlines, homework, and other obligations can keep one from cutting loose and having fun. Mountain biking provides a sense of mental well-being that can positively affect other aspects of your life. Its a great outlet from the everyday grind and high-pressure expectations. Even if you had a really bad day but are still able to get out on the trails, your troubles will dissipate and feel less important. Biking brings fresh perspective and meaning to life: its the perfect antidepressant and mood elevator. Thats what you call mountain bike therapy! When it comes to exercise, there isnt a more enjoyable way of getting into shape as you gain improvements to the performance of your heart, lungs, muscles, and your sense of balance.

It doesnt take a natural athlete to participate in this sport, just the ability to learn basic technique, positioning, and balance. Using the instructions in this book, youll learn the skills and techniques needed to improve and become more confident in biking. Youll be riding faster on longer and more challenging trails, all while knowing you can handle it. Quite a few mountain bikers crave the thrill of speed and action, but statistics show that the vast majority are not racers. With mountain biking, you decide how much you want to push yourself and how much risk you want to take. Many mountain bikers simply enjoy casual recreational rides devoid of motor vehicles, all while taking in the aesthetic beauty of the landscape. You can maintain a comfortable speed and make occasional stops to take in the beautiful and fascinating views. You dont have to be a risk taker to have great mountain biking experiences.

Its true that there are inherent risks with mountain biking, but you dont have to get hurt; its not a foregone destiny. A big emphasis on safety has been placed throughout the pages of this book. Youll learn how to see the dangers, anticipate them, and take corrective action to prevent accidents. Some riders get into trouble due to a lack of awareness of their limitations. As a beginner, you must know and understand your skill level. You need to be aware that there are some things that youre not good at yet. Youll start with short rides that are not too challenging, and then work your way up. Remaining crash-free involves keeping to trails that are within your abilities, riding at speeds that are below your upper boundary, applying basic skills, foreseeing danger, and knowing what actions may get you into trouble.