Mt. Biking

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MOUNTAIN BIKING CURRICULUM OVERVIEW:

Mountain Biking Review Sheet (pdf file - 133.8kb)

Mountain Biking takes place during the 2nd activity block of the school year and consists of 5 85 minute class periods.

The first two classes of mountain biking take place on the Brockport Central Schools Campus and revolve around learning; 1) Basic Bike Care i.e. how to change a tire, how to fix a flat, how to clean a lube a bike, how to put on a chain et. 2) Bike fitting - how to pick the bike that's right for you & 3) Gears and Riding Strategies - how to best utilize your gears for flat terrain and up/down hills.

Classes 3, 4 & 5 take place at the Erie Canal.  Students are bussed to the canal where they spend their time riding 5-6 miles to places like the Brockport lift bridges, the town of Holley and the Holley Falls. 

THE BASICS OF MOUNTAINBIKING

Riding position uphill: keep your weight forward, keep your chin low over the bars, and try to keep your head forward.

Riding position downhill: you want to keep your weight back, and your seat lower than normal. If you go too far back, however, you will lose traction with your front wheel and have a hard time steering your bike. Keep your wrists low on the bars, and ride on your pedals with them even to the ground. This lowers your center of gravity.

Shifting: The left shifter controls the front derailleur which moves your chain on the three sprockets near your pedal. You basically have three gears here. The small ring ( #1 position ) is for low gear to go slow and climb. The middle gear ( #2 ) position is for medium speed and slightly harder to pedal. This can be used for level ground. The larger gear ( #3 ) is for high speed cruising or going downhill. It is the hardest to pedal. The right shifter controls the gears on the back wheel, and you have 7,8,or 9 sprockets. Use these to fine tune whatever front gear you are in. The lower numbers are easier to pedal, then gradually shift up as your speed increase to the higher numbers. As you speed up and go to the highest on the right, you can then go to the next largest gear using the left shifter and then go back down to the lower numbers on the right. Select the proper gear in advance in changing terrain, and if a climb is coming up, then get in your lower gears well in advance.

Braking: Know which brake controls the front wheel. Usually it is the left on U.S. bikes. The rear brake should be used mostly when going downhill, and the front brake gently (or else you may go over the bars and do an endo). When your brakes are wet, they will not stop as good unless you have disc brakes. Don't brake before going over obstacles, SPEED UP. If the section is too steep WALK. Check your brake pads for wear and position, and keep your rims clean. Adjust braking lever action at the handlebar cable tensioner, and check before riding.
 
Gear: Carry liquids and food when you ride, unless you go for a real short ride. Put about 40 lbs. air pressure in your tires. Lube your chain. Wear hand protection (gloves) and eye protection (glasses) if needed. Use common sense, if a section looks tough WALK IT first. Wear comfortable clothes and make sure your shoelaces do not dangle and get caught in the gears. Test your bike before you ride. Don't let your "expert" friends force you to do stuff over your head. Think smart and follow your own instincts. Ride the best gear you can afford, and maintain your bike.

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