Mountain Biking Blog

So I'm out in Monterey, CA for the Sea Otter Classic. Although the event is notorious for crappy weather, it looks like we are in for some good sunny days.

I wasn't really agreeing with that statement so much yesterday as I was getting blown off the trail by about 4 feet while trying to climb a hill, but today was much better.

Anyway, I'll post some updates from the expo and races. Hope some of you can make it out here, the event runs through Sunday.

Alright, I know I talk about this a lot, but seriously, everybody needs to learn to use the right tire pressure.

A simple change in tire pressure can take a bike from sketchy at best to controlled and predictable.

The right tire pressure can change from trail to trail, but usually, once you find what works for you, it's easy to make adjustments from there. Check our easy guide to setting the right tire pressure.

When you get a new bike, chances are, it's just like everyone else's. Your new bike is most likely one of a few hundred.

It's only when you set it up for yourself, and especially when you put some of your own parts on it that it really starts to become your own. Bikes rarely remain stock for their whole life.

So when you get that new bike, don't forget to take a little time to turn it into something of your own. Stickers, bells, new components, even your favorite tires are all good ways to individualize your bike.

Otherwise, like in my case, wait for a few good crashes and you'll learn to love each and every scratch and dent. Well, maybe a little...

The 650B mountain bike movement has had some serious setbacks in the last few months. With it looking doubtful that any major fork manufacturer (besides White Brothers) will have the redesigned suspension forks available until at least the 2010 model year, there will be few front/full suspension production 650B wheeled bikes available in the next year.

If you think 650B is for you, don't worry, it will happen, some this year, some next, and even more later. If you can't wait, there are some available now, from companies like SyCip, Pacenti, and Vicous Cycles.

Not everyone can ride to work, but many of us can for at least part of the year. I think It's something everyone should consider, and if it works for you, do it.

Giving it a try is easy. You know, it doesn't have to be a big thing. You can start by doing it just every once in a while, and see if you want to do it more often. There's no need to be the die hard commuter who's out there every day, rain or shine.

Like I said, it's not for everybody, but I find that riding to work energizes me for the day ahead, and with the way our environment is headed, I feel a little better for not pumping crap into the air every day.

Let's face it, there are a lot of different people out on the trails. Most of us are pretty comfortable out there, and we pretty much all get along most of the time.

On the other hand, there is also a mix of people who are a little uncomfortable, maybe even a little frightened, and a few people who are quite inconsiderate of others on the trail. Unfortunately, it's the mix these two smaller groups of people that lead to most of the trouble on the trail.

Given the situation, when you come across someone on the trail, you have no way of knowing how they are feeling. I hate to pick sides, but come on, if you think you can just blow by somebody on the trail (whether you're in control on not) without regard to how it might make them feel, your kidding yourself. It's everyone's responsibility to treat others on the trail with respect. No matter how safe you think you are, you need to remember, it's not about how you feel, it's about how you make the other trail users feel.

Lots of people are learning to ride this time of year, so I thought I'd give everyone a quick reminder that we have a great step by step tutorial that helps beginner riders build some skills and confidence before getting out on the trails.

So, if you're just getting started, or you know someone who is, take a look at our Beginner Skills Workshop and learn how to make the best of the experience.

Right now is the perfect time to make a commitment to mountain biking for the season. In most of the U.S. you have just enough time to get yourself ready before the season starts. No better time than now to get your bike and your body running smoothly.

I have found over the years that I will have a much better season if a make a commitment from the beginning to get out and ride. I make a commitment to not let other things get in my way of riding. I set a goal to get a minimum number of rides in every week, and not that I don't already spend plenty of time on the road, but I also set up some destinations and events for road trips.

All I'm saying is give it a try this year and by October, you'll probably find yourself looking back at your best mountain bike season ever.

Unfortunately, for many of us, it's not usually a question of if we'll blow a seal on our forks, but when. Some forks certainly take longer than others, and a lot of the time, it's simply due to rock damage on the fork legs. Either way, in an industry that is so focused on performance, nobody likes to ride on a blown fork.

So how do you know when your fork is blown? It's usually pretty obvious. If your fork is oil damped, and it isn't brand new, and there seems to be a lot of oil on, around, or running below the seals where the upper legs enter the lower legs, your seals are probably blown.

It's not always cheap to get your fork rebuilt, but unfortunately, it's pretty much your only option. Now is a good time to get it done before the season really gets going. Some forks can be rebuilt at your local shop, while others are best if sent back to the manufacturer.

I'm not saying I'm getting old or anything, because I'm not, really, I'm not, ok, maybe a little, but I find myself questioning my riding choices more and more. Confidence on the trail is rarely a problem for me, and I rarely hit the ground, but when I do, it's usually really ugly. I've always been one of those people who would ride just about anything if I thought I could make it. There have been plenty of things I wouldn't ride, especially those ones with 300 foot cliffs on the side, but usually, if it wasn't over my head, I'd just give it a go.

I'm trying, somewhat unsuccessfully, to start to limit my line choices in other ways now as well. I'm learning that sometimes you have to worry about a little more than death. I've had my share of injuries that have taken me out for months at a time, so I'm starting to learn to question a little more what the consequences missing a line might be.

So I know we all take chances when we ride, but the trick is to learn to make sure you can ride another day. Sometimes, it's a good idea to not only pick your line through something, but to also look at what might happen if you don't make it.