Steven Rindner: Basic Mountain Biking Techniques
You don't need a mountain to go mountain biking. As enthusiasts like Steven Rindner note, any off-pavement riding will reward you with great exercise, fresh air, and—if mountains or hills are present—the exhilaration of downhill stretches and scenic views.
Mountain biking requires skills that are different from road cycling. Below are three basic techniques to help you get started. Neutral Position When riding non-technical sections of the trail, you have to be in a neutral position on your bike. As seasoned cyclists like Steven Rindner explain, this helps your bike roll along efficiently while allowing you to smoothly transition into the ready position for technical terrain. The neutral position includes:
Ready Position
When the trail gets rockier and steeper, it's time to move into the ready position or the attack position. The ready position gets you physically and mentally prepared to take on technical trails. The ready position includes:
Picking a Line
A beginner's common mistake is looking at spots you don't want to go to rather than focusing on where you want to go, experienced bikers like Steven Rindner point out. Pick a path and stick to it to overcome tricky sections of the trail. What common hazards should you look for? That really depends on your skill level. A log that will stop a beginner may be a fun bunnyhop for an experienced biker. Generally, look for deep sand, loose rocks, wet roots, logs, and other cyclists, animals, and hikers. To find your line, cyclists like Steven Rindner suggest scanning ahead for hazards by looking about 15 ft. down the trail. Then, move your eyes toward your front wheel. Doing this action allows your eyes to take in a lot of information. Seeing hazards ahead of time allows you to adjust your balance and pick a good line.
Steven Rindner is an enthusiast of individual sports such as mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For future updates, subscribe to this blog.
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Why Steven Rindner Believes Gravel Biking is for Everyone
For cyclists like Steven Rindner, gravel biking is not just a fun activity; it is also a great way to extend your life.
In fact, recent studies reveal that people who ride bikes live eight years longer. It is according to the International Journal of Sports Medicine in its research on Tour De France cyclists. While most bikers are not professionals, this is very welcoming news for bicycle hobbyists. In another research conducted in the Netherlands, it was found that a Dutch cyclist lives six months longer than those who don't ride a bike. The main and obvious reason would, of course, be that biking is a high-intensity exercise that keeps the body active.
Here's more welcome news for people who ride their bike to work or anywhere else -- an April 2017 study discovered that bikers lower their chance of getting cancer by about 45% and generally have a reduced risk of dying by 40%. These are significant numbers.
Likewise, people who love to bike, like Steven Rindner, have a much lower chance of developing heart disease, about 50% less, according to researchers from the University of Glasgow. And this is only scratching the surface of the wide world of biking benefits. For example, gravel biking offers another glimpse of the world, one more intimate than if you were in a car. Biking through a serene environment relaxes you and makes you appreciate nature more.
Another huge benefit of biking is that, unlike running, biking is considered a low-impact exercise and easy on your joints. This quality of gravel biking will allow you to enjoy the hobby for years longer than, say, running, which takes a toll on your ankles and knees, and it is also one of the most appealing aspects of biking for enthusiasts Steven Rindner.
For all these reasons, it's only wise to push the campaign for bikes all over the world, not just in our cozy, urban neighborhoods but in far-flung areas across the globe. The cars can wait. Bikes are much better.
More posts on the many benefits of biking can be accessed on this Steven Rindner blog.
Steven Rindner's Top Trail Running Tips for Beginners
Trail running is an excellent activity that offers a unique experience to those who dare to venture beyond the paved roads. It provides a great way to escape the monotony of conventional running and exposes you to an adventure filled with diverse terrains, refreshing landscapes, and fresh air.
However, despite the numerous benefits of trail running, it is normal to feel apprehensive and unsure when trying it for the first time. That's why it's essential to have tips and advice from seasoned trail runners like Steven Rindner to help you on your first adventure. With his expertise, you can learn the ins and outs of trail running, enhance your experience, and gain the confidence needed to tackle new challenges on the trails.
Think time, not mileage.
When planning your next running route, it is essential to prioritize your time instead of focusing solely on the distance. While running four miles on a smooth road may seem manageable, traversing four miles of varied terrain can be a completely different experience. Trail running, in particular, can have a significant impact on your pace and duration due to fluctuating elevation changes and natural obstacles. It is crucial to assess your fitness level and plan your runs based on your abilities to prevent discomfort or injury. You can create a sustainable and enjoyable running routine that accommodates your unique needs by prioritizing your thinking time. Keep your eyes on the trail underfoot. When hitting the trails for a run, it's important to keep your eyes on the trail underfoot. Though the scenery may be breathtaking, looking up for even a second can pose a serious risk. Many trail running injuries occur when a runner takes their eyes off the ground, and uneven terrain causes a twisted knee, sprained ankle, or bruised hand. It's best to stop looking around you and focus on the trail ahead to avoid these accidents and enjoy the view. Unless the trail is completely clear of potential hazards such as gravel, rocks, leaves, tree roots, ice, or cactus, it's essential to keep your attention fixed on where you are going. Be aware of the terrain and pay attention to the trail to make sure you stay safe while enjoying your run.
Dress appropriately
Always be prepared for all conditions, or what they might become, notes Steven Rindner. If you are heading out for a 30-minute run, the conditions will likely stay the same at the start and throughout. However, if you plan to run for an hour or two, consider what the conditions might become, notes Steven Rindner. You may start while the sun is shining, only to experience a dramatic change in weather an hour into your run. What was once a sunny day is now a sky covered in dark clouds with thunder rolling in the distance. Hopefully, you have a wind jacket, a cap, or tights to keep you warm and dry for the run back to your starting point. Learn more about individual sports' benefits to your body and mind through this Steven Rindner blog. Steven Rindner: An Introduction to Gravel Bike Tires
Gravel bike geometry, tire clearance, and gearing are all designed to address the demands of off-road riding, notes Steven Rindner. While you don't have to have a reliable gravel bike to ride off-road, it can make your ride much more comfortable.
Don't expect gravel bikes to be as capable as the best trail bikes or as speedy and responsive on the tarmac as the best road bikes. A gravel bike is an enabler, Steven Rindner points out. Gravel bike handlebars can be efficient on roads and tamer tracks. It can also tackle technical trails you wouldn't dream of riding on road bike tires.
The best gravel bike tires can distinguish between a great ride and a total nightmare. As the only contact point between your bike and the trail you're tackling, you'll need to match your tire type, gravel tire pressure, and tread volume to the trails and conditions you anticipate encountering, notes Steven Rindner.
Tubeless tires are highly recommended for off-road riding since you're likely to find sharp rocks and thorns off-road, and this will also allow you to run lower tire pressures with a reduced risk of pinch flats. A snakebite puncture in your tire is still possible with a tubeless setup, so getting the tire pressure right is crucial. Tire widths generally vary from 32mm to over 50mm or 2.1in. The most common tire width is typically around 40mm. The width you choose to run depends on the pressures you want and your frame's tire clearance.
Larger tires will allow you to run low pressures, giving you more comfort and enabling you to tackle more technical terrain with greater comfort and confidence. This increased surface area and tire flex can provide a smoother ride and improved traction on challenging terrain.
Many riders limited on tire clearance opt for 650b tires and wheels to run wider tires without changing the frameset. Trail conditions determine which tread you should use, adds Steven Rindner. Balance the need for speed and grip based on the terrain and the weather. For instance, opt for a knobby tread for muddier conditions or a slicker tread for a dry hardpack. Discover the mental well-being that awaits you in nature. Learn more about the benefits of gravel biking and other individual sports by following this Steven Rindner blog. |
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