PANCHO HERRERA: My name is Pancho Herrera and let's see if I can give you a brief overview on how to mountain bike. Well, if you are a beginner to the sport, it can be a little intimidating. There is a lot of equipment out there. It is a physically challenging sport. There is a lot to it, just take it slow. Remember that it is a lifelong experience, you start off basic, and you spend years advancing in the sport and becoming better and more capable. Your physical fitness is a big part of it so try to pick terrain and a bicycle type that matches your fitness level. If you are an advance athlete, of course, you can go for the harder trails and a more difficult challenging ride. If you are new to this sport, try it easy. Try a bike path; try an established trail, something that gives you a good introduction to the first steps of the sport. Let's make sure you've got everything you need. First of all, of course, you need a bicycle. We've talked a little bit about getting the right ride under you, that is certainly an important step. But let us not also forget about the stuff that you are wearing, the safety equipment and the comfort equipment. Naturally, you will need a helmet, that is a given. Mountain biking can be a challenge, and there is a good chance you will fall off the thing once in a while, that is okay. If you are well protected it is a safe sport. So, a helmet is a key item. Don't forget gloves, gloves can really be a safety item as well. If you fall, you drop your palms; you want to protect your hands. Thirdly, there is the comfort equipment like proper cycling gear. Cycling shorts make a huge difference. Most first time riders complain a little about discomfort, well a cycling short can certainly help you there. In addition to that, there's cycling shoes that make a very big difference in the way you interact with the bike. A cycling shoes snaps into the pedal, gives you an efficient pedal stroke, they are also meant to be rugged and stiff soled which transmits those pedaling forces to the bicycles. So, if you are new to the sport, let's try on some shorter rides first and extend your range. Don't forget to eat lots of food, and drink lots of water. That is an important component. Your body needs fuel, so keep it well fueled.
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