How to mountain bike right: tips from a certified coach
Mountain biking is hugely popular in the Sunshine State. With great weather and awesome trails, it’s no wonder more and more people are wanting to get in on the action, and include their kids too. Finally, a fun way to keep fit and involve the whole fam!
In this Trainer Tip post, I interview Geoff Foxx from HitBikes to get his pointers for getting into the sport. With an outdoor education background of 10+ years, he’s an experienced teacher. He’s also a professional mountain bike coach, and was more than happy to share some tips on how to mountain bike right.
Ask That Fit Girl > How can people get into mountain biking if they’re completely new?
Geoff: The easiest way to get involved is to ask your local bike shop or to get in contact with a local club. Most club members love the sport and will have a spare bike or two for you to borrow and give it a go. Trails have a colour coded guide to help you choose the one to match your skill level. Green trails are for beginners and is the best place to start for everyone. Green have gentle sloping terrain with minimal obstacles.
Ask That Fit Girl > Who would enjoy mountain biking?
Geoff: If you enjoy getting fit, the outdoors and hanging with friends then you’ll love mountain biking. I liken it to hiking but a little faster and seeing ten times the amount of natural beauty. That’s the best bit about it, I feel. So it’s not all about being rad and doing jumps – though you can absolutely go down that route. But it’s more about nature and getting amongst it.
Ask That Fit Girl > What should you look for in a bike?
Geoff: Once you’ve been bitten by the mountain biking bug – and you will – you’ll want to naturally get your own bike. When looking at your first bike I’d recommend starting with a hardtail rather than getting lured in by the full suspension bikes. Hardtails only have suspension in the fork. This will keep your cost and maintenance down until you know you love the sport. You’ll also end up being a better rider.
Ask That Fit Girl > What’s the benefit of getting a coach?
Geoff: The benefits of coaching are massive and can change your whole riding experience. You gain more confidence in yourself and will be less likely to hurt yourself. Most people think it’s the same as riding anywhere else. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are specific skills and techniques to help you keep yourself safe and having fun.
Geoff has been an avid mountain biker since the 2000s, and has been part of the HitBikes family since it’s creation in 2016. While he has competed in many mountain bike events Geoff’s all about having fun with his mates. “Mountain biking is all about the smiles not the miles.”
With a passion for mountain biking and professional qualifications through both PMBIA & MTBA, he uses these skills to coach kids and adults in a relaxed and informative way. He will help you find your riding mojo – or as he says #getrad. Geoff’s current bike is a 2018 Whyte T-130 CRS.
If you’ve liked this Trainer Tip and keen to learn more, visit the HitBikes website, and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Their 9 week Total Rider Program TRP is tailored to suit and fit in with your lifestyle.
Thanks for appearing on the blog, Geoff!
