This weekend, I had the opportunity to try mountain biking for the first time, thanks to Oak Bay Bikes organizing a free women’s clinic for International Women’s Day. The clinic was held at Hartland and was a great opportunity to learn the basics of mountain biking. I was nervous at first, but the instructors were fantastic and made me feel at ease.
During the clinic, I learned several essential tips about mountain biking that helped me feel more comfortable and confident on the trails. One of the most important tips was to keep my weight back while going downhill. This helps with balance and control and prevents me from going over the handlebars. Additionally, I learned the importance of looking where I want to go instead of focusing on obstacles or hazards.
After learning the basics of mountain biking, we hit the trails, and I started on the easier blue and green trails. At first, it was challenging to get the hang of it, but after a few tries, I felt much more comfortable. The instructors were very patient and encouraging, which helped me build my confidence.
Oak Bay Bikes provided free rental bikes for the clinic, which was a fantastic opportunity to use high-quality bikes without having to invest in one initially. The bikes were in excellent condition and perfectly suited to the trails we rode. Having access to such great equipment made a significant difference in my experience and allowed me to focus on learning the skills rather than worrying about the bike’s performance.
Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to do it again. Mountain biking is such a fantastic way to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy nature. It’s an excellent activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try something new and exciting.
I think it’s great that Oak Bay Bikes offers free clinics and rental bikes to encourage more people, especially women, to try mountain biking. It can be an expensive sport to get into, and having the chance to try it out without the financial commitment is incredibly helpful. I appreciate their efforts to make the sport more accessible and inclusive.
In conclusion, trying mountain biking for the first time was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I learned so much from the Oak Bay Bikes women’s clinic and had a great time exploring the trails. I am excited to continue practicing and improving my skills and can’t wait to try some more challenging trails. If you are interested in trying mountain biking, I encourage you to give it a try!
