The Wildflower Mountain Biking for Women DVD can help anyone to improve their skills on the trail whether they are brand new to the sport or just need a refresher course. This DVD is not specifically for women, anyone can benefit from the mountain biking information included.
WildflowerMountain Biking DVD
The DVD includes three sections that can be watched separately to hone in on certain skills, or the film can be watched in its entirety. The sections include
Off Trail Drills
- The Ready Position
- Obstacles
- Climbing & Descending
- Cornering
- Slow Speed Riding
On-Trail Application
- Pre-ride preparation
- Getting started
- Conquering obstacles
- Riding with groups
- Laughter
- Ride on!
Trail Time Out
- Bike Selection and Fit
- Basic Bike Care
- Fitness & Safety
Off Trail Drills
The Ready Position
Included in this section are some tips on riding position for hills and cornering, and getting comfortable moving around on the bike from side to side.
Obstacles
Sue Haywood works with a team of novice riders, explaining how to ride over logs and other obstacles. Use a pre-load and power stroke movement to get up over the larger obstacles. In the preload, the rider puts their weight into the front of the bike, then uses the foot in the top position to press down hard while pulling up on the handlebars. Take the weight off of the seat and push forward on the handlebars to bring the rear wheel up and over the log or obstacle.
There is always the option to “dab” using one foot on the log to help the bike over, or dismount the bike and carry it over if the obstacle is too difficult.
On Trail Application
Pre-Ride Preparation
Before even getting on the bike, a rider should
- Check tire inflation
- Clean off the bike chain
- Check brakes
- Check shocks
- Clean and inspect brake pads
- Tighten quick releases on the wheel
Getting Started
A group of mountain bikers show how to handle different situations on single track in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. First they discuss some basic rules of the trail set by the International Mountain Bicycling Association:
- Leave no trace - as with hiking, carry out what you carry in
- Be courteous to others on the trail - mountain bikers should yield to hikers, horses and others on the trail
- Be wary of trail erosion - stay on the trail to not disturb wildlife growing and living alongside it
The girls share personal stories of what got them into mountain biking, and riding tips for the trail.
Trail Time Out
Bike Selection and Fit
The section on buying a mountain bike includes tips from a bike shop. The three “B”s to follow when buying a bike are
- Budget – there are many bike options for all budgets
- Biking style – consider where the bike will be ridden and if the rider will be racing in the future
- Body fit – frame size is crucial as well as handlebar to seat distance and accessibility of brakes and shifters
Most bike companies make a woman specific bike frame, but all women may not prefer a bike built for a woman.
This is a great DVD for beginners who want to learn new skills or anyone who has ridden before and wants to refresh their skills before heading out on their next mountain biking adventure.
Another great DVD for bikers is YogaFit Yoga for Cyclists DVD.
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