Early season wet weather riding can make for the best riding – but only if you know how to set your bike up properly, how to handle tricky conditions, dress right, and as important as anything else, to take proper care of your bike before and after the ride.

Once again we’re going to point you to that time honored, Bikeskills article, on wet weather article written way back in 2004. And while we can – and will – provide you with more tips and advice to have safe fun this fall, winter (and spring in most places) as “old” as it is, our advice way back in 2004 is still a good place to start. But before you read the article, here are some basic things to think about, plan for, etc:

• A little water on the dirt often makes for optimal riding in terms of traction, reduced dust, loose rocks, etc.
• Even a light rain can make rocks and especially roots, a lot more slippery. This is something to keep in mind especially on the trails you ride the most often in the same way you need to think about those first rain’s effects on your daily commute to work and back!
• Some tires provide more traction and control in wet and slippery conditions and are also less prone to getting clogged with mud and gunk
• There are “things” on your bike you will need to keep well lubricated if you plan on riding in wet, messy conditions
• Don’t forget about yourself!  If you get wet, you will most likely end up getting cold so remember it’s often more important to stay dry than it is to worry about layering up, if the layers end up getting soaked
• Last and certainly not least, there’s no doubt about it, wet weather, cold temperatures, etc. make for more challenging conditions which means more things to go wrong! Make sure to wear more protective gear including eye protection, pads, a full-face helmet if the trail is demanding…

For more information on how to become four-seasons ready for mountain biking, check out the full article by clicking on the “Wet Weather Riding” image above, or by going to: http://www.bikeskills.com/wet.php

World Champion Greg Minnaar. World Class in Every Way.

 First of all, I have to say that working with World Champion Greg Minnaar was really fun. His skills are world class of course, but so were his attitude, work ethic, and awareness of what mountain biking is all about (fun) and who it’s all about: the recreational rider. We couldn’t have asked for more in our Descending video star instructor! Can’t wait to see the video? Then click on Greg’s image! 

So What Did Greg Do For Mountain Biking’s Mainstream?

Good question. Better answer: Greg worked with the Bikeskills instructional team to come up with a video that can and will help anyone become a more capable and confident mountain biker when the trail points down. Greg made it real clear to us that he really wanted to help. And he did. Here are a couple of things you’re going to get from watching the video (again and again!)

• Descending is a lot of fun. But it’s also challenging: develop the skills to ensure the thrills and minimize the spills!
• When Gravity takes over, rapid, fluid body movements are crucial: know when and how to make the right moves!
• Know your limits! The faster you are going, the more rapidly you will need to recognize what you can and can not do.
• Combine skills. The trail pointing down is just one challenge presented with most downhill sections. Many if not most also include rock gardens, ruts and turns of all shapes and varieties.

Want to check the video out in full-on, full-tilt, HD (that’s High Definition) format?  You can play it full screen on your computer, TV, or even your bike shop’s big-screen projector! Go ahead and click on this link for the big picture: 

http://www.dailymotion.com/bikeskills/video/x5szvc_bikeskillscom-downhill-with-minnaar_sport

Here are a few shots taken from the video: