Kids Guide to Mountain Bike Racing

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Technical features to look out for:

As well as steep ascents and descents and jumps there are various technical features on the course that the competitors have to tackle:

Rock gardens – a series of rocks that are very hard to ride over. Good technical skill is needed.

Drop-offs - a sudden drop down on the trail – watch the riders shift their body position to get down them

Berms – a rounded corner or curve in the trail with a steep side which riders will approach at speed.

Roots – tree roots can be awkward to ride over, especially if they are wet and slippery.

What to watch out for?

Riders tackling “technical” features like big jumps and rocks.
Riders getting off and pushing over technical features
Mud if it’s raining!

Term is well underway, routines are settling in, and that makes now a good moment to build cycling into everyday life, not just at the start of term but for the weeks ahead.

If you've been meaning to try cycling to school, there's still no pressure to do it every day: even once a week is a great way to build confidence and get everyone comfortable on their bikes.

The mornings are noticeably cooler now, and the evenings are drawing in too, so it's worth thinking about layers, lights and waterproof bits sooner rather than later. A little planning helps: finding routes that avoid the worst of the traffic, and building in a bit of extra time while everyone gets used to riding in the dimmer light.

Whether it's the ride to the school gates, a weekend trail or just a spin round the block, every journey this term is a chance to build confidence, stay active and make cycling part of family life. Half term is coming up too, a great excuse for a longer ride together.

Explore our guides for getting kitted out for cooler days, route planning and tips to help your family cycle to school with confidence this term.