Mountain Biking Expedition
On the 3rd December 2015, Uniformed and Public Services visited Haldon Forest in Exeter to go Mountain Biking.
When we arrived the bikes were all laid out neatly and ready to be ridden, but the weather unfortunetly was cold, wet and miserable. We all knew the terrain would be fairly slippery so a few individuals were quite nervous. We all introduced ourselves to the leading instructor, Pete, and he explained what we all were going to learn on the day.
Firstly, we got into pairs and collected a bike between us to perform an 'M check' to ensure the bike was safe to ride and use. We were looking for any tyre wear or punctures, loose or damaged spokes, any cracks on the bike frame, seat post or forks, ensuring the brake levers were tight enough to make an effect and any cracks on the handle bars. Immediately after this instructors 'double checked' the bikes were safe to use by doing a M check themselves whilst the participatnts gathered the safety equipment:- helment and gloves.
The instructor gave a brief that included how to use the bike, i.e what components did what jobs and how to use them. Soon after we set off on our bikes with Pete in the lead. He led us to a woodland that included a circular ring to enable us to get a feel of the bikes. Pete demonstrated how to perform certain skills which we were required to do. These were the 'attack position' which allowed us to have more control of the bike at high speeds, cornering and the descending position. Each student performed these skills individually at different times infront of the instructors to see what we had learned and how competent we were at mountain biking.
Once the instructors were happy with our performance, we practiced the skills that we had just learnt by cycling on some trails which had different terrain characteristics such as rocks, mud and grass. When cycling on these trails, the bike behaved in different ways due to the amount of grip available and the uneven tracks. This lasted for around 1.5 hours-2 hours before we placed the bikes back onto the bike racks and travelled back to Bridgwater College.
Strengths During the Mountain Biking Expedition:
Before the activity commenced, I believe I was extremely helpful when performing the 'M check'. Before using my bike for intense biking and road cycling, I have had experience in bike maintenance. However, I didn't want to completely take over this role with my partner as they would not be able to learn how to perform the M check themselves without support. I briefly explained how to maintain the bike sufficiently and why the 'M check' is required. In addition, I would plan the safety equipment for myself:- helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and a basic first aid kit. I ensured that I had a puncture repair kit, chain lubrication and a spare tyre tube available at all times.
I was aware of the need to factor in the changeable weather conditions. For this reason I packed for both for cold and wet to warm and dry.
When actaully cycling on the mountain biking trails, I used the training skills appropiately, these were the following:
1. Balance: I gained the ability to predict inevitable fluctutaion in terrain, allowing me to control the position of the bike for maximum safety. Pre-cycling on the trails, we had the opportunity to improve our balance on the mountain bike by 'limboing' underneath a wooden object which was being held by the instructor, substituting it for a low branch. Initially I found this quite difficult as I couldn't find a suitable position to perform the maneuvre safely and efficiently. However, after repeating this a number of times, I was able to cope with it adequately.
2. Getting up steep slopes: The ride didn't include difficult steep uphill gradients. When practicing this on the circular track to prepare oursleves for the trails however, I recieved good and encouraging comments from the instructors when I performed the uphill position infront of them. This improved my confidence and knowledge which allowing me to cycle up steeper hills more efficiently and faster.
3. Cornering: When mountain biking, there will be moments where I need to change direction. This requires leaning into the corner whilst standing on both of the pedals to increase control and efficiency. I believe I did this rather well. It felt that I went around each corner smoothly and safely without losing my balance. I also recieved good comments from the instructors when practicing cornering on the circular track which again, increased my confidence.
4. Downhill position (attack position): There were moments when the downhill gradient of the terrain had increased which meant that the mountain bike had to travel at higher speeds. To ensure I provided myself with maximum control of the bike, I had to change my seating position to increase the weight and pressure on to the rear tyre. I believe I performed this quite well. The seating position was similiar to travelling underneath a low branch. I felt that I had plenty of practice on the circular track before we cycled on the trails.
5. Feet and pedal position: Depending on terrain situation, there could be moments where I will be required to change my feet position. For example, cycling past a large rock or boulder I would need to ensure that the pedal was at its highest point vertically to guarantee that I would not collide with the object. There wasn't really a need to change the pedal position as I didn't encounter any large objects when cycling on the trails, but I did feel confident enough to perform this duty.
Areas To Improve When Mountain Biking:
Even though I felt that my balance was reasonably good, there was a time when I fell off of my mountain bike. However, I think this is due to the lack of awareness of objects and the general surroundings that were in front of me. I may need to improve the timing of braking because I nearly collided with other members of the group. This could be because I wasn't paying enough attention to brake in time. I am aware that at times I was going too fast and there was a sharp corner in front of me. I enjoy the thrill of travelling at high speeds, but I should be more aware of the concequences of falling off which could lead to an unplanned hospital visit. I also believe I need to have more flexibility at the bottom of my spine due to constantly changing the seating position which led me to have slight pain afterwards. More felxibility would enable me having more enjoyment in the activity.
