KEY POINTS:
Take your time and be patient is advice from rider who loves mountain biking
RICHARD BURKHEAD, 26,
AUCKLAND
How did you get into mountain biking?
I've always been keen on bikes. One day I had a chance to ride with some friends out at Woodhill Forest, and I have never looked back.
What is a typical day out mountain biking?
Meet out at the forest at 10am Sunday, unload the bikes, strap on the protective gear (shin and knee pads, body armour, gloves, helmet etc), 10-minute warm-up ride up the hill, and then into it until we drop.
What's your favourite part?
Landing the jumps.
Worst part?
Not landing the jumps.
What gear and training do you need?
Gear is pretty simple, you can take almost any bike out to the forest and have some fun - I've see 5-year-old kids on their first BMX (complete with bell, tassels and spokie-dokies) having as much fun as someone on their latest and greatest $10,000 rig. Aside from the bike, a helmet is the only other requirement. You are not allowed to ride in Bikepark forests without one.
Obviously as you progress you're going to be making more demands on your gear, which means you have to spend decent money on tough and reliable parts. Most people I ride with have spent $5000 to $10,000 on their bikes.
But if all you want to do is gently amble down the trail taking in the sights and sounds of the forest once a week on Sundays, then you can get a semi-respectable rig for well under $1000 at almost any bike store. Bike workshops are a good idea if you're looking to advance.
Can you give us an inside tip?
Take your time with the big stuff - don't be too eager to throw yourself over that big ramp. Patience is the key.
