Given Edmonton’s expansive network of river valley trails — there’s over 150 km of it — it’s no wonder cycling has become so popular in the city. Mountain biking is a summer sport approachable to anyone, and it’s bound to see a boom when the city’s new mountain bike park opens in Queen Elizabeth Park.
But knowing how to ride a bike isn’t the only barrier to this two-wheeled pastime. We put together a guide to help dip your toes (clip your toes?) into recreational mountain biking.
It may seem obvious, but if you want to mountain bike, you’re gonna need one. Edmonton has a number of great bike shops, like Mud Sweat and Gears or Revolution Cycle, to help you get started. And don’t try to pick one yourself — ask the staff for a hand. For one, you need the right size and fit — which begins with finding the right frame for your body.
You’ve also got to consider your tires. For newer riders, thicker tires will help you feel more confident on your bike and will give you more traction on dirt. If suspension is in the budget, it will help you absorb some of the shocks and bumps from hitting the trails. If it isn’t, try standing and using the natural suspension your arms and legs offer.
There are three kinds of trails Edmonton mountain bikers are likely to encounter: multi-use paved trails (MUPS), gravel trails and singletrack dirt trails. Each will offer a different biking experience. It’s important to remember that most trails are two-way streets. They can also be used by pedestrians, dogs, wildlife and other bikers. And when you’re not looking out for them, you’ve got to look out for inclines, declines, intersections, blind corners and tree roots. When you are out on the trails, always remain in control of your bike by modulating your speed and being aware of your surroundings. And for heaven’s sake, ring the bell when you’re approaching corners or hills.
Biking on singletrack dirt trails during or after heavy rainfall can produce ruts and divots, which can be hazardous for other bikers. When trails are in need of repair, the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance goes out to fix them, which costs time and money. Be aware of the weather, and if you are out on the trail and notice that your shoes and your tires are sinking in or leaving marks in the dirt, find another trail to ride until the trail has dried up.
Just like roads and sidewalks, trails have rules that make traffic flow safely. Before you head out, make sure you know how to communicate with other bikers. Your bell and your voice are great ways to let other trail users know you’re there, and hand signals (left arm up for a right turn, left arm extended out for a left turn, left arm down for break) are a useful for letting cars, pedestrians and other bikes know what you are going to do.
There are also basic rules about who yields to whom when you encounter another trail user out in the wild. For example, downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. If you’re unsure of the basics, check out the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance’s trail guide for a detailed list.
‘Nuff said.
Now get out there and make the most of what our trail network has to offer!
