I am looking for some trail recommendations for noobs. I just built my first 29er and took it out to Camrock 3 and I think about 1 minute in I had already flipped over my handlebars.... on the easy trail. Anyway I figured that maybe Camrock is not an ideal place for me to start. I did go to Rockport park in Janesville on Sunday and had no issues on the trails there. Looking for some other recommendations to get used to my bike and its handling so I dont walk away with any broken bones.
CamRock has areas that are very friendly for beginners and same for our other areas. My suggestion is join a group ride or shout out a ride and in a group you'll get help on the skills needed. CamRock has a group ride on Thursdays. This week might have lower turnout because of an event at Capital Brewery but that's always a great gang and place.
For sure ride the outer loop at Seminole trails! That's pretty much purpose-built so any skill level can have fun. It's a new place that should be finished up this season.
On Saturday I saw a woman new to the sport pretty much practicing on the pump track and burried wood log there (Middleton) and riding like that - seat down and repeat with care helps. I see new riders also go there and practice in the bowl area where there's some elevated trail and loops that spoon feed about everything. Don't be intimidated by the jumps. Lots of people learn there.
Kids love Quarry Park for learning. That place can look wild to the untrained eye but kids seem to find fun circles to ride and features to practice skills. The other Quarry - Quarry Ridge has loops that are fun and easy.
Blackhawk requires $25 or more membership but is home to 4 MTB classes a week and has trail construction designed to teach.
Here's what you probably need know more than which trail - a few bits of common or cliche MTB wisdom. Know it but don't over think it.
1. Always be ready to have your weight back or get it back fast. AKA "attack position" and "get your butt behind your seat". Keeping seat low helps for confidence and learning. Buy a quick release if your seat doesn't have one and a dropper post if you can afford it.
2. Light hands and heavy feet. This doesn't mean never grip your bars. It helps you make good traction and be ready to move your body where needed.
3. Heels down when going down or going through the rough stuff. This is especially true if you have flat or not clipped in pedals.
Look up "mountain bike geezer" and "thick skull mountain biking" from the awesome and amazing Griff who some here know.
The web's full of bike tips. Don't forget to shout out or join group rides right here.
Good luck and enjoy!
P.S. Somewhat tied to seat down for learning are pedals, shoes, gloves and other protection. Many riders love the cleated shoe and pedal combos for performance but for learning new skills you might do better with flat pedals and shoes good for a quick escape. Wear bike gloves to help with a fall. You can get pads and body protection but practicing skills in long pants can help avoid giving blood.
