There’s something about the first time you try mountain biking that makes you feel equal parts brave and borderline foolish. You’ve seen the videos—riders floating over jumps, weaving through trees like it’s second nature. Then you get out there, and reality hits you right in the handlebars.
Let’s just say my first trip was…humbling.
To be fair, it wasn’t a disaster. But it was definitely a learning experience—the kind you laugh about later, after you’ve peeled yourself off the trail and shaken the twigs out of your helmet. If you’re thinking about heading out on your own first mountain biking adventure here in Canada (which you absolutely should!), here are a few things I wish someone had told me ahead of time.
1. Getting There with Your Bike Is Half the Battle
This might sound obvious, but until I tried loading two adult bikes and a kid’s bike into a compact SUV with no rack… I didn’t realize how awkward and frustrating it would be. I ended up with pedal scratches on the interior and one bent brake lever.
Now? I don’t mess around. I use VelociRAX hitch bike racks, which are built to hold multiple bikes vertically—no stacking, no wrestling, and no damage. It’s basically made for Canadian families or friend groups who road trip to the trails. Load up, lock it down, and hit the road. Trust me, starting your ride not already annoyed is a big win.
2. Trails Are Graded for a Reason (Respect the Greens)
I made the classic mistake: overconfidence. I’d been riding my city cruiser on paved paths for years, so I figured a “beginner” mountain trail wouldn’t be that different.
Wrong.
Mountain biking trails are graded like ski hills—green, blue, black—and that first green trail humbled me. Roots, rocks, sudden dips… nothing impossible, but way more technical than I expected. Start with green trails even if you think you’re “in shape.” Your ego will thank you later.
If you’re unsure about where to start, Trailforks is a fantastic app for finding routes by skill level, and it’s especially helpful for exploring the massive network of trails we’ve got across provinces.
3. You’ll Need More Than a Helmet
I wore a helmet, of course. But that first day on the trail, I ended up with scraped shins, bruised knuckles, and a new appreciation for padded gloves.
Mountain biking gear doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy, but it does need to protect the parts of you that will inevitably smack into something. Knee pads, gloves, and shoes with grip are game changers. Bonus: they’ll help you feel more confident, too.
And if you’re biking in early spring or fall, don’t underestimate how quickly weather changes. I’m talking sudden rain, cold wind, or even snow up in higher elevation trails in BC or Alberta. Pack layers.
4. Hydration Packs Are Underrated
You might be tempted to toss a water bottle in your backpack and call it good. I did. And then I had to stop every ten minutes to dig it out, spilling half of it down my front each time.
A hydration pack is a small but powerful upgrade. It keeps your hands free, your water accessible, and usually has enough space for a snack, a tool, and a tiny first aid kit—which you should absolutely bring, by the way.
5. It’s Okay to Walk Your Bike
This one took a while to accept. There’s this weird pressure in the mountain biking world to be “hardcore” right out of the gate. But here’s the truth: walking your bike up a steep climb or around a sketchy corner doesn’t make you weak—it means you’re learning.
I walked more than I rode on my first trip, and honestly? I still had a blast. You’re out in nature, probably somewhere beautiful (Canada has no shortage of views), and you’re learning a new skill. That’s enough.
6. Find People Who Ride (And Know More Than You)
If you can, tag along with someone who knows what they’re doing. Not just for safety—but for fun. They’ll show you lines to take, point out cool features, and most importantly, encourage you when you’re doubting yourself.
If you don’t have a biking buddy yet, check out local Facebook groups or look into your regional mountain biking association (like the BC Mountain Bike Association or IMBA Canada). There’s almost always a beginner-friendly ride happening somewhere near you.
7. You Don’t Have to Be Good to Be Hooked
I came home from my first trip sore, muddy, and slightly sunburned. But I also felt alive. There’s something about riding through trees, feeling the ground change beneath your tires, and conquering (okay, surviving) a tough trail that gets under your skin.
You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to start.
And if you’ve been thinking about giving it a shot, let this be your sign: do it. Load up your gear, bring a sense of humour, and get out there. Your future self—trail-worn and grinning—is waiting for you at the bottom of that first hill.
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