Welcome to NorCalMTB, this site was started to help the beginning Mountain Biker build the fundamental skills needed for basic trail riding. Most people that have no experience on a Mountain bike may think it is just as easy as riding a road bike and that the difference is that you are biking in the mountains.
I'm sure they found out that the only similarities to road biking is that you are on a bike with two wheels, especially after they have crashed numerous times. There are many more factors to safe and controlled Mountain biking than one may think.
Whenever someone is attempting to learn something, they start out not knowing anything about the subject which can be dangerous with this particular sport. Here is a video on how people learn and it's association with mountain biking.
After crashing a few times myself, I vastly improved my skills/techniques and decided to do a few videos on the basic fundamentals of mountain bike riding. The goal is to:
This is exactly what you DO NOT want to do if you are new to mountain biking
I'm sure they found out that the only similarities to road biking is that you are on a bike with two wheels, especially after they have crashed numerous times. There are many more factors to safe and controlled Mountain biking than one may think.
Whenever someone is attempting to learn something, they start out not knowing anything about the subject which can be dangerous with this particular sport. Here is a video on how people learn and it's association with mountain biking.
After crashing a few times myself, I vastly improved my skills/techniques and decided to do a few videos on the basic fundamentals of mountain bike riding. The goal is to:
- Help new riders learn the essential and fundamental mountain biking skills.
- Help new riders minimize falling due to lack of experience and skill-set on a mountain bike.
- Obtain intermediate level riding skills and have the confidence on the trails so you can enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, scenery, fresh air and get a great workout at the same time.
This is exactly what you DO NOT want to do if you are new to mountain biking
Ways to support this site
NorCal MTB does not receive any monetary support for producing videos and writing the articles on this site. If you see a product or service that interests you, please feel free to visit the site.
You can also use the Amazon search box on the right side of the page to search for various products. If anything is purchased, I'll receive a small commission on the sale.
Donations in any amount can be made through paypal
 |
| Lake Tahoe Flume trail |
Disclaimer: NorCal MTB provides basic instructional articles and videos on mountain biking techniques and is not responsible for injuries on the trail. Mountain biking is a dangerous sport and you are susceptible to various risks and injuries every time you ride. Always ride in control in a way that you can stop quickly if necessary, wear protective clothing, protective gear and a helmet at all times.
California
If your going to visit Northern California for a vacation, you may want to rent a bike at one of the local shops and do some riding. We have an abundance of trails here in NorCal that caters from the beginning rider to the most advanced MTB'er.Below are a most of the major Mountain bike friendly parks around the bay area. (Not all parks allow Mountain biking)
Tip: Many of the parks have bicycle speed limits which is typically 15mph. Some parks enforce the speed limit with radar and will issue you a ticket and the fine is in the 3 digits... (>$100). Some rangers will stop you and give you a lecture that he/she clocked you at xx mph, give you a warning and will allow you to go without a ticket. I know of 3 open space preserves that enforce the speed limit on various trails throughout the riding season which are: Skeggs Point (El Corta De Madera), Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, St. Josephs Hill.
North Bay
Tamarancho - MarinMt. Tamalpais State Park (Where Mt. biking started)
China basin - San Rafael
Skyline Park - Napa
Oathill Mine Trail - Napa
Point Reyes - Point Reyes
Easy Bay
Joaquin Miller Park (JMP) OaklandRedwood Regional Park - Oakland
Lake Chabot - San Leandro/Oakland
Pleasanton Ridge - Pleasanton (Fire road)
Del_valle - Livermore
West Bay / Peninsula
El Corta DeMadera (Skeggs Point)
Purisima Open Space preserve
South Bay
Saratoga Gap Open Space preserve - Saratoga (Singletrack / Fire road)Russian Ridge Open Space preserve
Sierra Azul Open Space preserve (Fire road)
Santa Teresa park
Quicksilver park
St Joesephs Hill
Fremont older
Grant Ranch
Henry Coe
Canada Del Oro - South San Jose (Fire road / Single/double track)
El Sereno Open Space Preserve - Los Gatos (Fire road)
Alum Rock Park - SJ (Fire road / Single/double track)
Stevens Creek Park - San Jose/Saratoga (Fire road / Singletrack)
Monterey
Fort Ord - Sea Otter Classic race and event is held here (Fire raod / Singletrack)
Santa Cruz
Wilder Ranch
Soquel Demonstration Forest (Demo)
UCSC Campus (No map, ask around for this one)
Big Basin
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - (Fire road on the other side of Soquel Demonstration Forest)
MBOSC Check out the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz for rides.
You can find trail maps and directions at the parks websites:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Parks from San Mateo to Saratoga
East Bay Regional Parks District Parks from Fremont to Oakland
Central California
Auburn, CA
Downyville
Lake Tahoe
Flume Trail - Shuttle from Mt. Rose to Spooner LakeNorthstar Ski Resort - Intermediate/Advanced Downhill
Squaw Valley Ski Resort - Intermediate/Advanced Downhill
Kirkwood Ski Resort - Intermediate/Advanced Downhill
Tahoe Rim Trail - Variety of fireroad, single track / doubletrack
Tahoebike.net - Resource for biking Lake Tahoe
