New to group rides? Here are some useful tips
Our rides are friendly social rides where no one gets left behind – usually accompanied with lollies! We cater for all levels and let you know beforehand in our weekly newsletter what type of ride and skill level you should expect. Our “camp mums” lead the ride, carry first aid kits and, most importantly, bring the lollies. For your first ride here are some things to remember to bring:
- Your helmet!!!
- Make sure you have a spare tube, tire levers and a pump. Even though there’s always some-one else to help you fix your puncture, it is great to see you come prepared!
- A drink bottle (and snacks for the longer rides)
- A rain jacket (it’s good practice to check the weather forecast beforehand)
- For night riding – proper mountain bike lights attached to your helmet. Commuter lights are not powerful enough. We recommend a minimum of 500 lumens
Riding tips
Not even sure how to begin? Here are some pointers for a start:
- Brakes – these are the most important part of your bike and you should make friends with your front brake in particular. Even though you have childhood memories of yourself as a momentary super-girl flying over your handle bars, and despite what everyone told you as a child, your front brake is actually not the root of all grazed palms. Avoid slamming on your front brake and, together with strong arms (to avoid hugging your handlebars) and a bit of back brake, you will come to a safe stop without having to relive your brief attempt as a human cannonball.
- Stand up – we know it is easier said than done but standing up only your bike gives you loads more control and maneuverability when it comes to navigating the steep descents. When you stand put all your weight into your legs so that your arms are resting (not gripping with fear) lightly on your handlebars. Have your legs straight to slightly bent and lower your chest towards the handlebars with your elbows out so you almost become an upside down “L” on your bike.
- Changing gears – our bikes can be sensitive souls and don’t like to be forced into submission. Treat your bike nicely by avoiding the “gear crunch” – change your gears before you get to a hill and spin your pedals lightly to avoid forcing the change.
- Look ahead – this one is very important! Look ahead and you will have more time to prepare for the fun around the corner!
If you have any questions about riding just ask one of our camp mums and they will be sure to provide some handy tips. To really make the most out of your riding we highly recommend that you enroll in a skills clinic.
Annika Smail from Let’s Ride! (one of our amazing sponsors) offers skills coaching and can help you improve your riding so that you can have more fun on the trails.
Safety and respect
As cycling enthusiasts we want the world to know how wonderful biking is. We can do this by ensuring that we uphold that great image that the non-biker world has of us by applying a few common sense rules.
Find out about road safety on the Cycling New Zealand website and the mountain bikers code on the Department of Conservation website.
Respect the track, respect others and respect the rules.
Revolve Rotorua is committed to providing and maintaining safe and healthy events for all involved. However, participants should be aware of the inherent risks in mountain biking and their responsibility to ensure that their bikes and safety gear are fit for purpose and comply with the following rules:
- Wear protective clothing and equipment as and when required
- Inform Revolve Rotorua of any physical or medical conditions before events
- Follow the instructions of Revolve Rotorua camp mums and officials
- Help any person in discomfort as desired and when required
- Report any pain or discomfort as soon as possible
- Ensure all accidents and incidents are reported
- Help new cyclists understand the right safety procedures and why they exist
- Tell camp mums or officials of any health and safety concerns, including (potential) hazards, immediately.
Revolve Rotorua 