Crowood Sports Guides provides sound, practical advice that will make you into a better sportsperson, whether you are learning the basic skills, discovering more advanced techniques or reviewing the fundamentals of your sport. Topics covered include: . Choosing a bike and getting started in the sport . Clothing, shoes and equipment . Detailed coverage of core techniques for all forms of mountain biking, including body positioning, climbing, cornering and braking . Techniques specific to trail riding and sections on improving your skills . Tips for training and how to solve common riding problems . Guide to maintaining your bike to prolong its life and keep the rider safe . Trail-side repair techniques . Nutrition and fitness, including hydration requirements . Guide to the main race events, starting out in racing and what happens on a race day AUTHOR: James McKnight started mountain biking at the age of six and has raced mountain bikes now for half his life. James enjoys a multi-faceted career that includes racing downhill and enduro professionally, guiding and coaching mountain bikers around Europe. He regularly contributes to Dirt magazine. ILLUSTRATIONS: