Pre-riding a mountain bike course is always important. Each course varies between trail conditions, terrain, and layout.

Many athletes start out the season with new equipment. This is the time to make the changes and necessary adjustments to the equipment.

The challenge that I run into as a coach is trying to get athletes to balance their motivation to train hard with enough patience to assure that they get adequate amounts of rest.

The warm up is also a good time to enhance your focus and mentally prepare for your event. Therefore, it is important to allow yourself plenty of time to warm up to avoid feeling rushed or stressed.