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Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Variety of Surfaces
How tyres, speed and body position change across tarmac, gravel, sand, wood, cobbles and dirt, with beginner-friendly habits that carry over to any ground.
Bikes, Terrain and Weather
Surfaces and Paths
Handling sand, cobbles, boardwalks, trails and other surfaces.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Beach
A careful guide to beach riding: hard wet sand versus soft sand, keeping momentum, cleaning salt and sand off your bike afterward, and following local beach rules.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Bike Path
Bike path manners for beginners: choosing a sensible speed, passing with space and a friendly warning, using a bell well, and sharing the path with everyone.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Bike Trail
A beginner's guide to rail trails and easy surfaced trails: long flat distances, gentle gradients, facilities, surfaces and how to plan a comfortable day out.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Boardwalk
Boardwalk riding explained: slippery wet boards, gaps between planks, crowds of pedestrians, and how to check whether bikes are allowed before you roll on.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Cobblestone Road
How to ride cobbled streets with more control: keep momentum, relax your grip, choose the smoothest line and take extra care when the stones are wet.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on a Gravel Road
Gravel road tracking for newer riders: finding the hard-packed tyre tracks, handling washboard sections and staying safe when passing vehicles throw up stones.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on Trails
A cautious introduction to natural singletrack for newer riders: handling roots, rocks and narrow sections with walking-pace progressions and sensible limits.
Tricks for Riding a Bike on Uneven Surfaces
Riding over rough ground more comfortably: absorb bumps with bent arms and legs and light hands, and learn to spot potholes, edges and other hazards early.
Related topics
More in bikes, terrain and weather
Mountain Biking Trail skills, setup and safe progression for mountain bikers. Hills and Climbing Climbing, descending and pacing on hills and mountain roads. Gravel and Dirt Riding on gravel, dirt and mixed surfaces with control. Climate and Environments Riding in deserts, tropics and rural areas. Rain, Wind and Snow Practical handling for wet, windy and wintry rides. Climbs and Descents Getting up and down hills with control and sensible pacing. Road Bike Skills Handling, drills and position on drop bar road bikes. Cyclocross Skills Riding cyclocross bikes over mud, grass and barriers. Single-Speed Bikes Riding well with just one gear. Gears, Drives and Brakes How gearing, belts, derailleurs and disc brakes change the ride. Frames and Fit How frame type and saddle setup shape handling and comfort. Maintenance Basics Simple care that keeps a bike safe and pleasant to ride.