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Step 1
Purchase a reliable mountain bike. Spend between $200 and $300 for a decent bike to start out with. Know that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on a bike to become a mountain biker. Discover popular mountain bikes often on sale for less than $200 at local sporting goods stores and even some super stores.
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Step 2
Look for a mountain bike that will actually hold up on mountain bike trials though. Keep in mind that some of the cheaper mountain bikes will eventually fall apart, especially on rough trails, and worse, are often very uncomfortable for the rider. Pay extra for a new seat even for more expensive mountain bikes--it makes a big difference.
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Step 3
Hang out at your local mountain bike shop to learn what you can. Take free bike riding and maintenance courses at some bike shops. Find out about changing tires, keeping your mountain bike clean/lubricated and supplies you might want to take with you on trails.
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Step 4
Read mountain biking magazines and think about taking a course to become a mountain biker. Choose from online or DVD courses to in-person lessons. Take private mountain biking lessons for around $100 per hour. Obtain free information instead by perusing mountain biking websites, such as DiscoverMountainBiking.com.
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Step 5
Start with beginner trails to become a mountain biker, and know that many mountain bike trail parks have skill-level rated trails. Begin with the easiest level until you get used to it since mountain biking is different from road biking in that you may find it much more challenging as you negotiate riding over rocks, logs, sand and the like as well as avoiding trees and other obstacles.
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Step 6
Learn to properly operate your brakes on your mountain bike before tackling hills, and wear a properly fitting helmet at all times. Ask the person selling you the helmet to make sure it fits and is adjusted properly. Use riding gloves for extra protection (if you fall) and for a better grip on handle bars.
