HawthorneVillager.com

Enjoyed my first ride at Kelso, it was awesome, enjoyed the dirt, rocks and roots

Only part I hated was putting my bike inside the CRV. Man I need a bike rack LOL.

Anyways I was wondering since my bike has some dirt/mud, online it says some people use soap and water with a cloth. Others use a garden hose and wipe it up. Was hoping you guys can share how you guys do your cleaning?

Also since I dont have any degreaser or chain lube I guess I'll need to purchase some right? I figure after a ride I would need to do the preventive maintenance?

Thanks again!

No specific experience to mountain bikes as I ride a road bike, but yes, when it is dirty I hose it down.
Typical procedure is
1. Wipe the chain and gearing as much as possible with dry cloth/ shop towel. Ensure no pieces of cloth/thread/towel end up in chain
2. Use chain cleaning tool (MEC, 10 bucks) and degreaser (MEC as well, 10 bucks) degrease chain 3-5 times
3. Same MEC degreaser in an old spray bottle, spray down crank and cassette, I have a couple cleaning brushes, but you can get by with a rag, wipe down entire drivetrain.
4. Hose down entire bike, wipe down entire bike and let dry
5. Wipe down chain as done in step 1 again
6. Apply chain lube of choice, I use a dry Teflon style if I have overnight for it to sit, a wet oil based if not, also apply to front and rear dérailleur springs
7. Wipe excess lube prior to ride
8. Check tyre pressure