a:History of Mountain Biking - Pt.2

Something for everybody, if you dare (Article,2of4)



By Alex Strzetelski
Once considered an odd site on the road or at the local park, mountain bikes have evolved into a recreational activity that encompasses several forms. In many respects, these forms have developed as media, demographics and style converge on an activity once thought of as outside the norm. The evolution of mountain biking has spawned the following subdivisions of the original off road intent of mountain biking:

 Cross country
 Free ride
 Trails
 Downhill
 Dirt Jumping

Cross country

In its most basic form, cross country mountain biking is the original form of the activity. A rider would jump on their mountain bike and go for a ride wherever it would take them. If there were a local park with a grove of trees in it the rider might decide to leave the side walk and ride through the grove. Possibly there is a trail system originally intended for walkers. The mountain biker would gravitate in that direction for new scenery and possibly a dip or bump or two.

In the evolution of cross country mountain biking this perception of cross country, although still very much alive and well, has gone away. Today, cross country mountain biking has come to be recognized as tearing through the woods on trails with obvious locations for jumps. These obstacles might include:

 Logs
 Rocks
 Streams

As with other forms of mountain biking, a competitive nature has sprung from the activity with network television covering competitions that incorporate the cross country version of the, now sport, with other forms such as down hill mountain biking.

Free ride

Mountain biking in this form is one of the more sedate styles of riding, although in some hands it can become altogether not sedate. If an analogy were to be made for free riding it might be that of a Sunday drive. Or, going for a ride that has no particular end destination in mind. In this manner, the ride might encompass all forms of mountain biking in a varying nature.

The ride may begin with a slow pace on a neighborhood road but very quickly end up turning into a dirt jumping adventure on a previously undiscovered part of a nature reserve. This type of riding really depends on where the ride takes you.

Trails

Riding a mountain bike on a trail can have a similar appearance to cross country riding although it will tend to be more structured in nature. A cross country ride may have obstructions or offer elements that provide options for “trick” riding. Trail riding will likely have these elements removed or blocked, although they may still exist.

Although there is always an inherent risk involved with mountain biking, a trail ride is safer than the other possible forms of the sport. One of the more popular places to trail ride are the nation’s forests. In most, but not all forests, recreation areas and national monuments biking is encouraged. There are some “rules of the road” to consider with regard to others using the trails and environmental care but, generally, these trail rides are suited for all abilities and offer scenic vista that many people would not otherwise see.

Down hill

Riding mountain bikes in the down hill form is not for the beginner. The form may be construed to mean any hill that has a slope, which would be true. In this form, however, down hill riding means getting to the top of a steep and often rocky mountain and riding as quickly as possible to the bottom. There are levels of ability with speed and slope being the deciding factors but, in most cases, the process can lead to extensive personal injury if the correct personal protection is not worn. Some of this protection might include:

 Helmet
 Knee and wrist guards
 Gloves
 Proper shoes
 Goggles
 Armor if extensive stones

It may be supposed that there is a defining element on how difficult your ride down the hill or mountain is going to be. Generally, this can be found in how the rider is going to get up the mountain or hill. Although there are likely others, there are three main avenues to get to the top of the mountain or slope: ride, an aerial lift or a vehicle.

In most cases, if a person rides to the top of the slope they are going to be in good overall shape and a bit more experienced. These riders are likely prepared for the coming downhill. Others may prefer an aerial ride or a drive to the top. In either of these two options the rider should be aware of their limitations. If a ride is taken to the top a road ride or trail ride down is likely. In this instance the rider should watch for speed issues and breaking. Slow and even breaking is best in these situations as a quick breaking move may send the rider over the handle bars.

If an aerial ride is taken to the top of the slope. There are likely several ability levels to offer a safe decent. Make sure to ask about the best rout down for your ability level. It is always better to enjoy the view from the bike than from the ground after falling and hurting ones self.

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