Mountain biking

Mountain biking is a sport involving the riding of bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.

History

Mountain biking can be traced back to the 1970s in California, where enthusiasts would descend down mountain trails on bikes. The sport became popular in the 1980s and has since become a popular activity worldwide.

Types of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple categories: cross country, trail riding, all mountain (also referred to as "Enduro"), downhill, freeride and dirt jumping. However, the majority of mountain biking falls into the categories of Trail and Cross Country riding styles.

Cross Country (XC)

Cross Country (XC) is the most common form of mountain biking. It emphasizes endurance above technical prowess, and races usually consist of several laps around a marked course.

Trail Riding

Trail Riding is arguably the non-racing aspect of cross country riding. This is typically done on naturally occurring or purpose-built trails and tracks.

Enduro/All Mountain

In Enduro or All Mountain, riders need to be able to handle both uphill and downhill. It is a relatively new and rapidly growing discipline.

Downhill

Downhill is, as the name suggests, only concerned with the fastest way down a hill. It is the most extreme form of mountain biking.

Freeride

Freeride is a discipline that encompasses everything from downhill racing without the clock to jumping, riding 'North Shore' style (elevated trails made of interconnecting bridges and logs), and generally riding trails and/or stunts that require more skill and aggressive techniques than XC.

Dirt Jumping

Dirt Jumping is the practice of riding bikes over shaped mounds of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the 'take off' the rider will become momentarily airborne, and aim to land on the 'landing'.

Equipment

Mountain bikers wear durable, often baggy cycling shorts and carry spare tubes, water, and tools. Most mountain bikers use clipless shoes with pedals designed for the purpose.

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