What is Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking usually refers to the sport of riding bicycles possessing particular design characteristics, mountain bikes, off-road, although sometimes the term simply refers to riding a mountain bike, which can be done almost anywhere - bike trails and street riding are examples of mountain biking typically based in more urban locations. The sport requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance. It is an individual sport which can be performed almost anywhere. There are aspects of mountain biking that are more similar to trail running than regular bicycling. Because riders are often far from civilization, there is a strong ethic of self-reliance in the sport. Riders must learn to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid being stranded miles from help. This reliance on survival skills accounts for the group dynamics of the sport. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially on longer treks.

Mountain biking is roughly broken down into five categories: cross country, downhill, Freeride, Dirt Jump and trials/street riding. However, most mountain bikes have a similar look: knobby tires, large round frame tubing, and some sort of suspension or shock absorbers. Mountain biking can be done anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers prefer to ride trails they call singletrack. These are narrow trails that wind through forests or fields. Mountain bikers describe a sense of euphoria that results from singletrack or downhill riding.

Mountain bikers are a hardy bunch that even participate in the cycling world's equivalent of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Our team each year participates in the regional 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships. It's tough mentally and physically, but those who accept the challenge develop friendships and memories to last a life time.

Important Junior MTB Events

• Indie Series
• 24 Hour MTB Championships
• Cliff MTB World Championships
• National MTB Championships