| Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great | | | | There may be groups for the advanced rider as well |
| outdoors, exercising and having fun. Racing down a | | | | as the novice. |
| mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be | | | | Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker |
| dangerous. Although it is consider a dangerous sport, | | | | A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is |
| if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be | | | | endurance and stamina. In addition, it takes discipline |
| enjoyed by the whole family. | | | | to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer |
| As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right | | | | the course. A novice mountain biker will have to |
| equipment and an understanding of the sport will be | | | | overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the |
| the key to a great adventure. | | | | bike. Like all sports, it takes practice and the |
| Styles of Mountain Biking | | | | constitution to keep trying. |
| Mountain biking can be categorized into three | | | | Selecting Your Bike |
| different styles. There is downhill, free riding, and | | | | Selecting your bike is a personal choice and |
| cross-country. Although the styles are similar in some | | | | contingent on the type of riding you will do. Bikes |
| respect, they all require different skills. The style you | | | | come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, |
| select will determine the type of bike. | | | | therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be |
| Mountain Biking Locations | | | | difficult. Again, do some internet research or venture |
| Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved | | | | out to do some comparison-shopping before you get |
| surface. Most regions have areas specifically designed | | | | ready to make a purchase. Ask to try out a bike |
| for this grand sport. State and federal parks are a | | | | before you buy. A good mountain biker becomes one |
| good place to mountain bike. However, you should | | | | with his or her bike. Check for comfort, fit, and how |
| check with your local parks to get the routes and | | | | it is geared, all these factors need to be considered. |
| other regulations or rules they may have. In addition, | | | | Staying Safe |
| if you venture off to some state or federal land or | | | | As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved |
| any wilderness type area, it is best to know about | | | | roads can be hazardous. The typical safety gear is a |
| the surroundings should there be any unexpected | | | | helmet, knee and elbow pads. You should also |
| accidents. | | | | consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded |
| There are also groups that have mountain bike rides | | | | area or if following a group of bikers. Safety should |
| and competitions. You could search the internet or | | | | be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding |
| local newspaper to see what is available in your area. | | | | no matter what the terrain. |