| There is a lot of history and information out there in | | | | constructed what he called a "Woodsie Bike", using a |
| regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, | | | | diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and |
| with some being recognized and some that | | | | cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years |
| depends on who has the best firm of public relations. | | | | ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off |
| Some say that mountain biking began with the | | | | road enthusiast, there were many at that time who |
| Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century | | | | didn't share that same passion. |
| infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over | | | | Today, we believe that the history of the mountain |
| the rough and tough terrain. They began in August | | | | bike is most apparent in Northern California. There |
| of 1896, over the course of 800 miles. Their mission | | | | are a few areas that claim to be the first community |
| was simple -to test bikes for military use in the | | | | for mountain biking, although each and every history |
| toughest of terrain. | | | | book will tell you Marin County. |
| Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that | | | | The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists |
| started mountain biking. The club was comprised of | | | | and turns over the last several hundred years. Even |
| 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and | | | | though there are many that say different things |
| 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day | | | | about the history and the beginning, we know one |
| mountain biking. | | | | thing for sure - one thing has led to another and |
| It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was | | | | thesport of mountain biking was born. |
| the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he | | | | |