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