| If you're looking for a truck or SUV to explore the | | | | trail maps available for you to bring along on your |
| countryside, you're thinking two wheels too many. | | | | trek. Ask about local mountain biking clubs and group |
| To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep | | | | trail rides and competitions. You can easily find this |
| in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills. | | | | information by asking at a local bike shop, checking |
| The popular "mountain bike" style was developed, as | | | | the papers or searching online. Beginner to advanced |
| the name suggests, from bicycles designed for | | | | groups are available, so be sure you're joining a club |
| cruising up and down a mountain. Obviously racing | | | | that matches your skill level. |
| down a mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, | | | | Choose your Ride |
| but it can also be quite dangerous. Anyone actually | | | | Once you've narrowed down your mountain biking |
| considering taking on a mountain pass is advised to | | | | style--cross-country, freestyle or downhill--the bike |
| invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. | | | | you select basically comes down to personal choice. |
| With the right equipment and some common sense, | | | | There is a huge variety of makes and models on the |
| mountain biking is a fun sport for the entire family. | | | | market today. Compare styles, shapes and price. Be |
| Find your Style | | | | sure to consider the quality of the bike and the |
| There are three basic styles of mountain biking: | | | | reliability of the manufacture, but don't be fooled into |
| cross-country, freestyle, and downhill. Although the | | | | thinking the most expensive models are necessarily |
| styles vary in many ways, each demands a great | | | | the best bikes. The Internet can be a great tool in |
| deal of skill. Choosing your personal riding style will | | | | shopping for a bike, as some compare quality, |
| determine the type of mountain bike you should buy. | | | | features and prices for you. When you find a bike |
| In other words, don't buy a heavy downhill bike if | | | | you like, ask for a test drive. A great mountain biker |
| you plan on busting moves with your buddies. A | | | | needs to feel as one with his or her own bike. Check |
| lighter freestyle model is better suited for trick riding. | | | | for a comfortable seat and position, and be sure that |
| Hone your Skills | | | | the brakes and gears are suited to you. |
| Every great mountain biker needs endurance and | | | | A mountain bike can be a big investment, so ask |
| stamina. It takes ambition and, sometimes, courage | | | | around and do your homework before you buy. |
| to be able to conquer nature's courses successfully. | | | | Keep it Safe |
| Like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and | | | | Mountain biking on unpaved roads and through |
| practice. Lots of practice. You can't expect to go | | | | unexplored territories can be very dangerous. You |
| from riding your bike around the block, to scaling | | | | literally do not know what's lying around the corner. |
| rocky hills and maneuvering through winding trails. | | | | Always wear a helmet, wherever you ride. Elbow and |
| Anticipate getting a few bumps and bruises before | | | | kneepads and riding gloves are also good choices to |
| you're ready to ride with the big kids. | | | | help keep you safe and comfortable, and goggles |
| Location, Location, Location | | | | should be worn if you're riding in the woods or |
| Thinking of mountain biking as riding an unpaved | | | | following a group. Finally, keep a few band-aids in |
| surface. Your bike is ready to take you virtually | | | | your pack--just in case. |
| anywhere you want to be, and many North | | | | Whether you're riding across the county, or across |
| American parks offer designated biking locations. | | | | the country, mountain biking is a great way to see |
| Before hitting the trails in a park or conservatory, | | | | the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, proceed |
| check for rules and regulations. There may even be | | | | with caution and have fun! |