The History Of Mountain Biking

There is a lot of history and information out there inThis type of mountain biking involves riding your bike
regards to the history and origins of mountain biking,up and down hills. Although it's the least extreme
with some being recognized and some that dependsform of mountain biking, most cross country riders
on who has the best firm of public relations.are very fit and go on long rides.
Some say that mountain biking began with the3.Cyclo cross
Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the centuryThis is a cross between road and mountain biking.
infantry who customized bikes to carry gear overThese riders have to go over obstacles, cross
the rough and tough terrain. They began in August ofthrough rivers, and race on and off the course.
1896, over the course of 800 miles. Their mission4.Dirt jumping
was simple - to test bikes for military use in theDirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man
toughest of terrain.made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in
Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France thatthe air. These jumps are normally close together so
started mountain biking. The club was comprised ofriders can go over six or more jumps in one run,
20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 andgaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger
1956 developed a sport that resembles present dayjumps.
mountain biking.5.Downhill
It could have also been John Finley Scott, who wasDownhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as
the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 hefast as possible. This type of riding is very intense
constructed what he called a 'Woodsie Bike', using aand extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate
diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, andthrills and excitement.
cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years ahead6.Freeride
of his time. Even though he remained an off roadFree riding involves finding the perfect line down the
enthusiast, there were many at that time who didn'tmountain using all of the terrain to express yourself.
share that same passion.These competitions are very popular, as riders can
Today, we believe that the history of the mountainexpress themselves any way they see fit.
bike is most apparent in Northern California. There are7.Single speed
a few areas that claim to be the first community forNo to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of
mountain biking, although each and every historycross country biking that's done using a bike with
book will tell you Marin County.only one gear and fewer components. The idea with
The sport of mountain biking has taken many twistssingle speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will
and turns over the last several hundred years. Evenprovide efficient pedaling, and the lack of
though there are many that say different thingscomponents mean less mechanical problems and a
about the history and the beginning, we know onelighter bike.
thing for sure - one thing has led to another and the8.Street and urban
sport of mountain biking was born.This type of riding involves riding in urban areas,
Types Of Mountain Bikingledges, and other types of man made obstacles.
As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be splitRiders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well,
into 9 different categories. These categories aresuch as stalls and grinds.
very versed in what they offer. They are:9.Trails
1.BMXTrials are considered an aspect of mountain biking,
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.although the bikes used look nothing like mountain
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks orbikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small,
with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels andlow frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes
shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier toover obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of
perform tricks and stunts with.balance and concentration.
2.Cross country