| The sport of mountain biking, as an enjoyable and | | | | and, in some cases, submit to physicals. They are |
| relaxing outdoor activity, is attracting ever-increasing | | | | also required to have their own approved safety |
| numbers of every age and background. There are | | | | equipment, including gloves, helmets, and knee pads. |
| many organized outdoor events and competitions | | | | They are expected to wear accepted biking attire, |
| which include on their list of activities both mountain | | | | with completely enclosed shoes and the endurance |
| biking and endurance mountain biking. Endurance | | | | mountain biking event's designated T-shirt. Endurance |
| mountain biking is a form of exercise appropriate only | | | | Mountain Biking Safety Measures Safety is one of |
| for those in the peak of condition; a single | | | | the overriding factors in endurance mountain biking |
| competition, depending on its category, can continue | | | | events, and the bikers are expected to keep every |
| for up to twelve hours. Endurance mountain biking, | | | | part of their bikes in prime shape, from the tires to |
| therefore, is reserved for professional bikers who | | | | the handlebars. Neither reflectors nor kickstands are |
| have proven that they are up to the demands | | | | permitted; headsets, adjusted hubs, sound frames, |
| involved. How is an endurance mountain biking event | | | | and true wheels are also prohibited. Headphones, |
| structured? Categories Endurance mountain biking | | | | Walkmans, or any other sound devices are forbidden. |
| events are divided into three categories according to | | | | If you'd like to become involved with endurance |
| their length. There are three-hour, six-hour, and | | | | mountain biking, look for a mountain biking club in |
| twelve-hour races; the three-hour races are | | | | your area and approach them with your questions. |
| restricted to solo men and solo women. The six-hour | | | | There's' a vast amount of information on endurance |
| events are open to either solo men and solo women, | | | | mountain biking, and you'll need to learn about |
| or duos--two riders of either sex; and twelve-hour | | | | everything from the basic rules, to the local event |
| races allow the broadest range of riders. They can | | | | scheduling and locations. You can get started by |
| be solo men or women; duos of either sex; solo | | | | visiting the Internet sites different mountain biking |
| single speeders--either one man or one woman; a | | | | groups, and if you work very hard and have the |
| women's team of between two and four women; | | | | ability, may find yourself a member of an endurance |
| and an open team of two to four riders of either | | | | mountain biking team! |
| sex. For more info see on All About Mountain Biking | | | | You can also find more info on Mountain Biking Gear |
| Endurance mountain biking events require that the | | | | & Mountain Biking Trails. |
| competitors register with the organizers beforehand, | | | | |