| For the casual cyclist, mountain biking is a wonderful | | | | that meets particular regulations. |
| way to enjoy the great outdoors as well as get a | | | | Safety Measures |
| great work out. Today, mountain biking is growing | | | | Safety is probably the most important thing organizers |
| rapidly into an excitingly popular sport. With that growth | | | | see to when there is a race. In addition to making sure |
| arises an entirely new subculture of mountain bikers | | | | each rider is in acceptable physical condition and has |
| who race professionally. | | | | the proper gear, mountain bikes themselves are often |
| Every year there are hundreds of events and races | | | | checked to ensure they are in top shape, with fully |
| organized across the nation for mountain bike | | | | aired tires, tightened handlebars, and properly adjusted |
| enthusiasts. These endurance races are generally for | | | | frames and shocks. |
| those in the absolute top percentage of mountain | | | | Prohibited materials on the bike are also carefully |
| bikers. It takes a certain amount of conditioning and | | | | watched. Such prohibited materials include reflectors, |
| performance to compete in endurance races as the | | | | kickstands, adjustable hubs, sound frames, true wheels |
| competition itself is so demanding. There are plenty of | | | | and any personal media devices. All of these items are |
| different categories, but these races can be as long | | | | checked for and expected to be removed before the |
| as 12 hours, taxing the limits of human endurance. | | | | race starts. |
| Types of Races | | | | Finding Endurance Races |
| Of the many categories of endurance races, most are | | | | Endurance mountain biking is a high level addition to the |
| beyond the scope of normal cyclists' physical limits. | | | | sport of mountain biking. For that reason, if you are |
| Starting at three hours these races only scale | | | | interested in getting involved, you should try and |
| upwards, reaching six or even twelve hours in length. | | | | contact your local mountain biking association or club. |
| The shorter three hour races are separated by | | | | They'll have all the information you need to not only |
| gender and occasionally by age groups, but the longer | | | | train for and prepare your bike for competition but the |
| races often open up to include both genders and all | | | | rules associated with the sport. There are numerous |
| age groups. | | | | websites out there that cater to the crowd of |
| There are numerous formats for endurance races as | | | | endurance mountain bikers if you are looking for more |
| well. Some races are strictly solo races such as the | | | | information. |
| shorter races. However, as they get longer, endurance | | | | For anyone who has just gotten into mountain biking |
| races include all combinations of team work and trade | | | | endurance racing might be a bit too much for you yet. |
| off riding, with teams of up to four riders. | | | | However, you'll find that in time you'll be looking for a bit |
| Endurance races are highly organized much like the | | | | more of a challenge, and these longer more intense |
| marathons many of the nation's major cities hold | | | | races might be just the thing you're looking for to push |
| annually and require registration and occasionally | | | | your limits and test your physical conditioning. If you're |
| physicals. In addition to assuring the participants are | | | | serious about endurance racing, take the time |
| physically capable of participating, these events often | | | | necessary to research and get in the shape |
| require a demonstration of certain safety equipment | | | | necessary to compete in these races. |