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