Downhill mountain biking is a good way to see the great outdoors, stay in shape or just have fun riding. Racing down a mountain is breathtaking and so much fun, although it can be dangerous if you don’t exercise the proper precautions. Even though it can be dangerous, if you ride responsibly and cautiously, it can be quite the experience and enjoyed by the whole family.
Ever since I was a kid I loved riding the trails around my house. I was on my bike day and night but I never thought I would be still riding and having a blast later in life. I love biking and mountain biking is so much fun but what’s great though, is having fun while it keeps me in shape.
I remember when I first seen a mountain bike. I thought it was a ten speed on steroids. I was intrigued by the new style bike I discovered. To me it looked like a 10 speed with BMX style handle bars and aggressive knobby tires, it was so cool looking. I still love the way they look and the new styles and innovation in the forks & braking system have come a long way since I was a kid.
Okay lets get back on topic and look at the types of biking there is.
The types of mountain biking can be summed up into three different styles – (DH) downhill, (XC)cross country and free riding which is a culmination of many different styles of riding. These styles do have some similarities but they require different skills. Depending on the style will determine what type of bike you’ll need.
So where do you go mountain biking? Anywhere there isn’t any pavement, although it’s not detrimental to be on an unpaved surface but the majority of riding is on dirt or rough terrain. There are many areas around the world specifically designed for this type of riding. The first thing you should do before heading down the trails is check the rules and regulations for the areas your in and get the routes so you don’t get lost.
Some downhill mountain biking activities that have gained popularity over the last couple of decades are bike tours and competitions for both advanced and beginners. There are many resources online to get you connected with virtually anything your looking for, I’m striving to build this site to be one of those “go-to” places to find what you’re looking for.
To be a competitive mountain biker or just a casual rider, you’ll need endurance and stamina. You will have to practice and have ambition to succeed and conquer the course, even if your just a weekend warrior. You also should be able to fix and maintain your bike.