Difference between revisions of "Mountain biking"
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| + | [[Image:MtnBiking SedonaMag.jpg|thumb|Mountain biker riding in the Arizona desert.]] | ||
| − | It is roughly broken down into | + | |
| + | '''Mountain biking''' is the sport of riding [[bicycle]]s in a more extreme way, although not necessarily off paved roads—[[Bike trials riding|trials]] and street riding are examples of types of mountain biking based more around urban areas. It requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance. It is an individual sport which can be performed almost anywhere. There are aspects of mountain biking that are more similar to [[trail running]] than regular [[bicycling]]. Because riders are often far from civilization, there is a strong ethic of self-reliance in the sport. Riders must learn to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid being stranded miles from help. This reliance on survival skills accounts for the group dynamics of the sport. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially on longer treks. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Mountain biking is roughly broken down into five categories: cross country, [[Downhill cycling|downhill]], [[Freeride|freeriding]], dirt jumping and trials/street riding. However, most [[mountain bike]]s have a similar look: knobby tires, large round [[bicycle frame|frame]] tubing, and some sort of suspension or shock absorbers are the usual pieces of equipment. Mountain biking can be done anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, the majority of mountain bikers prefer to ride trails they call ''[[singletrack]]''. These are narrow trails that wind through forests or fields. Mountain bikers describe a sense of euphoria that results from singletrack or downhill riding. | ||
==History of mountain biking== | ==History of mountain biking== | ||
| − | Bicycles have been ridden off-road since their invention, | + | Bicycles have been ridden off-road since their invention. However, the modern sport of mountain biking primarily originated in the [[United States]], in the 1970s. There were several groups of riders in different areas of the country who can make valid claims to playing a part in the birth of the sport. Riders in [[Crested Butte, Colorado]] and [[Cupertino, California]] tinkered with bikes and adapted them to the rigors of off-road riding. Other riders around the country were probably copying their friends with motorcycles and riding their bikes on trails and fire roads. However, a group in [[Marin County, California]] is recognized by the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame to have played a central role in the birth of the sport as we know it today. They began racing down [[Mount Tamalpais]] (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and '40s [[Schwinn]] bicycles retrofitted with better brakes and fat tires. This group included [[Joe Breeze]], [[Otis Guy]], [[Gary Fisher]] and [[Keith Bontrager]], among others. It was Joe Breeze who built the first new, purpose-made mountain bike in 1977. [[Tom Ritchey]] built the first regularly available mountain bike frame, which was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly and sold by their company called MountainBikes (later changed to Gary Fisher Bicycle Company). The first two mass produced mountain bikes were sold in 1982: the [[Specialized Bicycle Components|Specialized]] Stumpjumper and Univega Alpina Pro. |
[[Image:ShadLHTT1.JPG|thumb|left|A rider during a Cross Country race]] | [[Image:ShadLHTT1.JPG|thumb|left|A rider during a Cross Country race]] | ||
| − | In 1988 the [[Mountain bike hall of fame]] was founded | + | In 1988, the [[Mountain bike hall of fame]] was founded to chronicle the history of mountain biking, and to recognize the individuals and groups that have contributed significantly to this [[sport]]. |
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
| − | |||
| − | While it is estimated that only 10 | + | Mountain bikes differ from [[Racing bicycle|road racing bicycles]] in several ways. They have a smaller and stronger frame, knobby, wider and higher profile tires which are mounted on a rim which is stronger than a standard bicycle rim, a lower range of [[bicycle gearing|gears]] to facilitate climbing up steep hills and over obstacles, a wider flat or upwardly-rising [[handlebar]] that allows a more upright riding position, and usually some form of suspension system for either the front wheel or both wheels or none. The inherent comfort and flexibility of the modern mountain bike has led to an estimated 80% market share in the [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]] and others.{{fact}} |
| − | {{ | + | |
| + | While it is estimated that only between 10 and 20% of mountain bikes are actually ridden off-road, the sport of mountain biking has seen an explosion in popularity and diversification.{{fact}} | ||
| + | |||
==Advocacy== | ==Advocacy== | ||
| + | [[Image:MountainBiking MtHoodNF.jpg|thumb|Mountain biker gets air in [[Mount Hood National Forest]].]] | ||
| + | Mountain bikers have faced land access issues from the beginnings of the sport. Areas where the first mountain bikers have ridden have faced serious restrictions or elimination of riding. | ||
| − | + | Many trails were originally fire roads, animal paths, hiking trails, or multi-use paths that were simply used for these new trail users. Single-track mountain biking creates more conflict with hikers, particularly in forested areas. There is also some concern single-track biking leads to erosion. Because of these conflicts, the interpretation of the Wilderness Act was revised in the U.S. Congress to be able to exclude bicycles in certain areas. | |
| − | |||
| − | Many trails were originally animal paths, hiking trails, or multi-use paths that were simply used for these new trail users. | ||
| − | + | Opposition to the sport has led to the development of local, regional, and international mountain bike groups. The different groups that formed generally work to create new trails, maintain existing trails, and help existing trails that may have issues. Groups work with private and public entities from the individual landowner to city parks departments, on up through the state level at the DNR, and into the federal level. Different groups will work individually or together to try and achieve results. | |
Advocacy organizations work through a variety of means including education, trail work days, and trail patrols. Examples of the education an advocacy group can provide include: Educate local bicycle riders, property managers, and other user groups on the proper development of trails, and on IMBA's rules of the Trail. Examples of trail work days can include: Flagging, cutting, and signing a new trail, or removing downed trees after a storm. A trail patrol is a bike rider who has had some training to help assist other (including non cyclists) trail users. | Advocacy organizations work through a variety of means including education, trail work days, and trail patrols. Examples of the education an advocacy group can provide include: Educate local bicycle riders, property managers, and other user groups on the proper development of trails, and on IMBA's rules of the Trail. Examples of trail work days can include: Flagging, cutting, and signing a new trail, or removing downed trees after a storm. A trail patrol is a bike rider who has had some training to help assist other (including non cyclists) trail users. | ||
| − | The [http://www.imba.com/ International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)] is a non-profit | + | The [http://www.imba.com/ International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)] is a non-profit advocacy group whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA serves as an umbrella organization for mountain biking advocacy worldwide, and represents more than 700 affiliated mountain biking groups. |
| − | |||
| − | trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA serves as an | ||
| − | umbrella organization for mountain biking advocacy worldwide, and represents | ||
| − | more than 700 affiliated mountain biking groups. | ||
| − | In 1988, | + | In 1988, five California mountain bike clubs linked to form IMBA. The founding clubs were: |
| − | |||
Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association, Bicycle Trails Council East Bay, | Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association, Bicycle Trails Council East Bay, | ||
Bicycle Trails Council Marin, Sacramento Rough Riders and Responsible | Bicycle Trails Council Marin, Sacramento Rough Riders and Responsible | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
===State advocacy groups=== | ===State advocacy groups=== | ||
*[http://www.hmba.org/ HMBA - Hoosier Mountain Bike Association] | *[http://www.hmba.org/ HMBA - Hoosier Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.kymba.org/ KYMBA - Kentucky Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.mmba.org/ MMBA - Michigan Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.morcmtb.org/ MORC - Minnesota Off Road Cyclists] | ||
*[http://www.mtbohio.org/ OMBA - Ohio Mountain Bike Association] | *[http://www.mtbohio.org/ OMBA - Ohio Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| − | *[http://www. | + | *[http://www.vmba.org/ VMBA - Vermont Mountain Bike Association] |
| − | |||
*[http://www.worba.org/ WORBA - Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association] | *[http://www.worba.org/ WORBA - Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association] | ||
| − | *[http://www. | + | *[http://www.wombats.org/ WOMBATS Women's Mountain Bike And Tea Society] |
===Regions within a state=== | ===Regions within a state=== | ||
*[http://www.nimbabike.org/ NIMBA - Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association] | *[http://www.nimbabike.org/ NIMBA - Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association] | ||
*[http://www.camba.us/ CAMBA - Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association] | *[http://www.camba.us/ CAMBA - Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.norcamba.org/ NorCAMBA - Northern California Mountain Bicycling Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.fotwheel.org/ Friends of the Wheel, Burlington area, Chittenden County, Vermont] | ||
| + | *[http://www.wnymba.org/ WNYMBA - Western New York Mountain Bike Association] | ||
| + | *[http://www.foomtb.org/ FooMTB - Friends of Otero Mountain Biking] | ||
===City/local advocacy groups=== | ===City/local advocacy groups=== | ||
*[http://www.outbacktrail.org/ Outback Trailblazers - Portage, Indiana] | *[http://www.outbacktrail.org/ Outback Trailblazers - Portage, Indiana] | ||
*[http://mocatrails.org/ MOCA - Minneapolis Offroad Cycling Advocates - Minneapolis, Minnesota] | *[http://mocatrails.org/ MOCA - Minneapolis Offroad Cycling Advocates - Minneapolis, Minnesota] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Canada=== | ||
| + | *[http://www.simbs.com/ South Island Mountain Bike Society], [[Victoria, British Columbia]], [[Canada]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | *[http://www.nsmba.bc.ca/ North Shore Mountain Biking Association], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]] | ||
==Types of Mountain Biking== | ==Types of Mountain Biking== | ||
| + | For the most part, mountain biking can be split into a number of different categories: | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Mountain-biker-climbs.jpg|thumb|A cross-country mountain biker climbs on an off-road track]] | ||
| + | *'''Cross Country''' (XC) is the most common form of mountain biking, and the standard for most riders. It's the least 'extreme' form of mountain biking, if only in the sense that it is more focused on distance than exhilaration. Most XC riders will be very fit, and go on long rides around off road trails at speed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **'''Enduro''' is seen as an extension of cross country mountain biking, but going for longer and over harder terrain. Enduro events cover distances of 20 miles+, sometimes as individuals, sometimes as teams and sometimes in the form of a relay team. Enduro racing has grown in popularity recently spawning race series' devoted solely to the style of racing. The BC Marathon series is located in coastal British columbia and consists of races such as The Rat Race, The Test of Metal, Gearjammer and the Cheakamus Challenge. These races vary from 40 to 70 km in distance and attract up to nearly a thousand competitors each. Non-competitive enduro riding, trail riding, just means going out for longer and over more technical terrain. In the USA Colorado, California and Utah have excellent places for this kind of riding and in Europe Wales, Scotland, Spain and the French Alps, particularly Chamonix are popular destinations. The aim of enduro riding is more about testing your stamina and skills of riding than purely speed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **'''Single Speed''' not to be confused with fixed gear, is form of XC mountain biking that is done using a [[single-speed bicycle]] that has only one gear (approx. 2:1 ratio) and generally fewer components. The idea is simplicity. The straight [[bicycle chain|chain]] line provides efficient pedaling. Fewer components means fewer mechanical problems and a lighter weight bike. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **'''All Mountain''' is a mix of the best parts of cross country, trail and freeride mountain biking. Basicaly, as the name suggests riding everything, both up and down. When used to describe a category of bikes, all-mountain usually describes full suspension bikes with 140 to 160 mm of suspension travel which fit a weight and capability niche between cross country and heavier freeride bikes. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *'''[[Downhill cycling|Downhill]]''' is generally racing bikes downhill as fast as possible. Obviously, it would still be downhill if it were not in competition, but most people would consider that to be leaning more towards freeride. In general, it is the custom to either be shuttled to the top in a vehicle, walk the bike (hike a bike), or carried by a ski lift as opposed to pedaling to the top of the trail. Downhill bikes are typically equipped with 170 mm or more of suspension front and rear, dual crown forks, 203 mm (8 inch) brake rotors and are larger and heavier than other mountain bikes. | ||
| − | + | *'''Dirt jumping''' is jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps and then doing tricks while they are in the air. There are very many tricks. The jumps are built close together so that the rider will go over about six or so jumps in one run, gaining a ''flow'' to give them more speed to do a bigger jump. | |
| − | ''' | + | *'''[[Freeride]]''' is finding the perfect line down the mountain using all the available terrain to express yourself. Freeride or freestyle competitions are becoming more popular where a rider's line and ability to negotiate obstacles are awarded points by a series of judges. Freeride bikes share many common components such as forks and brakes with downhill bikes, but typically have steeper head tube angles and optimized geometry for low speed handling. Another distinction between freeride and downhill bikes is the possible use of dual front chainrings and a front derailleur, while downhill bikes almost always have a single front ring. |
| − | ''' | + | *'''Street/Urban''' riding consists of riding in urban areas, riding on ledges and other man made obstacles. Riders will do tricks as well as stalls and grinds. |
| − | ''' | + | *'''[[Bike trials riding|Trials]]''' is considered to be part of mountain biking, although the bikes look almost nothing like mountain bikes. They use either 20" or 26" wheels and have very small, low frames. Riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, generally urban. This requires an excellent sense of balance. |
| − | ''' | + | *'''[[BMX]]''', an abbreviation for Bicycle Motocross, is not usually considered to be mountain biking. It uses a bike with 20 inch wheels, and used commonly at a skate parks or on dirtjumps. Because of the smaller wheels and short wheelbase, BMX bikes are easier to perform tricks and stunts on. |
| − | ''' | + | *'''[[Cyclo-cross]]''' is a cross between road and mountain biking. Riders have to go over obstacles, cross rivers, and race on off-road courses and on road. Most cyclocross bikes use a frame design similar to road bikes, with [[700C]] wheels and road brake/shift levers. |
| + | |||
| + | ==The Environmental Impacts of Mountain Biking== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Properly built mountain bike trails have little environmental impact. Studies reported in the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) Trail Solutions manual show that mountain biking's impact is comparable to or even less than other forms of trail use. Trails deteriorate over time. To what extent do bicyclists cause this, and how does that compare with the impacts of other trail users? | ||
| + | |||
| + | Irresponsible use, such as using a trail when it is too wet, can be damaging whether on foot, bike, or horseback. It is clear that other activities such as horseback riding and ATV or motorcycle use are far more damaging. Improper routing or trail construction techniques may result in a trail that does not hold up well to any kind of use. Riding in rainy conditions can create ruts and holes in the trail, making it less usable. | ||
| − | |||
==The North Shore== | ==The North Shore== | ||
| − | The North Shore of [[Vancouver, British Columbia]] is a world-renowned mecca of mountain biking. | + | The North Shore of [[Vancouver, British Columbia]] is a world-renowned mecca of mountain biking, and one of the birthplaces of freeriding. It is also notorious for elevated trails on wooden structures often very skinny and many feet above the ground. |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 89: | Line 117: | ||
** [[Missy Giove]] | ** [[Missy Giove]] | ||
** [[Juli Furtado]] | ** [[Juli Furtado]] | ||
| − | ** [[Gunn-Rita Dahle]] | + | ** [[Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå]] |
** [[John Tomac]] | ** [[John Tomac]] | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==External links and references== | ==External links and references== | ||
| + | * [http://www.asilvertouch.com/ asilvertouch.com - a high quality downhill and freeride zine] | ||
| + | * [http://www.biketrials.ca/ Mountain Bike News - Pictures, Videos, Freeride & Trials] | ||
| + | * [http://www.descent-world.co.uk/ descent-world - The purest source for the world of downhill] | ||
* [http://www.imba.com/ International Mountain Bicycling Association] | * [http://www.imba.com/ International Mountain Bicycling Association] | ||
| + | * [http://www.mtba.asn.au/ Mountain Bike Australia] | ||
* [http://www.mountainbikeroots.com/ Mountain Bike Roots - photos of classic 1980's mountain bike events] | * [http://www.mountainbikeroots.com/ Mountain Bike Roots - photos of classic 1980's mountain bike events] | ||
| + | * [http://www.singletracktreks.com/ Mountain Bike Trails and Maps in Utah] | ||
* [http://www.nsmba.bc.ca/cms/index.php?Itemid=1 North Shore Mountain Biking Association (NSMBA)] | * [http://www.nsmba.bc.ca/cms/index.php?Itemid=1 North Shore Mountain Biking Association (NSMBA)] | ||
* [http://www.nsmb.com North Shore Mountain Biking E-magazine] | * [http://www.nsmb.com North Shore Mountain Biking E-magazine] | ||
| Line 104: | Line 135: | ||
* [http://www.mtb-wales.com/ MTB-Wales.com. A resource and forum for mountain biking in Wales (UK)] | * [http://www.mtb-wales.com/ MTB-Wales.com. A resource and forum for mountain biking in Wales (UK)] | ||
* [http://www.freewebs.com/jumbosox/ Jumbosox - Mountain bike videos and much more] | * [http://www.freewebs.com/jumbosox/ Jumbosox - Mountain bike videos and much more] | ||
| − | * http://www.vorb.org.nz | + | * [http://www.vorb.org.nz VORB: New Zealand's largest mountainbiking community - forums, events, photos, videos, and more!] |
*[http://www.mtbr.com Reviews of equipment and chat boards] | *[http://www.mtbr.com Reviews of equipment and chat boards] | ||
* [http://www.farkin.net Farkin.net - Australia's largest Mountain Biking community] | * [http://www.farkin.net Farkin.net - Australia's largest Mountain Biking community] | ||
*<cite>The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book</cite>, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, ISBN 0-88307-712-4, See [[Socorro County, New Mexico]] | *<cite>The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book</cite>, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, ISBN 0-88307-712-4, See [[Socorro County, New Mexico]] | ||
* [http://www.rockandrut.org/ Rock and Rut MTB Club - Windhoek, Namibia ] | * [http://www.rockandrut.org/ Rock and Rut MTB Club - Windhoek, Namibia ] | ||
| − | + | * [http://www.epicidiot.com/biking/chain_length_calculator.htm Chain Length Calculator] | |
| + | * [http://www.epicidiot.com/biking/chain_length_calculator.htm#stretch Chain Wear Test] Don't let a worn chain ruin your cassette and chain rings. | ||
| + | * [http://www.imba.com/resources/science/impact_summary.html Collection of information from environmental impact studies comparing mountain biking to other activities] | ||
| + | *[http://www.aswildasyouwantit.com/ThingsToDo/Mountainbiking.aspx Mountain biking holidays in Wales] Official site from South West Wales Tourist Board | ||
| + | *[http://www.10fifty.com/ Mountain biking holidays in Chamonix, France] Information on Mountain Biking in Holidays in Chamonix France from 10fifty.com | ||
| + | *[http://www.10fifty.com/mountain_bike_wallpapers.html Mountain biking images and wallpapers] Free Mountain Bike Wallpapers and mountain bike images from 10fifty.com | ||
[[Category:Mountain biking]] | [[Category:Mountain biking]] | ||
[[Category:Cycling]] | [[Category:Cycling]] | ||
| − | |||
Latest revision as of 10:14, 14 June 2009
Mountain biking is the sport of riding bicycles in a more extreme way, although not necessarily off paved roads—trials and street riding are examples of types of mountain biking based more around urban areas. It requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance. It is an individual sport which can be performed almost anywhere. There are aspects of mountain biking that are more similar to trail running than regular bicycling. Because riders are often far from civilization, there is a strong ethic of self-reliance in the sport. Riders must learn to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid being stranded miles from help. This reliance on survival skills accounts for the group dynamics of the sport. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially on longer treks.
Mountain biking is roughly broken down into five categories: cross country, downhill, freeriding, dirt jumping and trials/street riding. However, most mountain bikes have a similar look: knobby tires, large round frame tubing, and some sort of suspension or shock absorbers are the usual pieces of equipment. Mountain biking can be done anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, the majority of mountain bikers prefer to ride trails they call singletrack. These are narrow trails that wind through forests or fields. Mountain bikers describe a sense of euphoria that results from singletrack or downhill riding.
History of mountain biking
Bicycles have been ridden off-road since their invention. However, the modern sport of mountain biking primarily originated in the United States, in the 1970s. There were several groups of riders in different areas of the country who can make valid claims to playing a part in the birth of the sport. Riders in Crested Butte, Colorado and Cupertino, California tinkered with bikes and adapted them to the rigors of off-road riding. Other riders around the country were probably copying their friends with motorcycles and riding their bikes on trails and fire roads. However, a group in Marin County, California is recognized by the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame to have played a central role in the birth of the sport as we know it today. They began racing down Mount Tamalpais (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and '40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with better brakes and fat tires. This group included Joe Breeze, Otis Guy, Gary Fisher and Keith Bontrager, among others. It was Joe Breeze who built the first new, purpose-made mountain bike in 1977. Tom Ritchey built the first regularly available mountain bike frame, which was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly and sold by their company called MountainBikes (later changed to Gary Fisher Bicycle Company). The first two mass produced mountain bikes were sold in 1982: the Specialized Stumpjumper and Univega Alpina Pro.
File:ShadLHTT1.JPG
A rider during a Cross Country race
In 1988, the Mountain bike hall of fame was founded to chronicle the history of mountain biking, and to recognize the individuals and groups that have contributed significantly to this sport.
Equipment
Mountain bikes differ from road racing bicycles in several ways. They have a smaller and stronger frame, knobby, wider and higher profile tires which are mounted on a rim which is stronger than a standard bicycle rim, a lower range of gears to facilitate climbing up steep hills and over obstacles, a wider flat or upwardly-rising handlebar that allows a more upright riding position, and usually some form of suspension system for either the front wheel or both wheels or none. The inherent comfort and flexibility of the modern mountain bike has led to an estimated 80% market share in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and others.Template:Fact
While it is estimated that only between 10 and 20% of mountain bikes are actually ridden off-road, the sport of mountain biking has seen an explosion in popularity and diversification.Template:Fact
Advocacy
Mountain biker gets air in Mount Hood National Forest.
Mountain bikers have faced land access issues from the beginnings of the sport. Areas where the first mountain bikers have ridden have faced serious restrictions or elimination of riding.
Many trails were originally fire roads, animal paths, hiking trails, or multi-use paths that were simply used for these new trail users. Single-track mountain biking creates more conflict with hikers, particularly in forested areas. There is also some concern single-track biking leads to erosion. Because of these conflicts, the interpretation of the Wilderness Act was revised in the U.S. Congress to be able to exclude bicycles in certain areas.
Opposition to the sport has led to the development of local, regional, and international mountain bike groups. The different groups that formed generally work to create new trails, maintain existing trails, and help existing trails that may have issues. Groups work with private and public entities from the individual landowner to city parks departments, on up through the state level at the DNR, and into the federal level. Different groups will work individually or together to try and achieve results.
Advocacy organizations work through a variety of means including education, trail work days, and trail patrols. Examples of the education an advocacy group can provide include: Educate local bicycle riders, property managers, and other user groups on the proper development of trails, and on IMBA's rules of the Trail. Examples of trail work days can include: Flagging, cutting, and signing a new trail, or removing downed trees after a storm. A trail patrol is a bike rider who has had some training to help assist other (including non cyclists) trail users.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a non-profit advocacy group whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA serves as an umbrella organization for mountain biking advocacy worldwide, and represents more than 700 affiliated mountain biking groups.
In 1988, five California mountain bike clubs linked to form IMBA. The founding clubs were: Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association, Bicycle Trails Council East Bay, Bicycle Trails Council Marin, Sacramento Rough Riders and Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers.
Other advocacy groups include:
Regional U.S. advocacy groups
State advocacy groups
- HMBA - Hoosier Mountain Bike Association
- KYMBA - Kentucky Mountain Bike Association
- MMBA - Michigan Mountain Bike Association
- MORC - Minnesota Off Road Cyclists
- OMBA - Ohio Mountain Bike Association
- VMBA - Vermont Mountain Bike Association
- WORBA - Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association
- WOMBATS Women's Mountain Bike And Tea Society
Regions within a state
- NIMBA - Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association
- CAMBA - Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association
- NorCAMBA - Northern California Mountain Bicycling Association
- Friends of the Wheel, Burlington area, Chittenden County, Vermont
- WNYMBA - Western New York Mountain Bike Association
- FooMTB - Friends of Otero Mountain Biking
City/local advocacy groups
- Outback Trailblazers - Portage, Indiana
- MOCA - Minneapolis Offroad Cycling Advocates - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Canada
Types of Mountain Biking
For the most part, mountain biking can be split into a number of different categories:
- Cross Country (XC) is the most common form of mountain biking, and the standard for most riders. It's the least 'extreme' form of mountain biking, if only in the sense that it is more focused on distance than exhilaration. Most XC riders will be very fit, and go on long rides around off road trails at speed.
- Enduro is seen as an extension of cross country mountain biking, but going for longer and over harder terrain. Enduro events cover distances of 20 miles+, sometimes as individuals, sometimes as teams and sometimes in the form of a relay team. Enduro racing has grown in popularity recently spawning race series' devoted solely to the style of racing. The BC Marathon series is located in coastal British columbia and consists of races such as The Rat Race, The Test of Metal, Gearjammer and the Cheakamus Challenge. These races vary from 40 to 70 km in distance and attract up to nearly a thousand competitors each. Non-competitive enduro riding, trail riding, just means going out for longer and over more technical terrain. In the USA Colorado, California and Utah have excellent places for this kind of riding and in Europe Wales, Scotland, Spain and the French Alps, particularly Chamonix are popular destinations. The aim of enduro riding is more about testing your stamina and skills of riding than purely speed.
- Single Speed not to be confused with fixed gear, is form of XC mountain biking that is done using a single-speed bicycle that has only one gear (approx. 2:1 ratio) and generally fewer components. The idea is simplicity. The straight chain line provides efficient pedaling. Fewer components means fewer mechanical problems and a lighter weight bike.
- All Mountain is a mix of the best parts of cross country, trail and freeride mountain biking. Basicaly, as the name suggests riding everything, both up and down. When used to describe a category of bikes, all-mountain usually describes full suspension bikes with 140 to 160 mm of suspension travel which fit a weight and capability niche between cross country and heavier freeride bikes.
- Downhill is generally racing bikes downhill as fast as possible. Obviously, it would still be downhill if it were not in competition, but most people would consider that to be leaning more towards freeride. In general, it is the custom to either be shuttled to the top in a vehicle, walk the bike (hike a bike), or carried by a ski lift as opposed to pedaling to the top of the trail. Downhill bikes are typically equipped with 170 mm or more of suspension front and rear, dual crown forks, 203 mm (8 inch) brake rotors and are larger and heavier than other mountain bikes.
- Dirt jumping is jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps and then doing tricks while they are in the air. There are very many tricks. The jumps are built close together so that the rider will go over about six or so jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed to do a bigger jump.
- Freeride is finding the perfect line down the mountain using all the available terrain to express yourself. Freeride or freestyle competitions are becoming more popular where a rider's line and ability to negotiate obstacles are awarded points by a series of judges. Freeride bikes share many common components such as forks and brakes with downhill bikes, but typically have steeper head tube angles and optimized geometry for low speed handling. Another distinction between freeride and downhill bikes is the possible use of dual front chainrings and a front derailleur, while downhill bikes almost always have a single front ring.
- Street/Urban riding consists of riding in urban areas, riding on ledges and other man made obstacles. Riders will do tricks as well as stalls and grinds.
- Trials is considered to be part of mountain biking, although the bikes look almost nothing like mountain bikes. They use either 20" or 26" wheels and have very small, low frames. Riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, generally urban. This requires an excellent sense of balance.
- BMX, an abbreviation for Bicycle Motocross, is not usually considered to be mountain biking. It uses a bike with 20 inch wheels, and used commonly at a skate parks or on dirtjumps. Because of the smaller wheels and short wheelbase, BMX bikes are easier to perform tricks and stunts on.
- Cyclo-cross is a cross between road and mountain biking. Riders have to go over obstacles, cross rivers, and race on off-road courses and on road. Most cyclocross bikes use a frame design similar to road bikes, with 700C wheels and road brake/shift levers.
The Environmental Impacts of Mountain Biking
Properly built mountain bike trails have little environmental impact. Studies reported in the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) Trail Solutions manual show that mountain biking's impact is comparable to or even less than other forms of trail use. Trails deteriorate over time. To what extent do bicyclists cause this, and how does that compare with the impacts of other trail users?
Irresponsible use, such as using a trail when it is too wet, can be damaging whether on foot, bike, or horseback. It is clear that other activities such as horseback riding and ATV or motorcycle use are far more damaging. Improper routing or trail construction techniques may result in a trail that does not hold up well to any kind of use. Riding in rainy conditions can create ruts and holes in the trail, making it less usable.
The North Shore
The North Shore of Vancouver, British Columbia is a world-renowned mecca of mountain biking, and one of the birthplaces of freeriding. It is also notorious for elevated trails on wooden structures often very skinny and many feet above the ground.
See also
- Mountain bike racing
- NORBA
- Bike trials riding
- Bike path
- Bunny hop (cycling)
- Well-known mountain bikers
External links and references
- asilvertouch.com - a high quality downhill and freeride zine
- Mountain Bike News - Pictures, Videos, Freeride & Trials
- descent-world - The purest source for the world of downhill
- International Mountain Bicycling Association
- Mountain Bike Australia
- Mountain Bike Roots - photos of classic 1980's mountain bike events
- Mountain Bike Trails and Maps in Utah
- North Shore Mountain Biking Association (NSMBA)
- North Shore Mountain Biking E-magazine
- Maah Daah Hey Trail (America's longest single-track mountain bike trail)
- Mountain Bike Review - Huge, international online mountain bike-related resource
- MTB-Wales.com. A resource and forum for mountain biking in Wales (UK)
- Jumbosox - Mountain bike videos and much more
- VORB: New Zealand's largest mountainbiking community - forums, events, photos, videos, and more!
- Reviews of equipment and chat boards
- Farkin.net - Australia's largest Mountain Biking community
- The Socorro Country Fat Tire Trail Book, The Socorro Fat Tire Committee in association with the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorros, New Mexico, 1993, stapled paperback pamphlet, ISBN 0-88307-712-4, See Socorro County, New Mexico
- Rock and Rut MTB Club - Windhoek, Namibia
- Chain Length Calculator
- Chain Wear Test Don't let a worn chain ruin your cassette and chain rings.
- Collection of information from environmental impact studies comparing mountain biking to other activities
- Mountain biking holidays in Wales Official site from South West Wales Tourist Board
- Mountain biking holidays in Chamonix, France Information on Mountain Biking in Holidays in Chamonix France from 10fifty.com
- Mountain biking images and wallpapers Free Mountain Bike Wallpapers and mountain bike images from 10fifty.com