**History and Evolution of Mountain Biking:**
– In the late 1800s, the Buffalo Soldiers expedition showcased early off-road bicycle use.
– Cyclo-cross became a sport in the 1940s, with the first world championship in 1950.
– The Rough Stuff Fellowship was established in 1955 in the UK.
– Geoff Apps in England experimented with off-road bicycle designs in 1968.
– Mountain biking saw significant developments in Marin County, California, and Crested Butte, Colorado, in the 1970s-1980s.
– The first mass-produced mountain bikes were introduced in the early 1980s.
– The sport transitioned from a niche to a mainstream activity in the 1990s and 2000s.
– Recent trends include the surge in popularity in 2020 due to COVID-19 and the availability of advanced features in department store bikes.
**Types of Mountain Biking Disciplines:**
– Enduro racing involves longer races and attracts riders of all abilities.
– Downhill biking features rough, steep terrain with large jumps.
– Four-cross/Dual Slalom tracks incorporate dirt jumps and berms.
– Freeride encompasses downhill racing, jumping, and North Shore style.
– Dirt jumping involves riding over shaped mounds of dirt and performing tricks like backflips.
**Mountain Bike Equipment and Gear:**
– Mountain bikes feature suspension, wide tires, and sturdy frames for rough terrain.
– Protective gear includes helmets, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and body armor.
– Accessories like glasses, shoes, and clothing cater to comfort and protection.
– Hydration systems, GPS, lights, and tools are essential accessories for mountain biking.
– Gear varies based on the type of mountain biking and the level of protection required.
**Health Benefits and Risks of Mountain Biking:**
– Mountain biking improves mental health and well-being.
– Being in nature while biking can have a calming effect on the mind.
– Risks of injuries range from minor wounds to major injuries like broken bones.
– Emergency response in remote areas can be delayed, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
– Regular bike maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries.
**Advocacy, Environmental Impact, and Specialized Mountain Biking:**
– Advocacy groups work to create, maintain, and improve trails for mountain bikers.
– IMBA is a non-profit advocacy group representing over 700 affiliated mountain biking groups worldwide.
– Specialized forms of mountain biking include bikepacking, fatbiking, and the birth of the freeride movement.
– Fatbikes with wider tires are popular for riding on soft, unstable terrain.
– Health benefits of mountain biking include positive effects on self-esteem and mood, as well as therapeutic potential from outdoor environments.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2016) |
Mountain biking is a sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, usually using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, such as air or coil-sprung shocks used as suspension, larger and wider wheels and tires, stronger frame materials, and mechanically or hydraulically actuated disc brakes. Mountain biking can generally be broken down into distinct categories: cross country, trail, all mountain, enduro, downhill and freeride.
 Mountain biker riding in the Arizona desert | |
| Highest governing body | UCI |
|---|---|
| First played | Open to debate. Modern era began in the late 1970s |
| Characteristics | |
| Mixed-sex | Separate men's & women's championship although no restrictions on women competing against men. |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | Since 1996 |