 Mountain biker riding in the Arizona desert. Mountain biking usually refers to the sport of riding bicycles possessing particular design characteristics (mountain bikes) off-road, although sometimes the term simply refers to riding a mountain bike, which can be done almost anywhere - bike trials and street riding are examples of mountain biking typically based in more urban locations. The sport 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. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (825x1127, 250 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Mountain biking Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (825x1127, 250 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Mountain biking Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ...
This racing bicycle is built using lightweight, shaped aluminium tubing and carbon fiber stays and forks. ...
A trial is, in the most general sense, a test, usually a test to see whether something does or does not meet a given standard. ...
The Scott Paul trail in Washingtons North Cascades Trail running is a variant on running that differs markedly from road running and track running. ...
Cycling is a recreation, a transport across land. ...
Mountain biking is roughly broken down into three categories: cross country, downhill, 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, but 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. Downhill cycling (DH) is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. ...
A cross country mountain bike race A hardtail mountain bike A mountain bike, mountain bicycle or ATB (All Terrain Bicycle) is a bicycle designed for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments. ...
Steel frame and carbon fiber fork of 2000 Lemond Zurich racing bicycle A bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, onto which wheels and other components are fitted. ...
A singletrack is generally a narrow off-road trail used by cyclists. ...
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. Mount Crested Butte Resort Often called the last great Colorado ski town, Crested Butte is a small resort town located in Gunnison County, Colorado. ...
Official website: http://www. ...
Official website: http://www. ...
Mount Tamalpais (Mount Tam) is a peak in Marin County, California, USA. It is a popular hiking destination for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, home to the Edgewood Botanic Garden, and often considered symbolic of Marin County. ...
The Schwinn Bicycle Company was founded in Chicago in 1895 by Ignaz Schwinn, and grew to become the dominant manufacturer of American bicycles through most of the 20th century. ...
Joe Breeze was an early pioneer in the development of modern mountain bicycles. ...
Gary Christopher Fisher (born 1950) is the best inventors of the mountain bike. ...
Keith Bontrager (born December 18, 1954) was a succesful motorcycle racer turned pioneer in the development of modern mountain bike. ...
Tom Ritchey is a master bicycle frame builder, designer, welder and founder of Ritchey Design. ...
Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and bicycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California, USA. Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, and initially produced the Allez racing and Sequoia touring bicycle bicycles. ...
 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. This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ...
This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ...
Inducted to the Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame. ...
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 often some form of suspension system for either the front wheel or both wheels. 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.[citation needed] A cross country mountain bike race A hardtail mountain bike A mountain bike, mountain bicycle or ATB (All Terrain Bicycle) is a bicycle designed for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments. ...
An aluminum racing bicycle made by Raleigh and built using Shimano components. ...
Bicycle gearing is concerned with the connection between the pedals and the rear wheel of a bicycle, and with the effect this connection has on how easy or hard it is to turn the pedals. ...
Handlebars usually refer to the steering mechanism for bicycles and motorcycles; the equivalent of a steering wheel, though used in conjunction with the riders balance or centre of gravity to steer. ...
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.[citation needed]
Mountain bikers also carry and use a variety of equipment to help them ride or repair their bikes. These include extra inner tubes, a patch kit, a portable air pump, a water bottle or Camelbak to keep hydrated, a chain tool, and various-sized allen wrenches or other small tools to make minor repairs while on a ride.
Types of Mountain Biking For the most part, mountain biking can be split into three different categories:
 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 generally means riding point-to-point or in a loop including climbs and descents on a variety of terrain.
- Downhill is generally riding mountain bikes downhill. While cross country has a downhill component, it is the custom for downhill specialists to either be shuttled to the top in a vehicle, walk the bike (hike-a-bike), or to be carried by a ski lift as opposed to pedaling to the top of the trail. Downhill-specific bikes are typically equipped with front and rear suspension, large brakes, and are larger and heavier than other mountain bikes so they can withstand greater forces.
- Trials riding consists of hopping and jumping bikes over obstacles. It can be performed either off-road or in an urban environment. It requires an excellent sense of balance. As with Dirt Jumping and BMX-style riding, emphasis is placed on style, originality and technique. There are many stylistic similarities to skateboarding. Trials bikes look almost nothing like mountain bikes. They use either 20", 24" or 26" wheels and have very small, low frames.
Image File history File links Mountain-biker-climbs. ...
Image File history File links Mountain-biker-climbs. ...
Downhill cycling (DH) is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. ...
Bicycle trial rider Bike trials is a form of off-road cycling derived from motorcycle trials where one slowly negotiates man-made and natural obstacles. ...
Advocacy 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. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1365x2048, 2726 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Mountain biking Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates Mount Hood National Forest User:Kingstonjr Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Mountain biker Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1365x2048, 2726 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Mountain biking Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates Mount Hood National Forest User:Kingstonjr Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Mountain biker Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from...
Old-growth Douglas Fir in the Mount Hood National Forest The Mount Hood National Forest is located 20 miles (32 km) east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley. ...
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 by the National Park Service 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 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
Regions within a state
City/local advocacy groups
Canada Victoria is a Canadian city, and the provincial capital of British Columbia. ...
Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Official languages none stated in law; English is de facto Flower Pacific dogwood Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Parliamentary representation - House seat - Senate seats 36 6 Area Total - Land - Water (% of total) Ranked...
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.
Canada Trails There are a variety of trails for: Bicycling - road routes, city biking, clubs and tours; Mountain Biking - mountain biking trails and events. Hiking - hiking trails and clubs; and Multi-use Trails, through out the Canadian territories. These territories include, but are not limited to British Columbia, Alberta, The Yukon, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador. The North Shore is an especially well known mountain biking area. - For more details on this topic, see [[Canada Trails Site Map]].
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. The North shore also includes see saws, drops, jumps made of both dirt and wood and bermed corners. The best type of bike to ride on The North Shore is either a Downhill bike or Freeride specific bike with long travel and a strong heavy frame. This article refers to the city in British Columbia, Canada. ...
The North Shore The North Shore of Vancouver, British Columbia is a world-renowned mecca of mountain biking. ...
See also A rider during a Cross Country race The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) recognised the sport of mountain bike racing relatively late in 1990, when it sanctioned the world championships in Purgatory, Colorado. ...
Norba, an ancient town of Latium (Adjectum), Italy. ...
Bicycle trial rider Bike trials is a form of off-road cycling derived from motorcycle trials where one slowly negotiates man-made and natural obstacles. ...
This article or section should include material from Cycle path debate Segregated cycle facilities may consist of a separate road, track, path or lane that is designated for use by cyclists and from which motorised traffic is generally excluded. ...
--80. ...
Keith Bontrager (born December 18, 1954) was a succesful motorcycle racer turned pioneer in the development of modern mountain bike. ...
Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå (born February 10, 1973) is a Norwegian cross-country mountain biker. ...
Alison Dunlap warming up on a trainer at the 2001 Sea Otter Classic Alison Dunlap (born: July 27, 1969) is an American professional cycle racer who won the World Cross Country Mountain Bike Championship in 2001 and also has 2 Mountain Bike World Cup victories to her credit. ...
Gary Christopher Fisher (born 1950) is the best inventors of the mountain bike. ...
Juliana Furtado (b. ...
Missy Giove Missy Giove is a professional downhill mountain biker, among the best in the world, male or female. ...
Edmund Ned Overend (born 20 August 1955) started in mountain biking in the early 1980s. ...
Paola Pezzo (born January 8, 1969 in Bosco Chiesanuova, Italy) is a mountain bike racer from Verona, Italy. ...
Hansjörg Rey, aka No Way Hans Rey (b. ...
Tom Ritchey is a master bicycle frame builder, designer, welder and founder of Ritchey Design. ...
John Tomac is a bicycle racer and maker. ...
External links and references - International Mountain Bicycling Association
- Mountain Bike Australia
- Mountain Bike Roots - photos of classic 1980s mountain bike events
- North Shore Mountain Biking Association, Vancouver Canada (NSMBA)
- 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
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