Explore on a Mountain Bike

By Colette Thyman

Thinking of exploring the countryside in a truck or SUV? You're thinking two wheels too many. If you want to get really up close and personal with Nature, keep in shape and have a blast, saddle up on a mountain bike and head for the hills.

As the name suggests, today's popular "mountain bike" style is a descendant of bicycles designed for tackling the ups and downs of mountain exploration. Of course, racing down a rocky mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, but it is very dangerous. If you are actually thinking about taking on a mountain pass, be sure to invest in a bike that's designed to accomplish such a task. The right equipment and a healthy dose of common sense can make mountain biking a fun sport for the entire family.

Choose Your Style

The three basic styles of mountain bikes are cross-country, freestyle, and downhill styles. While each style varies in many ways, they each demand a great deal of skill. The type of mountain bike you should buy is determined by your personal riding style. In other words, if you plan on busting moves with your buddies, don't buy a heavy downhill bike. Lighter freestyle models are better suited for trick riding.

Perfect Your Skills

Every great mountain biker needs endurance and stamina. It takes ambition and, sometimes, courage to be able to conquer nature's courses successfully. Like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and practice. Lots of practice. You can't expect to go from riding your bike around the block, to scaling rocky hills and maneuvering through winding trails. Anticipate getting a few bumps and bruises before you're ready to ride with the big kids.

Location is Key

Mountain biking and paved surfaces rarely go hand in hand. A good mountain bike is built to take you beyond the blacktop and carry you virtually anywhere you want to be. Many North American parks offer designated biking locations, but check the rules and regulations before hitting the trails in a park or conservatory. You might find trail maps that are available to bring along on your trek. Look into joining a local mountain biking club or group trail ride, or taking part in a competition. This information should be available from local bike shops, and you can search online or check your local papers. Biking clubs and groups range from beginner to advanced, so make sure you're joining a club that matches your skill level.

Choose your Ride

Once you've determined whether your mountain biking style is cross-country, freestyle or downhill, the bike you choose basically comes down to personal choice. Today's market is flooded with a huge variety of makes and models. Take the time to compare styles, sizes and price.

Don't forget to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, and don't be fooled into thinking that the most expensive model is necessarily the best bike. The Internet provides an awesome tool in shopping for a bike, as some sites will compare quality, features and prices for you.

When you've find a bike that you like, ask for a test drive. To be a great mountain biker, you need to feel "as one" with your bike. Make sure that the seat and position are comfortable and that the gears and brakes are suited to you.

A mountain bike can be a big investment, so ask around and do your homework before you buy.

Stay Safe

Mountain biking on unpaved roads and through unexplored territories can be very dangerous. You literally do not know what's lying around the corner. Always wear a helmet, wherever you ride. Elbow and kneepads and riding gloves are also good choices to help keep you safe and comfortable, and goggles should be worn if you're riding in the woods or following a group. Finally, keep a few band-aids in your pack -- just in case.

Cruising around the county or riding cross-country is more fun on a mountain bike. It's a great sport for seeing the sights and staying in shape. Buy a bike, wear a helmet, get out there and have fun!

About the Author:

Author Colette Thyman contributes articles to a variety of Internet magazines, on family recreation and outdoor products issues.