Hello all, just a quick post to put up some pictures on my son on a recent ride. Check them out. He lives in Spokane, WA so he has some beautiful places to ride. Mountain Biking is one of his passions also. Let me know what you think or send me some pictures of your rides.

Get Out There – Just Go Ride

Technorati Tags: mountain bike, mountain biking

It is much easier to see where you are going if you know where you have been.

History is often dependent on who has the loudest voice. There is a lot of information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking. Some being highly recognized and some that is influenced by the best public relations firms.

According to some “Mountain Biking” got its’ start with the Buffalo Soldiers. These guys were a turn of the century Army Infantry Battalion who customized some bicycles to carry their gear and equipment over the rough and tough terrain. There mission was simple, over the course of 800 miles beginning in August of 1896, was to test bikes for military use in the toughest of terrain and conditions. The Army wanted to test this concept to see if this was a viable tactic for the infantry solder.

Still others say that the French were the ones to invent the sport of “Mountain Biking”. Some say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that started mountain biking. This club was made up of about 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day mountain biking sport.

Yet still others believe that it could have also been John Finley Scott, who was the first mountain biker in the U.S. This guy was more than 20 years ahead of his time. In 1953 he constructed what he called a “Woodsie Bike”. He put together his design using a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and cantilever brakes. There were many in this era who didn’t share Johns same passion. He remained an off road enthusiast, even though many disagreed with his vision. Tragically, Scott was murdered in his California home in 2006.

Today, many believe that the history of the mountain bike is most apparent in Northern California. There are a few areas that claim to be the first community for mountain biking, although each and every history book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists and turns over the last several hundred years. Even though there are many that say different things about the history and the beginning, we know one thing for sure – one thing has led to another and the sport of mountain biking was born and is here to stay.

GET OUT THERE – GO RIDING

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So you want to learn about Mountain Biking!

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors,

stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side

of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can

also be quite dangerous. Even though it’s dangerous,

if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the

entire family.

Three styles of mountain biking:

Mountain biking can best be characterized into three

different styles – downhill, free riding, and cross

country. Even though the different styles are similar

in some ways, they still require different skills. The

style that you pick will determine the type of bike you

get.

Locations for mountain biking:

The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved

surface. Many areas throughout North America have

specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before

you decide to go down a trail, you should always check

with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and

any rules that they may have. Remember Go For It, but do it safely.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides

and competitions. You can look on the internet or even

in a local paper and see exactly what’s available in your

area. You may be able to find groups for the more

advanced riders as well as beginners. And you can follow my blog

and learn more.

Becoming a great biker:

Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain

biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed

as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports,

it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will

have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling

off the bike. Oh yea you will fall at first.

Selecting your mountain bike:

The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and

a big determining factor on the type of riding you will

be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices,

which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult

indeed.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike,

even do some price comparisons online as well before you

make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to

try it out first. Your local bike shop will usually let you try it

out at least around there area. A great mountain biker will become

one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure

you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

Staying safe when riding:

Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very

dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding,

you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow

pads. If you are following a group or riding in the

woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as

well. Safety should be your top priority and never

taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

So take the plunge – you know you want to!

Get Out There – Just Go Ride

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