If you crave something new and out of the ordinary to try, if you have a spirit of adventure, why not try mountain biking? This extreme sport began in the 1970s. People started tinkering with the electric assist bikes to outfit them as needed to travail the rough terrains chosen by mountain bikers, and so the sport began. People in areas such as Colorado and California were instrumental in this emerging hobby. If you want to get involved, the first step is finding the right mountain bike.
One particularly well adapted model is the Santa Cruz Bullit. Designed for efficient turning and stability, this design will fit the needs of any hard core biker. Good brakes and excellent handling round out this mountain bike. Don’t be surprised by the price though, any quality model will set you back some serious cash flow. This model goes for around $2,500. You have to be ready to pay for quality, if you want to bike with the best!
Another option for electric mountain bikers is the 2008 GT Zaskar Carbon Expert. Another pricey model, expect this one to set you back around $2,500 as well. Weighing in at just over twenty-three pounds, this model is both light and durable. This option is known for accurate handling and superb quickness. This is a great mountain bike for climbing terrains. Now that you have your bike, we need to discuss skills and different types of mountain biking.
Cross-country mountain biking refers to the most popular aspect of the sport. You either ride from point A to point B or do a loop across varied terrain elements. Typically, the terrain both climbs and descends. Though this is the more basic part of biking, reaching expert level involves years of training.
If cross-country isn’t for you, try dirt jumping. In this sport, you use your bike to mount hills of dirt and try to go airborne. You can perform moves while in the air, but it is essential to “stick” the landing. This is not for the faint of heart! Other options to explore include downhill biking, where you use a heavier electric bike to race downhill. This is the most dangerous type of biking. Free riding encompasses whichever biking elements you wish to include. One other common use for electric assist mountain bikes is for trials. In a trial, the point is to do tricks over obstacles. This is often done on select trails for mountain bikers.
Many places are ideal for mountain bikers to visit. Here I have listed some of the best and their attributes. In Colorado, Lenawee Trail is dubbed, “The Legend.” Here sheer drops and plunging valleys cohabit with high climbs and spectacular vistas. Another favorite is Squamish, in British Columbia. This collection of 155 marked trails is a “don’t miss” for serious bikers. Cliffs, hills, fallen trees, and high elevations make it unforgettable.
Ok, so once you have your electric bike and your skills, and you’ve practiced on the trails, what do you do next? Maybe it’s time to compete. Cross-country biking is an Olympic event, so if you are good, you can try to become the world champion. Other events include the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championship. To get to either of these events, you’ll have to become the top performer in various events held yearly by NORBA or the National Off-Road Bicycle Association. Event information for mountain bike categories can be found on NORBA’s website.
If mountain biking has peaked your interest, make sure to get proper gear and training before attempting dangerous stunts. This sport can be fun, but can also be hazardous. So, choose your bike well, hit a famous trail, get some practice, and then maybe you will become a biking champ. Until then, hit the dirt!
Michael Kentag is an author writing about electric assist bike related topics, and you are invited to visit his website covering a number of aspects about electric bikes and biking.
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