| There is a lot of history and information out there | | | | much easier to perform tricks and stunts with. |
| in regards to the history and origins of mountain | | | | 2.Cross country |
| biking, with some being recognized and some that | | | | This type of mountain biking involves riding your |
| depends on who has the best firm of public | | | | bike up and down hills. Although it's the least |
| relations. | | | | extreme form of mountain biking, most cross |
| Some say that mountain biking began with the | | | | country riders are very fit and go on long rides. |
| Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century | | | | 3.Cyclo cross |
| infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over | | | | This is a cross between road and mountain biking. |
| the rough and tough terrain. They began in | | | | These riders have to go over obstacles, cross |
| August of 1896, over the course of 800 miles. | | | | through rivers, and race on and off the course. |
| Their mission was simple - to test bikes for | | | | 4.Dirt jumping |
| military use in the toughest of terrain. | | | | Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large |
| Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France | | | | man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they |
| that started mountain biking. The club was | | | | are in the air. These jumps are normally close |
| comprised of 20 young bikers from Paris, who | | | | together so riders can go over six or more |
| between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that | | | | jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them |
| resembles present day mountain biking. | | | | more speed for bigger jumps. |
| It could have also been John Finley Scott, who | | | | 5.Downhill |
| was the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he | | | | Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as |
| constructed what he called a 'Woodsie Bike', using | | | | fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense |
| a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, | | | | and extreme, offering riders the chance for |
| and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 | | | | ultimate thrills and excitement. |
| years ahead of his time. Even though he remained | | | | 6.Freeride |
| an off road enthusiast, there were many at that | | | | Free riding involves finding the perfect line down |
| time who didn't share that same passion. | | | | the mountain using all of the terrain to express |
| Today, we believe that the history of the | | | | yourself. These competitions are very popular, as |
| mountain bike is most apparent in Northern | | | | riders can express themselves any way they see |
| California. There are a few areas that claim to be | | | | fit. |
| the first community for mountain biking, although | | | | 7.Single speed |
| each and every history book will tell you Marin | | | | No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form |
| County. | | | | of cross country biking that's done using a bike |
| The sport of mountain biking has taken many | | | | with only one gear and fewer components. The |
| twists and turns over the last several hundred | | | | idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight |
| years. Even though there are many that say | | | | chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the |
| different things about the history and the | | | | lack of components mean less mechanical |
| beginning, we know one thing for sure - one thing | | | | problems and a lighter bike. |
| has led to another and the sport of mountain | | | | 8.Street and urban |
| biking was born. | | | | This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, |
| Types Of Mountain Biking | | | | ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. |
| As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be | | | | Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as |
| split into 9 different categories. These categories | | | | well, such as stalls and grinds. |
| are very versed in what they offer. They are: | | | | 9.Trails |
| 1.BMX | | | | Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, |
| BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch | | | | although the bikes used look nothing like mountain |
| wheels. | | | | bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport |
| These bikes are commonly used at skate parks | | | | small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump |
| or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller | | | | their bikes over obstacles, which requires an |
| wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are | | | | extreme amount of balance and concentration. |