Mountain biking is the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. While mountain biking can be a thrilling sport, it’s also a leisurely pass time for a growing number of participants. While the young hotshots get most of the attention in this sport, millions of others are riding for their own enjoyment. Some are adventure sports fans seeking the newest thrill, while others are simply looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of nature or to add some variety to their fitness routines.
Mountain biking can be performed on any off-road surface. While mountain trails are among the most popular spots, bikers also flock to deserts and national parks to add some variety to their routine. Mountain biking can be performed almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails, whether country back roads, fire roads, or single-track. Due to the nature of the sport, there is a strong ethic of self-reliance in the sport. Riders learn to repair their broken bikes or flat tires to avoid being stranded miles from help. Many riders will carry a backpack, including a water bladder, containing all the essential tools and equipment for trailside repairs, and many riders also carry emergency supplies in the case of injury miles from outside help. Club rides and other forms of group rides are common, especially on longer treks.
Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple categories: cross country, trail riding, all mountain ,downhill, free ride and dirt jumping. However, the majority of mountain biking falls into the categories of Trail and Cross-Country riding styles. Cross-country biking is the most popular, and involves rides on mountain trails of all shapes and sizes. There’s less emphasis on speed and tricks and a greater focus on variety and all-around enjoyment of the sport. If you like nurturing your independence, appreciate the outdoors and enjoy an adrenalin rush, then downhill mountain biking may be the sport for you.
Downhill mountain biking is exactly what the name implies. You get to the top of a mountain or ski hill, transfer to a specially constructed bike with four wheels, and proceed to careen down to the bottom.
Although not necessarily for the faint of heart or those who prefer more tranquil ways to communicate with nature, mountain biking has a special niche for extreme sport enthusiasts and can be enjoyed by almost every ability.
Downhill riders are those seeking thrills in the form of fast descents. Many downhill riders use vehicles or lifts to reach the peak of the mountain before racing back to the bottom by bike. Freestyle riders perform more technical riding, including jumps and other tricks, while participants in mountain bike orienteering use compasses and GPS systems to navigate the back-country as they ride.
As is with any sport, mountain biking has its risks. Injuries are a given factor when mountain biking, especially in the more extreme disciplines such as downhill biking. Injuries range from minor wounds, such as cuts and abrasions from falls on gravel or other surfaces, to major injuries such as broken bones, head or spinal injuries resulting from impacts with rocks, trees or the terrain being ridden on. To reduce the risk of injury, a rider must also take steps to minimize the risk of accidents, and thus the potential for injury; by choosing trails which fall within the range of their experience level, ensuring that they are fit enough to deal with the trail they have chosen, and keeping their bike in top mechanical condition. It is also important to have the appropriate gear ranging from helmets for head protection, body armor and pads, often referred to simply as “armor”, to protect limbs and trunk in the event of a crash, gloves for increased comfort while riding, by alleviating compression and friction and a first aid kit to clean and dress cuts and abrasions and splint broken limbs.
Lovers of the sport will have a chance to showcase their talent during the annual Mt. Kenya Epik Challenge which is scheduled to take place from 31st October to 5th November 2016. The event usually attracts both local and international riders covering about 300km in just under four days and is aimed at increasing awareness of sports tourism activities in Kenya as well as providing a platform for expression and discussion on social issues such as education, agriculture and health. The event will also create awareness of conservation projects around the mountain which address issues arising as a result of human/ wildlife conflict and management of natural resources especially in the water catchment areas. If you love the outdoors then mountain biking is definitely something you should try, both for purposes of fun and general body fitness, thus signing up for the Mt. Kenya Epik Challenge 2016 is a must for the ultimate experience.