Downhill Mountain Biking
by: Admin
Posted on: Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm by: Admin
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There are all kinds of different styles of cycling. One of the roughest would have to be downhill mountain biking, which often resembles motocross events more than pedaling through the park. Downhill mountain biking is all about velocity, which is where the downhill part comes into play. And where are you going to find the best downhills? Why, mountains of course! Downhill mountain biking generally attracts adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill along with an athletic challenge. Which is not to say that downhill cyclists aren’t serious; you just probably won’t see them entering the Tour de France anytime soon, even though many are superb athletes.Part of the allure of downhill mountain biking is the scenery. Even though it will be blurring by most of the time, downhill cycling is a great chance to get out to some remote areas on a nice day. Top downhill mountain biking destinations include Colorado, British Columbia, Utah, North Carolina and California. Most downhill bike loops average between 12 to 20 miles, with some as short as 6 and others measuring in at over 30 miles. Downhill mountain biking can certainly be a solo activity, but most cyclists organize groups and go during the weekend. This allows for a certain competitive spirit, but also ensures that someone will be there if a cyclist gets hurt.
And with downhill mountain biking, it’s only a matter of time before someone breaks a bone. A favorite quip with downhill cyclists is, “This bike goes from zero to the emergency room in four seconds.” Downhill cycling is a sport for bikers with quick reflexes, since the speeds that these bikes reach mean that cyclists need to react to unexpected bumps or obstacles in a fraction of a second. Even with the best protective gear out there, there is a very real possibility of injury.
The risk of injury brings us to downhill mountain biking equipment. Downhill mountain bikes are built for greater durability than many racing or commuter bikes. They have thick frames to provide a more stable center of gravity. The more expensive downhill bike models use lighter alloys for the frame, but many of the moderately priced options are heavier than standard bikes too. Tires are wider with knobbier treads to provide more traction on loose surfaces, as well as better breaking. Helmets, pads and gloves are all recommended, and many downhill mountain bikers go for the armored jackets favored by motorcyclists. Camel water packs with drinking tubes are also a good investment, especially for longer tracks.
