What Is Freeride Mountain Biking?

Freeride mountain biking is a different kind of mountain biking that has no set goals or course and riders can do anything they want. Stunts are acceptable in freeride mountain biking. It includes many man made obstacle courses and jumps that can be comparable to BMX riding, only on a bigger and more unpredictable scale.

The Start Of Freeride Mountain Biking

This type of mountain biking started out with aspects of dirt jumping and stunt riding by some downhill mountain bike riders who wanted to do something different. Modifications were made to the downhill bikes to enable them to go faster uphill and downhill. The mountain bikes used in freeride mountain biking are equipped with shorter travel front suspension and are lighter bikes compared to downhill bikes. The head tube angles of the freeride bikes are also steeper, compared to ordinary bikes and they have shorter wheel bases. These features give them the capability to maneuver very well over the technical courses or trails.

The concept of freeride mountain biking is similar to BMX riding,where stunts and all other forms of cycling are used to express oneself. Riding on a narrow wooden plank is one of the featured courses of this kind of cycling. Some courses include only a small section of the wooden plank,while others have entire sections made of planks held aloft. Raised platforms where bikers jump from or even very steep cliffs, can be included in freeride mountain biking.

Tricks and other stunts are also featured. These may sometimes seem a bit dangerous, especially stunts that concern flying off a raised platform some thirty feet off the ground and landing onto another platform. Not all freeride mountain bikers wear the protective gear that all downhill bikers wear. The helmet is of course a given,when riding freeride.

Some freeride mountain biking trails are made specifically for this sport and have been sponsored by many bike parts and accessories manufacturers. Many spectators also like to watch the danger and excitement that goes with this riding style.

Freeride mountain biking has gained a lot of popularity and has many followers and supporters. The danger ratio is slightly higher than that of downhill mountain biking, but the thrill and adrenaline are somewhat similar, depending on the individual. Safety is an important point that should be highlighted to freeride bikers.

Extreme Mountain Biking for the Greatest Challenge

For many biking enthusiasts, extreme mountain biking is the greatest adventure and challenge in biking. Their skills are tested to the max. Where they go is determined by the potential risk factor.

Extreme mountain biking is one way to enjoy both the challenges and the scenery that the great outdoors offers. Riding rough roads and going bush, adds more risk and for the adventurer, enjoyment!

This style of mountain biking incorporates all the riders skills, as obstacles appear in the rider’s path continuously. Jumping creeks, small hills and anything above the norm, at high speeds is all part of the challenge.

Places To Participate In Extreme Mountain Biking

Those that enjoy extreme mountain biking are looking for an area that will be difficult and allow for them to test their limits. The region needs to have plenty of course challenges such as mountains, creeks and hills.

Some areas around the country are just naturally set up for better course selections. Areas like Moab Utah are known to be a biker’s favorite destination and extreme mountain biking trips are very popular in the region.

Of course, extreme mountain biking can be found anywhere there is a wide open space. Asking at area biking stores can help locate the type of course that would appropriately challenge your own personal skill as a mountain biker.

Many that participate in this sport enjoy making videos of their experiences. These types of videos can be found on-line and for biking fans is a source of amusement as well as a way to find out about good courses in their area.

Virtual Reality and Extreme Mountain Biking – The Game

For those that are not quite ready to hit the trails, there is also a video game dedicated to this increasingly popular sport. The gamer can choose the type of bike that they want to ride and then even choose the course. This game can be found for the PC, Xbox 360, Wii and Playstation units.

It also has the unique feature of allowing the player to choose a camera angle so that they can view their biking experience from different shots.

For those not ready to brave the world of extreme mountain biking this can be one to virtually ‘experience’ extreme mountain biking.