IMBA Unveils 2010 'Epic' Rides

?IMBA

The wait is over.

IMBA has revealed the 2010 class of "Epic" rides--and the six new trails might just be the most diverse yet, the association proclaims.

Decide for yourself:

Black Rock/Falls City, Oregon "The Black Rock Epic offers gravity-oriented mountain bikers a dream area, set in a classic Northwest forest."

Fresno-Sauceda Loop/Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas "This burly loop offers a blend of singletrack, creek beds and 4x4 roads, with frequent, often steep, climbs and descents."

Hurricane Cliffs/Hurricane, Utah "Grand mesas, vertical rock formations, and deep canyons combine with extinct volcanoes and vast rolling arroyos, bringing together a taste of all that southwest Utah's Color Country has to offer."

MoCo Loop/Montgomery County, Maryland "The 40-mile MoCo Epic reveals the possibilities for great riding in suburban landscapes."

Oak Mountain/Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama "This mountainous trail winds around a large lake, offering stunning vistas."

Rock Lake/Cable, Wisconsin "The deep-forest North Woods riding creates a memorable experience that any mountain biker will savor."

IMBA Epics are nominated by IMBA clubs, chapters and individual members and selected by IMBA staff.

Have you ever ridden an IMBA-designated Epic ride? Was it everything you hoped for and more?

New Study Highlights Mountain Biking Injuries

A study recently published in The American Journal for Sports Medicine revealed some interesting information related to mountain biking.
Researchers found that an estimated 217, 433 patients were treated for mountain bike-related injuries in US emergency departments between 1994 and 2007.
The good news: The annual number of injuries decreased 56% within this timeframe. A high of?23, 177 injuries was reported in 1995, but in?2007 that number was just 10, 267.
The bad news (for me and other females):?Women were more likely to sustain serious mountain biking injuries requiring hospitalization?than men.
Ouch!

You can also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com/ for great tips, tricks and stuff for the MTB enthusiast!

Here's One Way to Ride Year-Round

Check this out. A story in AOL's UK news section spotlights cycling year-round--with the help of a specially-converted "snow bike."
One ski blade replaces the front wheel and a caterpillar track takes over the rear wheel, providing supreme traction in the snow.
Sick of the same old winter sports? Master the snow bike this season!
"If people want an alternative to a snowboard, it's the kind of thing you can take with you on the ski slope," Yannick Read, a spokesman for the Environmental Transport Association, was quoted as saying. "The message is that you can cycle year-round."
And I thought I didn't want anything for Christmas this year...

Mountain Bikes & Mallets

?Sara Peters

On Sunday, The Los Angeles Times ran an article on bike polo "gaining ground" in the City of Angels.

How appropriate.

The day before the article was published, I happened to gather with a group of friends at a local park to play just that.

Because the niche sport hasn't yet reached the masses, I'm going to assume many of you haven't played and will take the liberty of briefly explaining the basics. (Check out the U.S. Bicycle Polo Association for a more in-depth explanation.)

Scope out a grassy field (or a hard court in urban areas).Gather your bike, helmet, bike polo mallet (what, you don't have one?) and ball.Set up goals, create teams and score as many goals as you can.The team with the most scars goals wins.

The LA Times describes the game as alternating "between grace and mayhem," an accurate description I'd say. Riders--who sport mallets made out of ski poles and plastic piping--zigzag and dodge across the field, while frequently (in our case) crashing into one another.

Last Saturday, intimidating grunts, squealing brakes, clanging mallets and howling laughter could be heard clear across the grassy field. We played to 10 goals. Then 15. Then 20.?Clearly, none?of us?wanted the game to end a goal sooner than it did.

(Quick shout-out to a very talented friend who handmade polo mallets for our game!)

Motivation

I suffer from a lack of it this time of year.

I make big plans to ride my bike during the week, but then 5 o'clock rolls around and it's dark. It's cold. And curling up in front of the woodstove is just as (OK, more) appealing than suiting up and riding my local trails after nightfall.

Even tonight--a night warm enough our woodstove wasn't even lit--I had to force myself to drive away from the cozy house for a group ride in town. (Which, by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed.)

Clearly, I can't be the only one who lacks inspiration this time of year. I want to know what you do to stay motivated to ride during winter. Do you pile your gear by the front door? Leave your bike on your roof rack? Padlock your woodstove so exercise is the only way to stay warm??

Please tell me your secret--I predict lots of cold, dark days ahead and I'm not about to hibernate my bike.

What Are You Doing Next December, Punk?

Prepare to get muddy!
? Beth Puliti

This past weekend I traveled very far for a very good reason: Punk Bike.

Put on by Dirt Rag magazine, Punk Bike Enduro typically takes place the first Sunday in December in Pittsburgh. It's where folks gather to ride their mountain bikes, compete in a few races, drink beer and hang out with like-minded people.

A description from the punks, themselves: "A multi-stage race for fun and points, no fees, no norba, no rules!"

This past Sunday, the snow fell and mud prevented many wheels from working as they should. But we still managed to have a good time. After the ride, we took our frozen, filthy selves to the local rugby club for a pot luck dinner and some prizes.

Sound like a good time to you? Let me verify: It was.

If you enjoy riding in deplorable conditions, like to dress up in costume and happen to live near the Pittsburgh area (or are looking for a fun road trip), I highly recommend you attend this event next year.

IKEA: Happy Holidays, Here's Your Bike!

It's been a good year for IKEA. So good, the Swedish furniture retailer is giving all 12,400 U.S. employees mountain bikes.

It seems the holiday giveaway has divided cyclists, at least in the bicycle blogging world. Some feel the bike's shoddy components and design is a "slap in the face" to workers. (See a photo of the bike here.)

Others think the giveaway "plants the seed" and is a good move coming from such a large employer.

Regardless of whether or not the bike is up to par, I am of the opinion that 12,400 more people own a bike. And that is a good thing.

What do you think? 'Slap in the face' or step in the right direction?

Help a Fellow Mountain Biker Out

This holiday season, two guys from Canada have visions of a mountain bike park dancing in their heads. And they need a little help to make their vision a reality.

While the duo expects the park to be completed within three years, it's still in the planning stages right now, the Saint City News reports. To offset construction costs, they've applied to the Pepsi Refresh program in the hopes of securing a $100,000 grant.

So, in the spirit of the holidays, why not do something that's free, only takes a minute, and helps fellow mountain bikers realize their dream?

Vote for their project.

Your Essential Bike Buying Guide

A comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to find and buy your perfect bike. Everything from setting a budget to finding the bike, what to look for, comparing different features, where to buy it from and how to negotiate the best deal.

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Specific Off Ice Training for Hockey Goalies and Skaters

Hockey goalies and skaters need different types of off ice training. Hockey strength and conditioning coach Maria Mountain, MSc has created two specific off ice training programs - one for goalies and one for skaters. 75% commission.

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Springer - The Essential User's Guide

Springer - The Essential User's Guide. You will learn how to prepare before heading out safely, desensitize your dog to the bike, teach your dog to Turn on command, teach your dog to Stop on command, make your dog love going for a ride and a much more.

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Treasure Hunt party game with Halloween theme for children

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The Essential Guide to Road Bike Cycling: Mind, Body & Budget

A 'must have' new cycling ebook covering how to get the most out of road bike cycling, in terms of goals and attitude (Mind), training (Body) and Budget, for various road cycling styles. A fantastic reference for beginners through to experienced riders.

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Types of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a sport where riders take specially-designed bikes off-road, usually on rough, hilly, and dangerous terrain. The bikes have been reinforced with extra support and bigger tires in order to meet the rigorous demands of the courses the riders choose. To excel at mountain biking, the rider has to have more skills than the average rider, due to the dangers of the sport.
There are many different types of mountain biking:
Cross Country: This is the most popular choice for most mountain bikers. The style includes different types of terrain, as well as hills and loops. The bikers follow a specifically outlined course, and some even race in this fashion.
Downhill: Downhill mountain biking is almost like skiing, but on a bike. In fact, most downhill bikers choose to use ski resorts, during the summer, to execute their stunts. Because riding a bike up such steep hills would be almost impossible, the bikers usually use a ski lift or a car to get to the top before making their descent. Surprisingly, the bikers don't just go straight down the hill; the course is set up in such a way that the biker will face various, rough terrains, as well as jumps and droops that are significant in nature. This is considered the most dangerous form of mountain biking and requires a lot of gear, know-how, ability, and skill.
Dirt Jumping: This one is pretty clear - large mounds of dirt are built for the mountain bikers to drive over. The idea is to jump over the mound of dirt, clearing it, and landing perfectly on the bike.
Trials: Trial riders use their bikes to jump over obstacles of various sizes. It is a variation of BMX biking, and judged similarly to that or skateboarding, with credit given for creativity, style, and the uniqueness of the moves.
Freeride: Freeride incorporates a bit of every other style of mountain biking, hence the name. There are downhill elements to it, but there are also trails and stunts, as well as generally rough terrain for the bikers to handle. The bikers must be extremely skilled and be well-rounded in their mountain biking abilities in order to participate in freeride activities.
Those are the main types of mountain biking. It is very important to remember that this is a dangerous sport that should never be entered into lightly. Many people are injured doing advanced stunts, or crashing their bikes - it's wise to spend some time with people who know a bit more about the sport before jumping into it without any studying. It is also important to have the proper equipment, such as pads, helmets, goggles, and other protective gear to prevent or minimize injuries when participating in these events.
The author of this article is associated with YourMTB.com [http://www.yourmtb.com], a mountain biking community website featuring member blogs, forums, photo-sharing, video-sharing, and trail maps.

Also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com/ for all the best Downhill tips, vids and gear.

Click here for a killer MTB video!

Downhill Mountain Biking - Know the Rules and Succeed

Downhill Fun
So you've got a great new mountain bike and you wanna hit some serious downhill trails. It's a lot of fun, to be sure, but you don't want to get caught up a mountain unprepared. This guide will help you plan ahead to get the most out of your downhill ride, and be safe too.
Always be Prepared
You need to be fully prepared before such an intense excursion. Be sure to take the bike out for some practice rides on easier terrain first; don't take an untried bike on tough terrain. And you'll need some leg and arm strength, to keep the bike on track. Try light off-roading or a local singletrack first, just to get a feel for it.
Also, be sure to double-check your bike. It is advised to always perform a routine check before hitting the mountain. As little as 15 minutes of preparatory work can save you a world of trouble later on.
Also, don't forget the all-important helmet, and a good pair of gloves and riding shorts or pants as well.
Maintain your Balance
When you begin the ride, keep your body weight leaned as far back on the seat (or saddle) as is comfortable, to compensate for the downhill angle. However, if you feel like you're not in full control of the front wheel, lean forward a bit until you regain full motion. Keep experimenting until you find the perfect angle.
If the trail is particularly rough, it's important to keep your limbs bent, as this helps absorb the shock. A good suspension helps, certainly, but you want your body as free as possible. Relax your muscles and don't keep a death-grip on the handlebars: if your body is too stiff, it's much harder to control the descent.
See the Trail Ahead and Know What's Coming

Some trails are real tight, while some are wide enough for several bikers at once. Always keep an eye on the coming trail, and know where your plan of action. You don't want to hit a rough bump or patch without knowing it's coming; that could be dangerous.
Ideally, you should maintain a line of sight of at least 15 feet in front. That way, you always know that your front wheel is aligned with the trail and you're heading exactly where you need to go. It's safest to head for the smoothest, simplest path. You don't have to be a maniac extreme biker, especially your first time on a new run. Control is always more important than thrills.
Keep Your Wits About You
Inevitably, you're going to hit some unsure patches. It's important to not lose your cool in a rough situation. With the wind in your face and your adrenaline pumping, you have to work hard to stay on track. Slow down if you have to, and always be aware of the trail around you. Watch especially for rocks, trees, and other hazards.
Maintain Your Speed
Slow and steady wins the race. This doesn't mean you have to go so slow it isn't fun, but letting your speed get out of hand is the single most common way to lose control and take an ugly crash. Always be ready to hit those brakes, and most importantly, always hit the rear brake first. A reactionary pull on the front brake can cause the bike to flip over forward, possibly ejecting you. This is a time when a helmet is necessary.
Also make sure to watch ahead for other bikers. It's better to slow down and let the next rider keep going than try to pass him or her. He/she may not see you coming and you could crash into them, or knock them off the trail.
Now go Hit that Mountain!
Now you're prepared. Get to that mountain and have some fun!

You can also visit us at http://www.downhilldownunder.com/ for all the gear, vids and profiles!

Click here for a killer MTB video.

Mountain Bike Tips - Which Type of Mountain Bike Do You Want?

Before you start mountain biking you really need to consider the type of riding that you will be enjoying. The are several types of bikes for you to choose from and with these mountain bike tips you will be able to make a knowledgeable decision on which bike is going to be best for you.

As we all know mountain biking is now a very popular sport as it gets you outdoors and is a great way to get and stay fit. It really is very good exercise and helps burn calories very effectively. And of course it is great fun too! Go riding with your friends to have the most fun while enjoying riding out in a natural environment.

There are several different types of mountain bikes currently available and the type you choose will be determined by the type of mountain biking you want to do. So with some research and by making some decisions you will find out what you want and then decide on the perfect mountain bike for your needs.

Firstly you need to learn about which different types of mountain bikes are actually available.

XC Cross Country Mountain Bikes

Probably the most popular mountain bike is the cross country bike. These cross-country mountain bikes are now the favorite bike among many of the newer riders. The reason for this is that XC bikes are built to be extremely light in weight. The advantage of this is that it makes it much easier to ride this type of mountain bike over hills and steeper and rougher terrain, without having to get off and walk.

So it's not really surprising that cross country mountain bikes are so popular and they have become the best selling mountain bike of choice for many. You may even find some bikers using their XC bikes to travel to and from their place of work. Some of these bikes are full-suspension and others may be hardtails and the one you choose really depends on where you will be doing most of your riding.

A couple of useful tips you should remember are that on rougher terrain a full suspension bike makes a huge difference to your ride quality and that hard tails tend to be lighter and faster, but don't provide such a comfortable ride.

DH Downhill Mountain Bikes

For the more experienced mountain biker the attraction of a downhill mountain bike is great. These well built bikes will almost always have heavy duty front and rear suspensions and full-on disc brakes. And you will also find that many downhill bikers will custom build their bikes to their own specifications.

On tip to remember here is that you need to be very experienced before you try downhill mountain biking as it is dangerous and you could get hurt! The guys that do this always wear special protective gear and strong full face helmets and if you want to watch some extreme biking action you should go and see some of these guys perform. As well as riding at hide speed on extreme mountain terrain they will often do high jumps too at different locations on their downhill trail.

PRO Professional Mountain Bikes

And of course, there are also the professional grade mountain bikes built specifically for racing and mountain bike competitions. As you might expect, and just like those built for downhill mountain bikers, professional MTB bikes are bought by the most skilled of all bikers, who are really good mountain bikers with a lot of experience in both riding and competing.

These bikes are made of high quality and very light materials which means they are also very expensive to buy and some manufactures will only provide these bikes to their team riders for racing. These bikes also tend to be very strong and you will require a lot of skill to ride these correctly and get the most out of them.

Recreational Mountain Bikes

For those that don't need the high tech and high spec of a mountain bike from the XC, DH or PRO ranges there are a wide variety of more general use mountain bikes for recreational purposes. These are a good bike to start with and they are especially suitable for families as there will be bikes in these ranges for everyone in the family.

You can get the benefit of full suspension for ride comfort even if you and you kids do most of your riding on the road. With suspension forks at the front and rear of the mountain bike you will be able to go off-road in comfort and try mountain biking in it's real environment and have a lot of fun while doing so!

Consider these mountain bike tips on where to buy what you need. Apart from the professional bikes, you should be able to find most of the other types of mountain bike for sale at your local biking store or go online to find the best deals. Recreation mountain bikes may even be available from your local department store. But for better advice and technical knowledge you should visit a mountain bike shop and also test your favorite bike before you buy.

Mountain Bike Safety

Always remember though that whatever type of mountain bike you eventually choose to buy, you must make sure that your safety is well protected when you are out riding, even for short rides. So make the effort to always wear the proper safety equipment. A helmet is essential at all times!

So choose the best mountain bike for your ability, riding location and budget. Then go out and enjoy yourself, but ride safely!

Also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com for all the best Downhill tips, vids and gear.

What is Downhill Mountain Biking About?

Downhill Mountain Biking combines different hobbies and therefore it is so especially for me.
No.1: To do handicrafts on cars / motorbikes / bicycles
No.2: Enjoying nature and doing holidays. While riding downhill mountain bikes you will visit the highest mountains, the deepest forests and see a lot of nice places within your surroundings.
No.3. Of course, doing sport. You can keep yourself in shape while riding downhill mountain bikes. The funniest part is of course, going downwards within seconds or minutes and enjoying the adrenalin rush. But the healthiest and exhausting part is going upwards with your bike and then rest for a moment, enjoying the silence and the nature before jumping toward the bottom.
It is no team sport which can be positive as well as negative. Normally you can decide how long you want to ride your bike or whenever you stop it and you are not dependent on somebody else.
Downhill Mountain Biking is also really relaxed. If you are not in the mood, you just stop and drink a beer or drives back home. In other sports you have fixed playing times like basketball or football you have to persevere. Moreover you do not have to be extremely good in shape to start Downhill Mountain Biking. If you are not fit anymore you just stop and make a pause and continue whenever you like to.
To begin Down hilling you do not need any especial experience nor need to be talented. You just start by buying a mountain bike and testing your skills while driving some hills.
The risk of injuries - like many think - is not that bad and I would say that it is not worse than playing soccer. The good thing is, when something happens you are responsible for your injuries and not somebody else like it is while you are playing soccer.
For me it is one of the best extreme sports I enjoy as often as I can and it gives me every time an amazing feeling.
Lucas Dorothy is an extreme sport fanatic who loves to share his ideas, thoughts and experience in different sports with others.
Also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com/ for all the best Downhill tips, vids and gear.

Check out this killer vid here!

Downhill Mountain Biking - Taking The Plunge

From its rather ordinary beginnings on the sporting scene, mountain biking been transformed into an activity so challenging that it has been classed by some as an extreme sport. And each category of mountain biking, because it requires a specific set of skills, has developed its own group of enthusiasts. The one thing that all the categories of mountain biking have in common is that their adrenaline-buzz-producing maneuvers are bringing people into the sport in unprecedented numbers.

The form of mountain biking most likely to appeal to fans of the Mega Roller Coasters is downhill mountain biking. If you can picture a downhill skier, and replace the skis with a bike plunging down a mountain, its wheels airborne almost as much as they are in contact with the ground, you'll have the basic idea. And if the mere idea of downhill mountain biking gets you jazzed, what do you think the actual experience will do?

DH, as downhill mountain biking is known in mountain biking circles, is in no way the same as riding a standard bicycle up and down the gently rolling hills in your neighborhood park. Neither is it the same as cross country mountain biking, which may involve some downhill riding but is more akin to bike racing.

Downhill Mountaing Biking Bikes

Downhill mountain biking demands a mountain bike with front and rear suspensions especially engineered to handle the extreme stresses of the terrain over which they are ridden. The downhill bikes also have heavier, stronger frame tubing than other varieties of mountain bikes, and normally weigh in at between forty and fifty pounds.

Don't bother trying to pedal a downhill mountain bike uphill; it's an exercise in futility. Downhill mountain biking requires that a bikers and their bikes be transported to the top of the hill they are to descend by a ski lift. The trail on which they will be coming back down will be both physically demanding and dangerous. Downhill mountain biking should never be attempted until all possible safety measures are in place.

Downhill mountain biking courses are both steep and treacherous throughout, and can contain jumps of up to forty feet with a ten foot drop. The bikers who are attracted to downhill mountain biking, however, are those who thrive on challenges; the harder the better. The risk involved is not their biggest concern. But even the most experienced downhill mountain biking enthusiasts never begin a descent without being fully protected with a helmet, elbow and knee pads, a body suit, and goggles.

Also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com for all the best Downhill tips, vids and gear.

Tips For Successful Mountain Bike Racing

Contrary to popular belief, mountain bike racing is not just a sport for young, adrenaline-crazed muscular macho men in leather jackets. Rather, today's "adrenaline-crazed" bike rider is as likely to be middle aged as he is young, flabby as he is muscular, and feminine as he is macho. Mountain bike racing is an equal opportunity sport that only requires one thing from its participants-that they have fun.

Before you can enjoy this activity, however, you must learn a few basic rules of the game. Fortunately, learning these rules is almost as enjoyable as competing in the bike race.

Mountain Bike Racing is for Everyone

Unlike other sports, mountain bike racing does not discriminate against gender, age, or particular body types. Because this sport's focus is on fun rather than competition, it is open to all to participate.

To enable fair competition, however, a number of competition levels, or categories, exist within this sport. There are categories for beginners, categories for different age groups - even a category for those weighting more than 220 pounds (the Clydesdale category.) Thus, do your research and find the category that best suits your particular needs.

But choose carefully. If you overestimate your ability, you might well end up with a bruised ego (and dust on your face) as your competitors cross the finish line way ahead of you. Conversely, if you underestimate your riding ability and choose a category that is not sufficiently challenging, you might be labeled a "sandbagger" (e.g., someone who enters a lower division race simply to increase his/her chances of winning) by your competitors.

Of course, as always, prior to embarking upon this new pursuit, however, it is wise to obtain your doctor's approval. Mountain bike racing is loosely considered an "extreme sport" for a reason-it can be (and frequently is) quite physically taxing.

Why Choose Mountain Bike Racing?

If you are an avid bike rider (but not a racer) you may be surprised to learn that taking your beloved bike out for an occasional race will actually turn you into a better rider. Experts say that the varied, sometimes dangerous, terrain of a racing course forces the mind to focus on quick solutions for safely traversing unpredictable course. These "split-second" decisions, made with full concentration, enables a rider learn techniques faster than years of casual riding, in addition to sharpening reactions in response to sudden changes in terrain or unexpected conditions.

Tips for Choosing (and Maintaining) Your Bike

A common misconception by those new to this sport is that they have to have a "special" bike. Certainly to compete at the highest level, a bike of a certain quality is required to enable a level playing field. However, the most expensive choice is certainly not a necessity. Rather, the most important aspect of the bike is that it be sturdy and reliable.

While suspension and dual hydraulic disc brakes may be appealing, with respect to off-road racing it is crucial that the bicycle be lightweight. Towards the end of a race every extra pound will begin to feel like fifty. Additionally, excellent quality front shocks will substantially absorb the rocky terrain encountered in mountain bike racing.

Finally, as may be obvious, the essential factor in choosing the right racing bicycle is that it be suitably matched to the racing course. Cross-country mountain bikes are better suited for trails, whereas downhill mountain bikes are clearly designed for enhanced safety for downhill racing.

To ensure that you are able to address repair or maintenance issues, the following items (at minimum) should be carried by the rider: extra tire tubes, toolkit, and a puncture repair kit.

Rules of the Road

In mountain bike racing, the rules of the road depend upon the type of the race. The three most popular types of mountain bike races are cross-country (XC), hillclimb (HC) and downhill (DH).

Cross-country: This is the most common type of mountain bike race. The riders compete directly against one another while riding around a circular track of varied terrain. In instances where there are significant numbers of racers, the group is typically divided into sub-groups by age or ability levels. This is a rigorous form of racing, as riders must jockey for position and understand the mechanics and timing of passing other riders.

Hillclimb: This race pits rider against the mountain as compared to rider against rider. The riders are paced as they climb the hill, individually, a few moments apart. The winner is judged by how fast he, or she, reaches the top of the hill.

Downhill: The riders in this race are timed by the speed with which they navigate the hill. As with the hillclimb, each rider is released downhill individually. The courses in downhill racing frequently involve difficult obstacles for the riders to surmount, thus accounting for the challenge of the this type of race.

Dos and Don'ts of Mountain Bike Racing

Although becoming a skilled mountain bike racer takes training and experience, a few basic dos and don'ts should be noted:

DO:

· Practice. Practice. Practice. To become a skilled mountain bike rider, you must ride-often.

· Cross-train. Mountain bike racing takes strong leg muscles, in particular, and you will be at a disadvantage if your are not physically ready for the challenge.

· Accept the fact that you are embarking in a potentially risky activitym where injuries are not only not uncommon, but even to be expected.

· Research the course before the race. Ensure that you 'pre-ride' the course (or one similar)prior to the race day.

· Carry an adequate supply of water with electrolytes.

· Thoroughly inspect your bicycle and ensure that all maintenance appointments are up-to-date.

· Conserve your energy during the race by appropriately pacing yourself.

· Allow other riders to pass you - never try to block a passing attempt.

DON'T:

· Worry about the other riders with the (perhaps) flashier bicycles, gear or outfits. Their ability to buy expensive racing equipment is no indication of their skill level.

· Ride when you should walk. Almost every racecourse has small sections and obstacles that are difficult to traverse. Endeavoring to muscle your way (via the pedals) over such hurdles may seriously tax the remaining energy required to complete the race, and heighten the probability of injury.

· Arrive late. You should arrive at least an hour prior to the start of the race. This will provide sufficient time to enable a 20-minute warm up ride and listen to the pre-race briefing to ensure that there have been no last minute changes to the course.

· Consider the other racers. Doing so will simply increase anxiety levels and inhibit optimal performance. Instead, focus upon the upcoming excitement of the race.

· Don't pass other riders, during the race, without appropriately notifying them of your intent. A simple "passing on the left" or "passing on the right" is sufficient to prevent collisions and resulting injuries.

The Finish Line

The finish line in mountain bike racing is rarely the finish line. Those who love extreme sports, such as this one, are rarely satisfied by the thrill of just one race. It is likely, therefore, that you will one day look back on dozens of races that consumed every ounce of your energy and tested your stamina.

Whether you won or lost these races is incidental - what you will remember is the fun that you experienced.

Also visit http://www.downhilldownunder.com for all the best Downhill tips, vids and gear.

The Truth About Downhill Mountain Bikes - What Other People Are Not Telling You About This

The art of downhill mountain biking involves the use of gravity and this is a timed event within the mountain biking world. The competitors within downhill mountain biking are usually timed at intervals of about thirty seconds. The courses that are designed for these events take between two and five minutes to complete.

This type of mountain biking involves the competitors navigating steep and downhill terrain. There is also an element of climbing that is involved within these courses and this is one of the quickest biking events.

There is a lot of criteria that the downhill mountain bike should have. These criteria are with regards to the weight and the bike should be between seventeen kilograms and twenty-five kilograms. These bikes usually have a full-suspension design.

The frame of the downhill mountain bike leans back more than other bikes. There are a lot of bikes that have a suspension of about two hundred and three millimetres. These mountain bikes also feature brakes in the form of disks that are usually eight inches in diameter.

These bikes are very similar to the free riding mountain bikes however these bikes tend to have slightly smaller frames and they have slacker head angles that enable the bike to have more stability whilst going at faster speeds and going round sharp corners.

This style of downhill mountain bike tend to be priced at about two thousand dollars for entry level bikes and the top of the range bikes will cost about nine thousand American dollars.

It is very important to be careful when you are looking for a downhill bike, as it is very important to get something that it is suitable for what you actually want to do. It is also very important to be careful when choosing parts for the bike, as they need to be suitable for your requirements.

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Know Your Bike - Downhill Mountain Bikes

Downhill mountain biking is a branch of bicycle sports wherein riders race downhill, starting alone at set intervals, to aim for the best time to finish the entire course. Riders usually reach the point of descent by other means than cycling such as lifts (just like ski lifts for alpine skiing).

The first ever downhill mountain biking time trial was held on October 22, 1976 in a fire road now known as Repack Road in Fairfax, California. Since the sport was new, there were no standard downhill mountain bikes yet and the riders who have participated rode bikes that were known as "klunkers" or "paperboy bikes". The winner of the said race was Alan Bonds, also the only one to have reached the finished line.

Downhill mountain bikes, or simply referred to as downhill bikes, are bicycles that are intended for this kind of sport. These bikes are built to outlast the steep jumps and rough terrains that are usually common in downhill races. These bikes are sturdier than usual mountain bikes and are therefore heavier. The geometry of their frames lean back further compared to other bicycles and feature full suspensions. Typical downhill bikes will also have thicker tires compared to other bicycle counterparts.

Since downhill riding is considered as an extreme sport, extra precaution is very much needed. Riders are advised to wear helmets that cover the whole face, similar to that in motocross. Falling is very common in downhill biking, therefore a body armors is also much needed together with elbow and knee guards to prevent serious injuries.

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Mountain Biking - Things You Should Know When Going Downhill

Riding a mountain bike can very well be a dangerous ordeal. But you cannot replace the adrenaline rush from going uphill and downhill afterwards! That feeling must come from riding with your "life on the edge". However, one should always pay attention to the specific techniques when mountain biking, especially in jungle trails and rough terrains.

Things you should know when going downhill

You have just gotten up to the top or peak of a hill. It was hard work, but you made it nevertheless. You think you have made it. But what about going back down? It requires the same dedication and focus as when you were struggling up the hill.

For some, it might be scary. This is especially when all you can see is a steep decline in front of you. Almost anyone can panic even before riding downhill at high velocity.

Whatever it is, you must remember this single point. Keep your buttocks to the back! You have to stand up when doing this of course. Then straighten your arms and look ahead carefully. What happens when you move your rear of your body to the back is that you balance your weight. This will help keep traction on the rear wheel. At the same time, you take off the already heavily stressed front wheel as a result of going downhill. However, ignore this advice and get ready to land on your face on the ground!

Another tip is when you bump into something on your way downhill, be sure to move your body to the back. This will maintain the balance so you would not fall off the bike. Mountain bike experts call this lunging to the back.

Are there other precautions? Yes. Keep your toes pointed slightly upwards. This way, your heels will more downwards. Again, this is to maintain balance by using your feet. This will also counter any force capable of pushing you forward (and causing you to fall off the bike).

On the other hand, you will also need to maintain your cool. Other than balance, your mind must be calm. Things can get ugly in an extreme situation like going downhill. You have to make mini decisions fast and without thinking. Never ever turn the handlebar by itself alone. Instead, turn with your entire body if you have to steer. If you can, look for incoming dangers on the surface of the ground.

As a final tip, you should always let the bike roll. For example, having pressed the brake too hard and jamming the wheels from spinning is a very dangerous idea. This will result in skidding accidents.

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Mountain Biking - Five-Point Rule When Riding Downhill

Riding downhill is more than likely the most exciting area of mountain biking. But this doesn't imply you must ride hard like there is no tomorrow. There might be a large difference between delighting in wiping out. Take these 5 simple advices to ride down the hill intact as opposed to spending the rest of your day in the hospital.

1. Pre-ride preparation C Even if you're physically ready and capable to ride downhill, not ever attempt it if you haven't checked your bike. Check if you have the right set of brakes and if it works properly. Do remember though to wear your trusted helmet, a pair of gloves, and pads if available.

2. Keep it balanced C As you move downhill, shift your body weight as far back on the saddle as feasible to counter the angle of descent. If you feel that the front end of the bike wobbles or you are losing control, you might appear to be too far back. Compensate it by leaning forward until you get the proper control. Keep your body the right way aligned on with your bike. Bend down and hold your system as close to the bike as potential. Bend your arms and legs. They enjoy best shock absorbers particularly when the trail is very rough and rutted. The bike is harder to operate with stiff body. Relax your muscles and do not grip the handlebar too tightly.

3. Pick a line and stay on it CSurprisingly picking a spot that you like to steer clear of, pick a line where you like to go. Make you unwell that you align your front tube towards that direction. Scan your path up-front for feasible hazards and ready your next action. Planning is essential. It will keep your feet on the pedal and your hands on the handlebar. When scanning, look 15 to 20 feet ahead. Then align your tire towards or away from that direction. Do this throughout your descent.

Even if you have a good set of suspension, try to opt for the smoothest path possible. A less rugged path provides you with better control of the bike and less body pain after the ride.

4. Keep your feelings complete C Not even aware get carried away with the adrenaline rush. While you can go wild and get crazy, keep your head focused on the direction of your bike. Resign from, lack of concentration for a brief moment can speed a disaster and can send you rolling down the hill ahead of your bike. Always play it safe but nonetheless having fun.

5. Control your speed C Sure, you would like to feel the wind brushing your face. That is just part of the thrill. But do not substitute wind with mud or rocks. If you like to free the brake during descent, it is entirely up to but make sure that you have an entire control over your bike. If fear starts to substitute the thrills, better consider slowing. Not conscious of the fact hit the brake hard though. Gently squeeze both front and rear brake to get to the sought after speed.

We go through for other bikers or unsuspecting hiker ahead of you. You may be riding down too fast and may hit one other person. This doesn't mean that you ought not to go fast, it only means you must manage your speed.

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