Posted on No Comments on Types of mountain biking.

Types of mountain biking.

XC

Xc or cross country is the most popular type of mountain biking for this area. Like cross country running, it is relatively flat with some steep hills. This is widely popular here because of our low elevation changes and bluffs. Xc uses the least amount of pads with most riders with just helmets and gloves, Many races take place in cross country mountain biking, compared to downhill mountain biking races these take more strength than skill. I race xc which are usually 4-mile races for in middle school and high schoolers doing 2 laps and going a total of 8 miles. Xc using the least elevation and the most strength is for places with low elevation and little space.

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Trail

“Don’t all types of mountain biking use trails?” Yes but this is a type of mountain type which uses small mountains. These have big climbs or shuttle routes to drive your car up. On these trails, you can expect technical features (Bumpy or Shaky rocks or roots to go over) and many wooden creations such as skinnies (thin pieces of wood to practice balance on.) The pads usually worn are normal helmets knee pads and gloves. This is similar to xc but with more elevation bigger features and normally used with full suspension (front and back suspension) bikes.

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Downhill

Downhill is huge, huge mountains, huge jumps and, huge suspension. These use ski lifts and gravity to power your bike with barely any pedaling used. These are normally at big mountains and have a lot of people. Normally people use full-face helmets, knee pads gloves and chest protectors. You can expect huge jumps, drops and some very technical trails.  Unlike trail or xc downhill costs money to get into the trails because you have to pay for lift tickets.

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Whistler Blackcomb

 

So you have come back to my blog. It is out of the mountain biking season right now and the next season still has a while to come. So we will talk about a place far away up north, in the harsh tundras of you guessed it, Canada. Up in the mountains of British Columbia are home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Though I have not been there, I know people such as my dad who go annually. If I could go anywhere, any season, anytime it would be there. Why is it so great you may think I will give you a little bit to start out.

What– We are talking about the mountain of Whistler not the cozy village below it.

Where- In southern British Columbia, Canada right near Vancouver and Seattle.

Why- This is the coolest place on earth and is widely known throughout the mountain biking and skiing community.

Note: We will cover skiing also because it is the skiing season.

Mountain biking

This mountain covered in trails, fun, and bears, is home to some of the most famous trails including a jump line named A-line. The whistler village sits 2,198 ft above sea level and is packed full of hotels, bars, and bike shops. The mountain is very famous and people worldwide travel for its diverse terrain, huge jumps, and beautiful forests. Well it is the number one mountain biking resort (did I mention that yet?). It funnels down into a valley with a small village on the bottom and has too many trails to put on one good map.

Image result for whistler mtb trail map

Skiing

Yeah, I know “Why are talking about skiing on a mountain biking blog?” You may ask and I have a few reasons 1. I love it 2. It is the skiing season 3. It is sooo fun, and 4. I love it. Now one thing about whistler, It doesn’t just hold titles for mountain biking it also is the number one ski resort in the world with 8,171 acres of skiable area. The temperature is not very cold, it is much warmer than here and stays a great temperature for skiing with still a great amount of snowfall.

If you don’t want to go to Whistler now I don’t know what will make you want to. Maybe a recap?

Recap

In my opinion, Whistler is one of the best places in the world. It is the greatest ski resort and the greatest mountain biking downhill park. (Don’t worry that is the last time I will mention it.) It is only a 4-hour drive from Seattle and a 1 and a half-hour drive from Vancouver. It isn’t just for athletes they have many attractions such as a sky bridge, hiking, and scenic golfing for people who would rather have their feet on the ground, not on pedals. For the more extreme they have base jumping and rock climbing if you are into that stuff. There is stuff for everybody if you live near there you have no excuse but to visit this wonderful place.

Thank you for visiting my blog, See ya!

Posted on No Comments on How to take a fall

How to take a fall

Falling is unpleasant and hurts but it is all part of the sport. I have had some fails, bails, and a few trips to the bike shop. If you be careful and learn you can bail without hurting yourself. Your first priority is your head. Many different types of mountain biking have different gear, DH (or downhill) has a full-face helmet, neckbraces and sometimes goggles. I am just focusing on open face helmets and no pads. Your main priority is your head, you never want to land on your head.  Bailing is a big thing and has saved me many times, you need to be quick and always alert. Be careful when riding new trails, don’t go too fast I would know. Many people wear knee pad or even chest protectors, but those are for more extreme trails and hard riding. I catch myself with my hands to protect my head and face and take the blow.  There are also many ways that you should prevent falls or injury by wearing a helmet and gloves (or pads if needed), scoping out features and planning your ride. I hope this helped you, stay safe and have fun.

Posted on No Comments on So… where to start?

So… where to start?

So you decided to start your wonderful journey of mountain biking here (odd choice but ok.) I will help you get on your feet and get you started. Well, here we go will go through the where, who, what, when and why. I won’t be able to teach you everything many videos and people on youtube that can teach you I recommend Seths bike ha Follow these steps and you can get on your bike and have your first ride.

1. Where Do research and find your local trail system or nearest one. Make sure to look at trail maps, reviews, and conditions. The app Trailforks is a great app to find trails near you.

2. Who It is always best to bike with a friend ask one who already a mountain biker and go with them. Don’t worry at all as Jhon Moutray said ¨Ride what you can and don’t stress what you cant it’ll get easier¨

3. What You need a bike a bad bike is just a safety issue and a good bike is pricy. Beginner hardtails are basically the right of passage to mountain biking and usually cost $500-$1000. Bikes like Walmart bikes can break and get you seriously hurt if you are unsure about it try taking a bike shop test bike for a day on trails.

4. When Conditions arent always great for mountain biking avoid rain, muddy and dark times. If it might rain and there are the clouds in the sky I wouldn’t recommend going. Safety is always a big thing many people have broken bones and me personally I have been close and luckily I bailed but my bike wasn’t very lucky.

5. Why The most important thing is why? For me, mountain biking has brought so much in my life and I have met so many people. For you, it may be fitness, stress relief or just looking to have a good time whatever it is who you are our where you are from im glad you decided to start your journey. Vote below about what you want next.