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Cross Country Mountain Biking
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Published: September 29, 2006
Cross Country Mountain Biking takes place on mountain bike trails, dirt trails or any other kind of unpaved path. Riding cross country consists of riding over natural terrain while pedaling almost the entire time. Because a lot of pedaling is expected or required, cross country mountain bikes are light weight, and the rider should not need any special equipment or lift access in order to complete a ride.
Biking cross country, or XC, is a good way for beginners to get into mountain bike riding, as it can be easier than taking on downhill races, jumps, or street riding. This does not however mean cross county riding is easy. It all depends on how much the rider can handle. Some might start out with a local bike path that goes through their town, while others could ride a large mountain.
There are two types of Cross Country Mountain Bikes: Hardtail and Full Suspension. The Hardtail is built without rear suspension in the frame, lighter, and meant to cut down on any bouncing feeling while pedaling off the seat. The Full Suspension bike is equipped with suspension in the back, making it a more comfortable ride but also cutting down on performance during off-seat rides and sprints. Although the Hardtail is slightly lighter, both types of bikes are composed of lightweight materials in order to help the rider move as quickly and easily as possible over a natural path.
Competitive cross country mountain biking can be tough, and isn't meant for just anyone. Only riders in great shape, with strong endurance can be successful in a race. A typical cross county race takes place on a marked lap, which can vary from one to three miles in length. These laps consist of different sections that include climbs, descends, single track and technical riding, meaning many tight turns or difficult terrain to navigate through. The number of laps on the racing path depends on the level and experience of the riders. While beginners will only take on a few laps, the advanced riders can race for up to two and a half hours.
Taking long trips cross country is a popular form of mountain biking. This could mean a ride across the state, or even a ride across the entire country. There are important factors to long rides however. Gear can greatly affect a ride, and should be a big consideration before leaving. Riders should remember that they need to stay light. This means only taking what is necessary for survival during the ride. Lightweight clothing and equipment is essential in keeping up with a daily schedule.
It will also take a lot of planning for longer trips. A rider must know the paths he or she is taking ahead of time, and have the daily travel distances planned out. It also helps to find out if there are any rest stops or campgrounds along the way, in case of any problems that arise. A cross country trip can be expensive, depending on how the rider plans on surviving. It is important to keep in mind that bringing camping equipment will save a lot of hotel costs, but will also slow down the ride and make the trip longer.
Whether biking competitively or just for recreation, being prepared is always the best way to go. A rider must know what he or she is getting into, but both types or riding require practice and endurance. For most beginners, the best place to start is on a local trail and build up stamina, working towards harder rides.
Woodward, Calvin. How to Plan a Cross Country Bike Trip. Associated Press. June 2005. 27 September 2006. http://travel.msn.com/tr/articles/ArticleIndex.asp x
Tisue, Kevin. Mountain Biking. About, Inc. 2006. The New York Times Company. 27 September 2006. http://mountainbike.about.com/od/mountainbikegloss ary/index_a.htm
Cross Country Mountain Biking. BBC Sport Academy. 27 September 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/special_e vents/cycling/newsid_3992000/3992451.stm
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There are two types of Cross Country Mountain Bikes: Hardtail and Full Suspension. The Hardtail is built without rear suspension in the frame, lighter, and meant to cut down on any bouncing feeling while pedaling off the seat. The Full Suspension bike is equipped with suspension in the back, making it a more comfortable ride but also cutting down on performance during off-seat rides and sprints. Although the Hardtail is slightly lighter, both types of bikes are composed of lightweight materials in order to help the rider move as quickly and easily as possible over a natural path.
Competitive cross country mountain biking can be tough, and isn't meant for just anyone. Only riders in great shape, with strong endurance can be successful in a race. A typical cross county race takes place on a marked lap, which can vary from one to three miles in length. These laps consist of different sections that include climbs, descends, single track and technical riding, meaning many tight turns or difficult terrain to navigate through. The number of laps on the racing path depends on the level and experience of the riders. While beginners will only take on a few laps, the advanced riders can race for up to two and a half hours.
Taking long trips cross country is a popular form of mountain biking. This could mean a ride across the state, or even a ride across the entire country. There are important factors to long rides however. Gear can greatly affect a ride, and should be a big consideration before leaving. Riders should remember that they need to stay light. This means only taking what is necessary for survival during the ride. Lightweight clothing and equipment is essential in keeping up with a daily schedule.
It will also take a lot of planning for longer trips. A rider must know the paths he or she is taking ahead of time, and have the daily travel distances planned out. It also helps to find out if there are any rest stops or campgrounds along the way, in case of any problems that arise. A cross country trip can be expensive, depending on how the rider plans on surviving. It is important to keep in mind that bringing camping equipment will save a lot of hotel costs, but will also slow down the ride and make the trip longer.
Whether biking competitively or just for recreation, being prepared is always the best way to go. A rider must know what he or she is getting into, but both types or riding require practice and endurance. For most beginners, the best place to start is on a local trail and build up stamina, working towards harder rides.
Woodward, Calvin. How to Plan a Cross Country Bike Trip. Associated Press. June 2005. 27 September 2006. http://travel.msn.com/tr/articles/ArticleIndex.asp x
Tisue, Kevin. Mountain Biking. About, Inc. 2006. The New York Times Company. 27 September 2006. http://mountainbike.about.com/od/mountainbikegloss ary/index_a.htm
Cross Country Mountain Biking. BBC Sport Academy. 27 September 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/special_e vents/cycling/newsid_3992000/3992451.stm
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