There are numerous types of mountain biking trails available to riders of all skill levels. Knowing which trails you should ride is important, particularly for beginners just learning to ride their mountain bikes.
Extreme downhill racers negotiate terrain that most beginners and intermediate riders should not attempt until their skill level greatly improves. This terrain can be extremely dangerous and can cause crashes due to the steep terrain.
These riders wear full-body protection to protect themselves as they navigate down these hillsides. There is typically only one way to go on this type of terrain and that is down.
Many ski resorts open the slopes in the summer to these downhill runs. Chair lifts take the riders up and much like skiing or snowboarding, they are free to ride down the mountain.
Beginners will want to get more experience before riding down black diamond slopes. Keeping to the beginner and intermediate slopes are the best option until the rider is ready for more challenging terrain.
Some mountain bike riders prefer the challenges of riding up the mountains as much as riding down them.
Cross-country riders like the varied terrain offered as you travel across the landscape. Cross-country trails give the rider a variety of lung-searing mountain climbs and fast downhill runs along with rolling hills and flat terrain.
Cross country trails can be technical or they can be gentle. A technical trail will offer the rider roots, rocks and stream crossings to negotiate over and through during the ride.
These types of trails can be physically exhausting. Typically the rider will want to be very fit before tackling this type of terrain. It requires much strength, conditioning, and mental fortitude to negotiate long-distance technical trails.
Simpler trails may be firmly packed with hard dirt. These types of trails are seen most often along with areas for families like those beside rivers or through a park. They are not very challenging but do offer a more comfortable ride.
Most trails are either point to point or are in a loop. Some riders prefer not to travel over the same terrain twice. In that case, they will find trails that form a loop.
Another alternative is if the point to point ride is long enough, some riders will have someone drop them off at point “A” and then pick them up at point “B”. Of course, some riders do not care and will ride a trail out and then ride the same trail back.
Mountain biking is one of the best outdoor sports. Finding a mountain bike trail should not be hard in the area you live in. You just have to ensure that you ride the terrain that suits your ability.
