Title: 
Mountain Biking – Great Exercise and Fun

Word Count:
460

Summary:
Mountain biking is becoming a popular sport.  However, before you take up this sport know the hazards and the safety equipment needed.


Keywords:
mountain bikes,biking,cross country biking,mountain biking


Article Body:
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, exercising and having fun.  Racing down a mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be dangerous. 
Although it is consider a dangerous sport, if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be enjoyed by the whole family. 

As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right equipment and an understanding of the sport will be the key to a great adventure.   

Styles of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can be categorized into three different styles.  There is downhill, free riding, and cross-country.  Although the styles are similar in some respect, they all require different skills.  The style you select will determine the type of bike.

Mountain Biking Locations

Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved surface.  Most regions have areas specifically designed for this grand sport.  State and federal parks are a good place to mountain bike. However, you should check with your local parks to get the routes and other regulations or rules they may have.  In addition, if you venture off to some state or federal land or any wilderness type area, it is best to know about the surroundings should there be any unexpected accidents.

There are also groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions.  You could search the internet or local newspaper to see what is available in your area.  There may be groups for the advanced rider as well as the novice.

Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker

A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is endurance and stamina.  In addition, it takes discipline to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer the course.  A novice mountain biker will have to overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the bike.  Like all sports, it takes practice and the constitution to keep trying.

Selecting Your Bike

Selecting your bike is a personal choice and contingent on the type of riding you will do.  Bikes come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be difficult.  Again, do some internet research or venture out to do some comparison-shopping before you get ready to make a purchase.  Ask to try out a bike before you buy.  A good mountain biker becomes one with his or her bike.  Check for comfort, fit, and how it is geared, all these factors need to be considered.  

Staying Safe

As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be hazardous.  The typical safety gear is a helmet, knee and elbow pads.  You should also consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded area or if following a group of bikers.  Safety should be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding no matter what the terrain.