Union: UCI
First Played: 1970, California, USA
Team Members: 1
Equipment: Bicycle, Swimsuit, Helmet, Goggles, etc.
Area: Outdoors
Olympics Played: Men: 1996 Olympics Women: 1996 Olympics
Description:
Mountain biking is a much more widespread type of bicycle than other types of bicycles. The ease of use, balance, controllability and structure that is compatible with various ground conditions are the main reasons for the spread of mountain bikes.
History:
There were several groups of riders in different parts of the USA who could make valid claims to be involved in the birth of the sport. Riders in California, Crested Butte, Colorado and Cupertino were decked out with bikes and adapted them to the demands of off-road riding. Modified heavy cruiser bikes, old 1930s and 40s Schwinn bikes retrofitted with better brakes and fat tires, were used to freestyle the mountain trails in Marin County, California in the mid-1970s. There were no mountain bikes at the time. The earliest ancestors of modern mountain bikes were based on cruiser bike frames, such as those made by Schwinn. The Schwinn Excelsior was the frame of choice because of its geometry. Riders used balloon-tired cruisers and modified them with gears and motocross or BMX style handlebars, creating "klunkers." The term "mountain bike" would also be used as a verb, as it was not yet in use. Riders would race on mountain fire roads, causing the hub brake to burn the grease inside, which would prompt riders to repack the bearings. These were called "Repack Races" and sparked the first innovations in mountain bike technology and the first public interest (there is still a trail called "Repack" on Mount Tamalpais in Marin CA, referring to this competition).
Course Dimensions:
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES Mountain bike races: Mountain rides are done on all types of terrain. One of the most popular cycling sports in recent times is the marathon. The first mountain bike world championship was held in 1990 and was first featured in the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. Olympic mountain bike race: It is held on a 5–9 km long track. The paved sections of the track cannot exceed 15%. It must include a sufficient amount of climbing, trails and technical descents. The senior men's race is done in approximately 2 hours with a number of laps. In these types of races, the wide tires of the bike are very comfortable because the thin tires can slide a lot on the mountain, which can cause injuries. Mountain bike marathon race: It is held on a track longer than 90 km. Cyclo-cross: Other types of cycling include cyclo-cross, which is a combination of cycling and cross-country (cross-country running). Cyclo-cross is run on rough and bumpy roads. Racers are sometimes required to dismount and walk, carrying their bikes on their shoulders.
