Trail Bikers Blog

Tj B asked:


Are there any good mountain biking trails near Fayetteville, AR?

Alastair Hamilton asked:


For beginning mountain bikers, they may find it very overwhelming to visit a bicycling store to purchase their first bike. Even after reading mountain bike reviews, once you go into the store and check out the many different accessories and bikes that are offered, it can overwhelm you very easily.

You can buy many different mountain bike accessories and products. Salespeople usually work by commission, so they will most likely try to encourage you to buy quite a bit of items that you may not necessarily need. That is why it is important to set a budget so that you are able to determine what is most important to you and what you really need to begin your mountain biking journey. Here are a few things that are essential in mountain biking.

Helmet

This is the thing that is most important to purchase for mountain biking. If you will not wear a helmet, then you do not need to be riding a bike. Many bike riders have received serious head injuries just because they will not wear a helmet. You will find that mountain bike helmets can be quite stylish, comfortable, and you will see that everyone else who is riding the trails is wearing a bike helmet.

Gloves

Your hands can get quite irritated while mountain biking, no matter what time of the year it may be. If you are a beginner, then you may find that you grip the handlebars quite tightly, which can irritate your hands. If you happen to crash, then you will see that your hands are the first thing that will probably come into contact with the ground. By wearing mountain bike gloves, you will be helping to protect your hands.

Shorts

You will find that mountain biking can be very uncomfortable to your bottom. Mountain bike shorts can help to keep your bottom from getting quite as sore. Your body and bottom will get used to the riding, but the mountain bike shorts will help your body until it grows accustomed to the riding.

Shoes

Mountain bike shoes are chosen according to what type of bike pedals you have and what type of bike riding that you do. If your bike uses clipless pedals, then you will need to choose shoes that will work well with your bike pedals. Comfort and durability are the main goals in mountain bike shoes and if you need more power, you will want to have a stiff sole on them for more efficient pedaling.

Protecting Your Eyes

If something gets in your eye, then you cannot see the trail to ride on. By wearing clear-lensed protective glasses or sunglasses, you can help keep the dirt, wind, and debris from your eyes. Make certain that you choose glasses that are non-breakable for maximum use.

Hydrating Yourself

Keeping yourself hydrated is very important. By carrying a water hydration backpack or water bottle, you can help keep yourself from becoming dehydrated. Then you will be able to have more energy and stamina.

Bike Repair Kit

If you do not have the proper kit to repair your bike, then you can become stuck on the trail if you have a problem. For maximum safety, it is important to have a bike-repair multi-tool, a patch kit for flat tires, and tire levers. Being prepared can help to keep you safe.

aestokesrees asked:

Downhill, freeride and cross-country mountain biking at Laggan, Innerleithen, Glentress and Carron Valley (Scotland). Most footage from April 26-27 weekend with Pete, Frenchie, Beatte, Piotr, Mihal, John, Fig, Gary, Stevious, Ian, Dudo.

Heather Jacobson asked:


Southern California is one great vacation paradise to come visit during the holidays. With its sunny skies and ideal climate, one cannot avoid spending time outdoors. There are currently more than 23 million residents in this part of the Golden State. You can find ten counties here, and the most populated ones are Los Angeles County and San Diego County. Tons of activities await vacationers to So Cal, like the beaches, shopping malls, amusement parks, and historic sites. For the biking fans out there, this is the place to be for breathtaking sights and amazing bike trails.

If you like biking, there are different types of trails you can try out while in Southern California. Whether you are up for something rustic like a trail into the woods, a venue that is a little more laid back like a beach side trail, or a scenic and tranquil trail by the river, So Cal has got it in store for you.

If by any chance you trudge along Huntington Beach, a seaside retreat in Orange County, try the bicycle trail that stretches for 8 miles along Sunset Beach. This venue is a haven for surfers, beach combers, and people who just want to have fun by the coast. The bike trail is lined on one side by shops, souvenir stands, restaurants, refreshment shops, and the occasional public performers and concerts.

Further down south of So Cal, you can try pedaling along the San Diego Creek bike trail, which starts from the City of Irvine down to Upper Newport Bay. According to visitors, this area is so peaceful and well maintained, that the walls lining the trail are clean and free from graffiti. The areas around this 10 mile stretch are lined with different types of vegetation, and you may even spot various bird species while you’re here.

For those who like mountain biking, then you should head to the west fork of the San Gabriel River on the Azusa Mountains in Los Angeles County. The trail starts at a bridge with has an altitude of than 1000 feet above the river. You can cycle down to a camp ground a few miles down the trail. The San Gabriel River is a clean and beautiful spot to swim, camp out, and have fun with the family.

Whatever path or trail you choose to take, Southern California has something to suit your taste for fun and adventure. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to these awesome bike trails and more in the Golden State!

Robert Sheehan asked:


Folding mountain bikes are essentially practical bicycles, which are easy to store and transport. These mountain bikes can be folded in seconds and you will not even need any special rack for these bikes. Just put it inside your suitcase and carry it like another piece of luggage inside a car, boat, train or even inside an airplane.

The folding technique of mountain bikes is a patented military design and it was initially used to develop full-sized folding bikes for the US Marines and paratroopers for strategic use.

A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive when compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price-factor, purchasing a foldable bike will be advantageous in every respect. Actually, the manufacturers of folding mountain bicycles have not compromised with the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes in making them foldable (and hence portable).

As regards choices, these days you simply have plenty of choices with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague launching a great many models that allow easy, convenient loading and unloading. Select from among the many lightweight yet tough bikes, choosing as per your requirement.

Following beneath are descriptions of some top foldable mountain bikes available in the market:

Hummer

Montague-made Hummer is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bicycle, designed after full-sized military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and hence it can be used on any terrain. It takes around 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bicycle measures just 36″ x 28″ x 12″. The folding is accomplished without the use of tools.

The Hummer is essentially lightweight yet it is perfectly tough and durable. Other plus-points of this bicycle are – Shimano precision index shifters for a quick gear change, 24-speed Shimano drive train and a front suspension with a front disk brake.

Paratrooper Mountain Bike

The market-leaders have launched yet another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very tough bike, the Paratrooper folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb braking power and excellent engineering behind this Montague bike makes it unparalleled for rugged terrains. Montague also markets important accessories like foldable pedals and carrying cases - both hard and soft cases.

Airnimal Rhino

Airnimal Rhino, Airnimal’s first officially launched ‘off-road’ bike is a folding mountain bike. Its 20” wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.

Giatex Stretching Bike

The Giatex Stretching Bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, rather the steering column and the rear part that are folded down. The folded bike measures about 37 inches.

Bike Fridays

Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are collapsible bikes rather than foldable. The assembling and disassembling takes time, but the new bikes are, performance wise, excellent.

Yo Mama asked:


I have a small bell mounted on the handlebar of my Intense Uzzi VPX. When riding with my group I am the only one who has a bell and I use it before I pass Hikers, horse riders or other mountain bikers. I give a quick Ding Ding a few yards before passing as a courtesy to other trail users. Well, a lot of other mountain bikers I ride with tell me it is not necessary to use a bell, it is annoying and it looks silly on my freeride bike.
On the other hand, when I use my bell when passing hikers and horse riders almost everyone says, Thank you or Hello. What do you other riders think about bells being used on Mountain Bike Trails? I seem to be the only one who has one in my area.

mikesommers99 asked:


I just rode the trail with a few friends but I have no idea how I got there or where I was going. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

saberfitness asked:

part 2

Art Gib asked:


Deschutes national forest is a swarm of Ponderosa and other evergreen trees that carpet the country on the outskirts of the Cascade mountain range. Not far out of the short span of high-priced seasonal homes and lodging near the Bend, Oregon perimeter, you can find single and double tracked mountain bike and hiking trails that disappear into the lushness of forests hills. This is a little brief on some of the trails you can expect to find for biking in the park.

Deschutes National Forest Trail Runs

This forest was discovered by western civilization by French fur traders that were exploring the northwest. The name comes from the description of the river that runs through Bend today. If you would have followed the river in those days you would have come across many series of waterfalls.

The tumultuous river at the time cut through so much of the glacial land of central Oregon. The waterfalls along the way gave the name Riviere des Chutes, or River of Falls, hence shortened name — Deschutes.

The city of Bend is the start of some of the trail systems. From the Deschutes River one can take quick bike run along the banks that go on for several miles. It’s something pretty easy to do for most bikers; in fact, some of the highly active citizens in Bend take this as a breather during a lunch break workout routine.

You can come across many trails outside of Bend near the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park area (about 16 miles out of Bend heading West on highway 46). They have many beginner to intermediate trails which cover an average of 7-9 miles with small altitude change, usually around 500 feet difference.

The Swampy Lakes Loop route 52.1 is a single track trail with manageable obstacles. You don’t even have to be in great shape to take on this trail. It covers only about 4 miles and brings you through the Swampy Lakes meadow.

Swampy Ridge Loop route 52.2 on the other hand can be troublesome. It will loop you on a 9 mile course that has a pretty steep climb to get up to the ridge with a just as dramatic descent. It’s about half single track and half double track. It’s better for intermediate riders.

Going west on highway 46 out of Bend you can find many other trail heads. Be careful biking on these as they will often double as hiking and horse trails so, keep that in mind as you round the bend full steam.

The Biking Tourist Finding Lodging in Bend, Oregon

Bend is a happening town and every season seems to bring in every type of outdoor recreationist, latte drinking Patagonia clone from California to B.C. Make sure you get a booking in early before you go. Finding a hotel, or any other lodging in Bend, Oregon, may be tough to do last minute (some hotels are backed up 4 months deep) so use some foresight and planning.

Mcawesome asked:


I live in the hartford area and was wondering if there were any cross country mountain bike races in CT, any series or local races is fine with me. (for the 09 season)