Downhill Mountain Biking

Whether you take part as a hobby enthusiast or as a competitor, the sport of Downhill Mountain biking is a thrilling one. It has become a respected sport and is followed keenly in the USA, the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. It's exciting for spectators too, especially when a race is won against the clock by the closest of margins. The current Downhill World Champions for the men's and women's competition are British brother and sister, Gee and Rachel Atherton.

Speeding down extremely steep slopes on two wheels has caught the imagination since the first race in California in 1976, although purpose built bikes for downhill mountain biking were not developed until the 1990s. The UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championship includes events for Downhill, Cross Country, Four Cross and Trials. A gold medal is given to the winners. This competition first appeared in 1990 in Durango in the United States.

The sport has proved to be a lucrative industry and the success of the competitions inspires recreational biking. Many travel companies specialize in biking vacations in the US and in Europe and there are also biking camps where riders can improve their skills with professional coaches and socialize with like-minded people. The sport has also provided many ski resorts with a source of income in the summer as ski areas are converted into biking trails.

Manufacturers compete to produce the best bikes. Riders on the world circuit have bikes that are as lightweight as possible and they have air-sprung suspension forks, front and rear shocks and disc brakes. Bikes for Downhill Mountain biking have to withstand racing over roots, rocks and jumps. Riders have to make tight turns and the bike has to be able to do that and at great speed.

The nature of the sport demands that riders have adequate protective clothing and equipment. This means wearing a full face helmet with a visor (to shield from strong sunlight) and a mouth guard. Padded pants or shorts should also be worn, or shin and knee guards. These are necessary to protect the skin if a crash occurs. Chest protectors and elbow pads are also available. Some riders opt for a full body armor. Full fingered gloves are also recommended. There are special shoes that should be used for Downhill Mountain biking. These have ankle protectors and are reinforced in the toe area. The soles have a grip, sufficient to prevent slipping.

Many bikers find themselves in isolated places and may not be able to get a signal for their cell phone. It is advisable to learn about the basics of bike maintenance and repair, including how to mend a flat tire. If you are biking alone, make sure someone knows of your intended route and your expected time to return. Always carry a water bottle and a set of tools to include a tire pump and spare bike tubes. Some riders have a GPS system attached to the handlebars.