Take Up… Mountain Biking
The first in a regular section on all-action sports you can take up today
What is it? Around since the late ’70s, the furious sport of mountain biking has evolved into three main disciplines: Four X (cross), in which four riders pit their wits against each other across a mix of natural and man-made obstacles over a steep descent; downhill, where one rider at a time plummets from the top of a hill to the bottom in a timed descent; and cross country, the ‘traditional’ mass-start, endurance event.
What good does it do you? All disciplines deliver a lung-busting cardiovascular workout, a massive leg workout and require lighting-quick reflexes and coordination.
Who runs it? Mountain Bike Tours India (www.mountainbiketoursindia.com) is the governing body and can hook you up with local clubs.
Where can you do it? You can legally train and race on all roads and pavements but aficionados head for these hot spots which are just a hop skip and an eight hour flight away (to UK):
Swaledale Round Route, Yorkshire: one of the most exposed and arduous routes in the country, but does have awesome views (that you can take in while sticking on another Band-aid) and is traversable all year round.
Pink Heifer, Coed-y-Brenin, Wales: a ‘six star’ monster ride through Snowdonia.
The Red Bull, Coed-y-Brenin, Wales: a challenging, six-mile (sign posted) loop, which can be done in under an hour.
Nan Bield Pass, Lake District: a high mountain adventure, with a gruelling section where there’s no option but to carry your steed.
Church Stretton, Shrewsbury: the ride features a world-famous (and punishing) descent down the Minton Batch Valley.
Fort William Downhill, Fort William: this former World Cup venue is steep, fast and, in places, mental. Only for the excellent. And even then, you should use protection, big head.
The International Mountain Biking Association outlines trail rules for all riders, including:
1) Ride on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures and avoid trespassing on private land.
2) Always yield. Let other trail users know you’re coming and be prepared to stop if necessary.
3) Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding.
Pro skills
The five-time national downhill Number One and two-time 4X champ, Scott Beaumont, says: “Going downhill can intimidate some, but stand up, stay over the centre of your bike with your weight distributed evenly, work with your suspension by using your elbows and knees to bear some of the impact, and just go for it. Make speed your friend.”
Essential kit
For downhill racing, you need a specific bike with eight inches of suspension travel front and back, and decent disk brakes. Try: Rocky Mountain Vertex 30 2010, RS 93,990; wiggle.co.uk.
Rallying call
“Mountain biking caters for all fitness levels – use the gears to make it as hard or as easy as you like,” says Beaumont. “You can have the toughest workouts ever, or you can just enjoy the amazing scenery and take in the world around you.”
From the August 2010 issue of FHM India.
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