Discover mountain biking

If you're new to biking and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you've come to the right place. Today, we're offering you a look at mountain biking.

What is mountain biking?

The Mountain Bike Hiking is accessible to everyone, without any level condition. It is not for nothing that it is the most widespread practice of mountain biking. It is similar to hiking with the difference that you will need a mountain bike - in good working order - to practice it.

Mountain biking, while still a sporting activity that strains your muscles, is fully leisure oriented. The goal is therefore to have fun and combine sport and relaxation with a sporty activity in the middle of nature that allows you to discover new landscapes at each outing.
Here, no competition: it is you who chooses where you want to go and the pace at which you want to ride. So it's a great way to discover mountain biking if you've never done it or don't have the soul of a great sportsman.

Where and how to practice mountain biking?

Mountain biking can be practiced alone, with family, friends or in a club. There are very numerous marked trails throughout France divided by level:

• Green (very easy; short and generally accessible to children);
• Blue (easy; a bit longer: usually up to 20 kilometers);
• Red (difficult; longer than 20 kilometers and with technical sections or a high positive elevation gain);
• Black (very difficult; long circuits of more than 35 kilometers with steep slopes and/or technical passages. Reserved for experienced mountain bikers).

These mountain bike circuits are notably listed on the website of the FFC (French Cycling Federation) or in tourist offices. Then, to follow them, you will just have to pay attention to the markings on your way.
Among all these circuits, there are several itineraries of itinerant hiking across France and which cross several regions as the great crossing of the Massif Central, the Jura or the paths of the Sun for example.

Many mountain bike clubs organize randos VTT on weekends in different regions of France. This can be an opportunity for mountain bikers to discover new routes, new regions and therefore new landscapes compared to those where they are used to riding during the year.
These events are friendly gatherings between cycling enthusiasts and can also be an opportunity to make great encounters. In addition, they are generally accessible to a wide audience thanks to the different route proposals.

What equipment for mountain biking?

Mountain biking can be done with a classic mountain bike or an electrically assisted mountain bike. In order to decide between one or the other model, you can eventually test them. Indeed, in many tourist areas and especially near the departures of marked circuits, stores rent mountain bikes and electrically assisted mountain bikes by the half-day or the day for hiking. Before investing in a particular type of bike, it is ideal to know which one is best for you.
For hiking, the most common models are trail bikes but depending on your playground, you can also opt for a cross-country bike or an all mountain bike.

To set off safely, you will of course need a helmet suitable for mountain biking, as well as gloves (short or long) to protect your hands in case of a fall.
To ensure maximum comfort, you are also advised to buy mountain bike shorts with built-in foam or mountain bike undershorts to put on underneath shorts. The comfort it will give you will not be negligible after several kilometers. You can also complete your outfit with a cycling jersey designed to wick away sweat faster than a regular t-shirt.
Finally, don't forget the shoes. If you opt for pedals with cleats, you'll definitely need mountain bike shoes that are compatible with these cleats (SPD or MTB usually). If you opt for flat pedals, you can use your regular athletic shoes.
To protect your eyes from various splashes (gravel, dust, etc.), remember to also bring a pair of cycling glasses.

Now that you know all about mountain biking, how about doing the same with other mountain biking disciplines such as downhill, marathon downhill, enduro mountain biking, all mountain biking, cross country, cross-country marathon, freeride, four cross, dual slalom, dirt mountain biking, street mountain biking, trials mountain biking, or slopestyle?