Is Mountain Biking An Extreme Sport?
Trying to pigeonhole mountain biking as a specific type of sport can be tricky. Off-road terrain varies all over the world; some of it is mellow, while other terrain is steep, techy, and gnarly. So, is mountain biking an extreme sport?
In this post, I’ll go into the details to answer the question: is mountain biking an extreme sport?
What Is An Extreme Sport?
When you think of an extreme sport, you imagine skydivers, base jumpers, skiers, and snowboarders. These people defy gravity, traveling at high speeds, risking life and limb. In a nutshell, an extreme sport is dangerous and exciting, so mountain biking can genuinely fall into this category.
The Various Danger Levels Of Mountain Biking
There are several mountain biking disciplines, all with unique characteristics. Some are more dangerous than others depending on the environment you do them in and their style.
Red Bull Rampage
If anyone asks you, “Is mountain biking an extreme sport?” get them to check out Red Bull Rampage on YouTube. You don’t get much more extreme in competitive mountain biking than Red Bull Rampage. Rampage is an invite-only mountain bike competition held in a remote desert. Riders spend a few days alongside digging crews to carve out the most gnarly course down a dusty, rocky mountain to show their creativity and skills in the most extreme environment.
Each rider is interviewed at the end of their run, and almost all of them say, “I’m just glad to get down.”
Downhill Mountain Biking
Downhill mountain biking races attract the biggest crowds. One by one, racers take on a steep, technical downhill course featuring rocks, roots, and impossible-looking jumps. The fastest rider wins.
Downhill mountain bikes are specially designed for going fast over very rough terrain as fast as possible. These rugged bikes have lots of suspension travel, and their gears are optimized for downhill acceleration.
World Cup downhill mountain bike races happen worldwide throughout the summer and are great to attend. But the most challenging downhill race has to be Red Bull Hardline.
Dan Atherton has designed the Hardline course to be as extreme as possible. The jumps are ridiculously huge, and riders have to commit 100% just to get down it alive.
You don’t have to be a racer to enjoy downhill mountain biking. There are some great bike parks with trails accessed by ski lifts. The trails are graded like ski runs so you can ride trails suitable for your ability.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some pretty gnarly trails open to the public, and some are used for World Cup races. So, if you have the skills, you can get a taste of what the pros experience.
Enduro Mountain Biking
Enduro mountain bike races blend big alpine climbs and challenging descents. The speeds may not be as high as downhill racing, but enduro racers face the same risks. The difference is that they start their descent after tiring themselves out on the climb.
Enduro bikes are tough, and their designs balance climbing prowess and downhill capabilities.
Trail Mountain Biking
Trail bikes are the most versatile of all the mountain bikes. Their designs allow you to ride singletrack, mild bike park trails, and pretty much anywhere that isn’t too steep and technical.
It is for these reasons that trail bikes are the most popular. The terrain these bikes are designed for means the extreme dial is turned down a bit for most people. However, there will always be someone riding a trail bike like an enduro.
Cross-Country Mountain Biking
Cross-country mountain bikes are for riding long distances over relatively mild terrain. Therefore, cross-country riding is not considered to be too extreme; that is, until you see a cross-country race.
World Cup cross-country races are extreme because the courses are long with technical sections. The bikes have very little suspension travel or are hardtails to make them more efficient to pedal. The downside is that it makes rough terrain more challenging to ride; therefore, the riders need to be more skillful to cope with rocks, roots, and drops.
Dirt Jumping And Slopestyle
The danger level increases when you’re high above the ground, spinning through the air. Therefore, dirt jumpers and slopestyle riders are considered to be extreme.
Dirt jumping is similar to freestyle snowboarding. Riders hit a big ramp, perform an impressive trick, and are judged on a few criteria. Slopestyle mountain bikers do similar tricks but on a set course featuring jumps, boardwalks, drops, and whatever the course designer thinks would be cool.
Mountain Biking Doesn't Have To Be Extreme Or Scary
Riding a mountain bike through a forest with your kids or along a canal path is not extreme. It’s an excellent way to exercise, clear your head, and get fresh air. The danger level increases with speed and altitude, but this shouldn’t put you off mountain biking, as there are ways to manage risk.
Ride Within Your Abilities
We become better riders when we push ourselves. That goes for fitness and technical skills. The more you ride, the better you will become, making you feel more comfortable pushing yourself.
There’s a point when your abilities make you want to ride further and on more technical trails. You’ll find yourself jumping higher, riding faster, and looking for steeper terrain. This is when you need to use your judgment to dial it back or take more risks.
Wear Protection
One of the best ways to manage risk is wearing appropriate mountain bike protection. I have written many blogs on what protection to wear when mountain biking, but a good mountain bike helmet is essential. Wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and body armor adds more safety and confidence.
Take Lessons
I wish I’d taken more mountain bike lessons when I started riding. I would be a much better rider than I am now. A good mountain bike coach breaks everything down to basics, ensuring you have the fundamental skills to take onto the trails. You can build on these skills with more coaching or practice, allowing you to shred harder and have more fun while being safer.
Is Mountain Biking An Extreme Sport? - Answered!
Mountain biking is an extreme sport, and the speed and danger make it fun and rewarding. However, mountain biking is as dangerous as you want it to be. Avoid attempting big Alpine terrain and big jumps if you want a less extreme experience.
Remember to ride within your abilities and wear the appropriate protection.
