There is actually quite a lengthy and complex history behind mountain biking and whether you are an avid mountain biker yourself or not, it is very important to learn about mountain biking history, so that you are simply more informed in general. Particularly if you are a biker however, you want to know about mountain biking history, because it can really help you to improve your biking skills.
Mountain Biking History
The history of mountain biking really begins in the mid-70s, when the sort of bicycling was actually beginning to develop and become popular. The culture in San Francisco was considered as being the high point of town in terms of biking at this point in time, and there were a few people in particular who made their presence in mountain biking noticeable during this time, people which became known as the pioneers of mountain biking.
The Pioneers of Mountain Biking
It was in the year of 1976 when Gary Fisher, a bicycle racer, and his partner Carles Kelly, along with Joe Breeze and Tom Ritchey, worked to organize and steadily increase the overall amount of races that were held at the 3 mile long Cascade Fire Trail near Fairfax. These people in particular were considered as being real pioneers in mountain biking history, as they were a few of the people who truly made mountain biking what it is today.
The continuous history of the mountain bike itself is most evident in Northern California, as there are a few areas that claim to be the first ever mountain bike community, but in fact every history book will lead you to Marin County. Mountain bikes differ from road racing bicycles in several ways, and they have evolved drastically since the time that they were first introduced in mountain biking history.
For one, they have a much smaller and stronger frame, knobby, wider and higher profile tires, which are mounted up onto a rim that is stronger than a standard bicycle rim. This is because mountain bikes are designed for much rougher terrain, and so they are able to go places that regular bicycles cannot.
The history of mountain biking is incredibly interested and packed full of information, and it is certainly surprising to learn just how long mountain biking has actually been around for and how much it has evolved over time, starting off small and now being considered as being one of the most popular and participated in sports of our time.