Choosing a trail
Start with easy trails and progress as your skills andexperience increase. Warning: A trail that an experienced mountain biker considers easy is usually still difficult for a beginner.
Dirt roads: Start here. They are wide and open with moderate grades and few bumps. You can ride on a dirt surface without having to worry about rapid braking and gear changing. Find dirt roads in state forests, on the urban fringe and in rural areas.
Doubletrack: These are ATV trails or old jeep trails now closed to motorized vehicles. They demand increased concentration and bike handling while still being wide enough to navigate comfortably. Get practice choosing the path of least resistance, or up the challenge by purposefully riding over obstacles such as small logs or rocky ledges.
Singletrack: Think hiking trails. Some are designed and built for mountain biking with easier grades and corners than hiking trails. Although riding singletrack is considered the main attraction for mountain bikers, it is usually not the best place for a beginner to build skills.
Urban bike parks: Indoors or out, urban bike parks are designed specifically for mountain bikers to hone their skills in a small space.
SOURCE: REI, the store that sells outdoor gear and sporting goods
Adventure, nature and an awesome workout — mountain biking offers all that and more.
Whether it’s been a rough day at the office or in the classroom, a night on the trail — with beautiful scenery, some serious leg pumping and significant sweating — might well improve your outlook as well as your fitness level.
And while you might be hard-pressed to find many mountains nearby, the Dayton area does have an ideal location for mountain biking enthusiasts of all ability levels to get their ride on — MoMBA, the MetroParks Mountain Bike Area, at Huffman MetroPark.
MoMBA features the area’s first fully sustainable trail system designed to International Mountain Biking Association standards, specifically for mountain bike use. The area features varied terrain and natural assets, including beautiful hardwoods, a rock-bottom creek, hills and a rock-filled ridge. The more than 8 miles of trails include areas that are ideal for beginners as well as more challenging sections for experienced riders.
No mountain bike? No problem
Even if you have never climbed onto a mountain bike, much less owned one, there are Five Rivers MetroParks programs for you.
The upcoming Try Mountain Biking event (Sept. 4) is one such program. A variety of mountain bikes and, even, helmets will be provided free of charge to participants of all ages.
“It’s a great opportunity to try out several different bikes before you invest in one of your own,” said Angie Sheldon, MetroParks outdoor recreation manager. “There will also be staff on hand to help fit people to the bikes and offer tips and advice.”
Getting started
While many people are comfortable on a typical road bike, navigating a mountain bike trail might take a bit of practice.
“Knowing when to shift gears takes a little time,” Sheldon said. “And you also need to learn to handle the terrain.”
With the variety of trails at MoMBA, beginners can pace themselves or, even, hop off and walk their bike over a challenging portion.
“You really can go at your own pace and, once you get better, you can go through the trails faster,” she said.
Several local retailers will also be on-hand at the family-friendly Try Mountain Biking event. And if you work up an appetite, a food truck will also be onsite.
Mountain biking programs
Unless otherwise noted all programs are held at MoMBA, Huffman MetroPark, 4485 Union School House Road. For more information, call 937-277-4374 or go online to www.metroparks.org.
Try Mountain Biking
When: Sept. 4, 4-7 p.m.
What: If not owning a bike is keeping you from trying mountain biking, head to MoMBA and borrow a bike to ride for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth riders, under 18, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Helmets are mandatory and provided with bike.
Registration: Requested, walk-ins welcome. Open to all ages
Cost: Free
MoMBA Trail Work Days
When: Sept. 20, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-noon
What: Learn about sustainable trail building while helping maintain the mountain bike trails at MoMBA. No experience is necessary; tools are provided. Volunteers bring work gloves and water. Youth 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Intro to Mountain Biking
Where: Five Rivers MetroParks office, 409 E. Monument Ave., third floor
When: Sept. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
What: This classroom-based program introduces students to the equipment and skills needed for a fun, enjoyable ride. Topics will include bike selection, ride preparation, trail riding, trail etiquette, and riding as a family. Intro to Mountain Biking is a prerequisite for Mountain Biking Basics.
Mountain Biking Basics
When: Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
What: After completing Intro to Mountain Biking, complete the practical training at MoMBA. Teaching and practice will include bike balance, braking and shifting, falling, and front/rear wheel lift as well as reading a map and route finding. After practicing the techniques there will be a trail ride.
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