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MOUNTAIN BIKING

Human beings have made use of the wheel since ancient times. The invention of the wheel not only brought about a revolution in the realm of transportation but also gave rise to a number of sporting activities. Through the centuries, the wheel remained a faithful companion of man in both war and peace.hree- and four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages became popular mode of transport during the medieval period. Though horse-drawn carriages could transport a number of people from one place to another, there was a need to create a vehicle, which could be powered by human muscle and was easy to handle. The first "bicycle" was invented in the early years of the 19th century; however, it was nothing more than a "wooden horse". This strange-looking two-wheeled vehicle was also referred to as celeriferes and velociferes. The rider had to sit on the "wooden horse" and push his feet backward along the ground, to propel the vehicle forward. In the process of moving forward, the rider had to keep his balance. In 1817, Baron Karl von Drais built a model with a handlebar attached to the front wheel. The handlebar helped the rider to maintain balance, without having to touch the ground too often.

Between 1817 and 1900 a number of developments like steel tubes, ball bearings, stable handlebars, pedals, chain, wire spokes, pneumatic tires, etc., improved the bike. At the beginning of the 20th century, bicycles became lighter, faster, comfortable and easier to handle. The low cost of maintenance made bicycle the most popular means of transport in the world. Bicycles were also used in great numbers during the World War II. In the course of time, people not only used bicycles for transportation but also for sporting activities, which included short- and long-distance races. Better and lighter models of bicycles were made for traversing hilly countryside and steep mountain roads. The sport of mountain biking has gained a lot of popularity amongst adventure seekers in countries having hilly tracts and mountain ranges.India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. It also has some of the world's highest roads. Mountain biking amongst the majestic backdrop of the great Himalayan ranges is an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Mountain biking in the foothills and hillocks across the countryside is relatively easier and less demanding than biking on high altitudes. The level of difficulty generally rises with increase in altitude.However, apart from the altitude, a number of factors determine the level of difficulty of a particular trail: distance to be covered, obstacles faced, inhospitable stretches, steep inclines, forest tracts, etc.Short-distance trails can be covered in a day or two, while long-distance trails can be covered in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. Long-distance trails usually take you through different terrain and test your physical and mental endurance level to the limits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: If you are interested in enjoying the thrills offered by biking in the midst of high mountain ranges, you must be physically fit, as mountain biking is a high endurance activity. There is no special or prescribed physical requirement for a person interested in taking up the sport of mountain biking but expectant mothers and people suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems must stay away from it. Even if you are physically fit for embarking on a mountain biking trail, make sure that you are acclimatized to the local climatic conditions before starting.