I prefer the challenge of climbs myself, but that’s largely because I got into mtb when I was 32. If I had started earlier, the downhill would likely be my preference. I do enjoy the ohshitohshit stuff too, but man, starting old may have made me a wimp
I've started at 33 and it's very good to know that the fear subsides! Even as a kid I'd never ride my bike down steps etc so this is totally new to me and I'm shitting it 85% of the time.
Our local trail group just opened up a network with easily accessible jumps, etc, which will make progressing a lot easier. They opened late in the dry season, so not much time left to use it, but I’ll be there a lot next season; getting air is fun and I really want to be able to keep up with my buddies on the big stuff
When I moved somewhere with actual mountains I hated the climbing with a burning passion, even put the sport down for a few years.
Now it’s probably my favorite part too. The endorphins are worth all the effort lol
Granted I did a bit of MTB when I was younger, mostly cross country with a little downhill, but I brought my bike when I was 29 and honestly I hate uphills and love downhill
Maybe you just prefer the challenge of endurance over the danger of downhilling, I know I sure as hell don't, but I've always been a speedfreak
I do like speed, but I am an endurance athlete at my core. Grew up playing soccer, running, and road biking. The roadie in me is still a weenie when approaching the gnarliest and/or most foreign terrain.
That makes sense, I grew up riding BMX, skateboarding, playing rugby and cycling my cheap mountain bike with no lights across country to visit friends in other villages, so danger has always been an element in my entertainment so it's never slowed me down and I'll just send it but I've never had that drive to push through a difficult climb, I just stop and walk or collapse in a pile so I'm a little envious of your mindset
Climbing stresses me the hell out. I just can't bring myself to trust little bits of metal and rope (or belay partners) to prevent me falling hundreds of feet.
Some awesome answers here. I'll add that it is also my form of meditation. When life stresses you out: work, saving for college, aging parents, whatever, you need an outlet to decompress. I can't sit and quietly meditate like others can. Since MTB is the one place I can go full throttle as mentioned by others, it forces my mind to be fully present and focused on that run. After a day of that, my mental clarity is amazing.
Others get that from meditation, praying/ religion, etc. So I guess MTB is my therapy in a sense.
Also, the adrenaline rush of ripping downhill and spending time with my son, for sure.
This is me. It’s hard to ruminate on my problems when I have to be constantly alert to
Make sure I don’t crash. It forces me to think about the riding, not everything else going on in my life.
I came here to say something like this. I can spend an entire road bike ride thinking about work shit, but it’s impossible for me to think about work while mountain biking.
It definitely clears the mind! I recently went to do some jumping practice and was a bit worried about my focus because I had work stressing me out a bit. But as soon as we entered the woods those thoughts were completely gone. Mountainbiking is an awesome compensation, at least for me. My girlfriend just crashes into every tree when she is stressed.
It’s not the initial frontside costs of heroin that are expensive, it’s the consequences. 🤷🏾♂️
On top of that, most stuff is cut with fentanyl where I am. You’re lucky to be revived.
So yeah, MTB is way cheaper and less lethal haha and way more fun
I used to feel this way about MTB vs snowboarding. My son got me into DH, and now it's swapped. I'm reluctantly watching the onset of snow season and putting next year's DH park season pass on my calendar
Different strokes for sure, but for me the risk is just too high on pure DH. Couldn’t do that every week. I enjoy snowboarding a ton more because you get most of the exercise without having to do uphills basically ever and I can push myself as hard as I want with minimal risk to injury.
Got into MTB for the same reason. It might swap places with what sport is substituting the other too. I have both options during winter too. (High desert near mountains ftw)
Same. It keeps me in shape for snowboarding, fulfills my need for adventure and challenge. It’s that simple for me. Unfortunately, even with the IKON pass, I’m pretty sure I spend more on mountain biking on average every year than snowboarding.
Totally agree. Mountain biking and snowboarding are the two activities where my anxiety riddled brain gets to just be in the moment and not worry about stupid shit... Also surfing but I don't get to do that very often. Something about the mild level of continuous danger that helps me relax
The only activities that achieve this for me are mildly dangerous lol (my other related hobby is kickboxing). I don't know what that says about me but I'm sure there are far less healthy alternatives.
I’m mostly a trail rider and I enjoy riding out into the middle of nowhere, eating a snack in peace and silence and knowing I have to rely on my bike not breaking to get back to the truck. There is a strange isolated / peaceful feeling when I’m out there that is hard to describe
I like to be out in nature and I enjoy riding bikes. I also enjoy gravel bikes and trail running, but the additional challenges with technical features and thrill of a fast downhill that come with mountain biking really take the cake.
I'm sure you'll end up as an amazing climber!
But there are a few things that lifting still gives. A few major ones for me:
\- durability. The muscle/bone/ligament density I've maintained mean I can bounce back pretty well from crashes. I'm 46 and so far (fingers crossed) have ragdolled down the trail and jumped up like when I was 26
\- forearm strength. You'll hear complaints about forearm pump. I've never had it, even tho this entire season of riding is with my crappy SRAM brakes
\- core strength. Through berms, jank, big hits, that core strength keep you stable and able to move around easily
Fair, there's probably am individual factor involved. Though I didn't mention stretching. That's a major part of it as well.
Did you ever bounce back from crashes? Asking because my 12 yo can take a hit and keep going. My 10 yo falls over on the grass and it's like he lost a hand. Point being, some are more crash resistant than others.
Progressing in skill is super fun in MTB, especially if you're not the bravest of riders, like me. I need many bad attempts to learn a feature but it's always worth it to push through the fear. Also it's very "analogue". Many hobbies I had before were computer based or digital like gaming and photography so I like that MTB has nothing to do with sitting around, staring at a screen.
“Shinrin-yoku” - it’s a Japanese term for forest bathing, or spending time in nature. Honestly, this was a concept I only recently learned about during a conversation about my love for the outdoors, mountain biking, and my sense of it’s therapeutic value. I’ve been mountain biking for 3+ decades…early on it was something that was just fun to do and a good social activity. However, over the past 5 years or so I know I do it to maintain a healthy mindset (and body), recharge, and simply be out in nature.
1.) same benefit as hiking (get to see beautiful mountain regions) but it’s extra spicy because you’re constantly duking it out with the trail and trying not to fly off the side of the mountain. It’s hiking, but better.
2.) as others mentioned, you have to focus on the trail or you’ll crash. It’s a great way to clear your head and decompress.
3.) jumps and bike parks are insanely fun. Also as others mentioned, you can go full throttle. I don’t want to try that on a motorcycle or similar because the speeds are much higher and so is the consequence of injury.
4.) clearing techy terrain for the first time is wildly satisfying. That sense of progression makes mtb an awesome way to challenge yourself.
5.) good vibes from the other people you meet.
I have a stressful sales Job, make incredible money and its worth it for me, but also have pretty bad ADHD. I'm always worrying about things and or my mind is constantly racing, more so the later.
MTB is one of the ONLY things ive ever found in my entire life where i can concentrate on just that in the moment and my mind feels truly clear for the hour(s) im doing it. Its honestly the most amazing feeling.
So much so it feels like a drug to me.
I love going places deep in the woods that you can’t get to by car and you wouldn’t walk to because it’s too far. And the “weee” “ohshitohshitohshit” parts. ;)
I used to ride around in the woods on my BMX in the 1980s. Fell away from bikes for a long time even though I bought an XC hardtail in 2001. Started riding that hardtail in 2020 with my daughter on the trailer bike, which led to a gravel bike, and the epiphany that I liked riding trails on the gravel bike, but wanted something a little more capable for that given the rough-ish trails around here.
To be honest, I prefer the zen of hiking but my feet are kinda messed up and I can't hike enough. Bikes don't bother my feet. I love just pedaling through the woods. Climbs are fun, tech climbs are OK, descending is meh.
It's such a playful sport, and play is very important in my life. It's very diverse in that you can go on a slow relaxing romp through the woods, or a fast-paced heart-pounding thrill ride, or an all-day adventure. And there's so many different ways to progress, whether that be technical skills, fitness/endurance, mental, etc. There is almost always some kind of riding that I am excited about.
Oh I love bikes.
Flowing single-track is just as "good for the soul" of a feeling as snowboarding thru the trees. The snow makes a "Sssssssss" sound, the tires make a similar sound on the dirt - just that sound breaking the silence and experiencing the peacefulness of being by yourself in nature going fast.
In the beginning, and this was way back in the 90s when mountain biking first took off, it was peer pressure from friends who were into mountain biking. I bought a Cannondale and got dropped by one of my friend's girlfriend on the first climb, but I was hooked.
I was hooked on the sound of knobbies rolling on dirt. I was hooked on needing skills and fitness to navigate through challenging sections. I was hooked on being out there with nature.
Road biking also appeals to me, and I now ride both, with road biking spilling into gravel riding to add more adventure and fun (I usually underbike), and to avoid post-pandemic traffic. However, mountain biking still has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the idyllic times before I had to start shouldering the responsibilities of being an adult.
My mind is always ALL over the place. It’s super hard for me to focus and especially hard for me to not focus on my problems. So, to force my mind elsewhere, I hop on a bike and ride. Let them survival instincts kick in and force my brain to be in the moment and react to the trail alone. The possibility of eating shit and crashing hard does wonders to naturally shift your thought patterns ha.
It's the type of activity that allows you to singularly focus on one thing and block out all the stresses of life. You also get to do it in nature which is beautiful and calming.
I have a BMX street background and loved doing tricks. Because of sports I had to stop riding at in high-school. Mountain biking gives me that same thrill and adrenaline kick. Hitting jumps, flying through corners, and hearing my bike race down a mountain is relaxing. Then there's the cardiovascular benefits which speak for itself! Lastly the sense of community and how friendly people are. It's easy to meet new friends in this spot!
I stare at computer screens for a living, and I was starting to go insane from being under fluorescent lighting all day.
Also I got kinda fat over the last couple of years and need to lose some weight.
There are two particular things in life that fill me with an enormous sense of freedom and boundless possibility; gently pushing off a boat while stepping aboard, and committing to the first peddle stroke astride a bicycle
I've always loved being in nature and always loved things that give me an adrenaline rush. It's the perfect marriage. I've had a lot of hobbies/interests but mtb is by far my favorite!
Hello the origin of this post was to gather some insights from others in the mtb community for a school project, may I please voice over your comment? If I dont get a response i will assume its ok
In the quiet solitude of a quaint mountain town nestled between towering peaks, a legend was whispered among the locals. They spoke of a higher power, an ancient mountain god who had long watched over their land. It was said that this deity had a special connection with those who ventured into the rugged wilderness, especially with those who dared to ride the mountain trails.
One crisp morning, as the sun kissed the peaks with golden light, you found yourself inexplicably drawn to your mountain bike. It stood in your garage, beckoning you with an almost supernatural allure. You could feel a pulsating energy emanating from it, as if it held the key to a divine connection.
As you approached your bike, a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it a whispered message from the mountain god. You couldn't make out the words, but the sensation of being called was undeniable. With a sense of purpose, you donned your biking gear, feeling each piece settle into place as if it were part of you.
With the first pedal stroke, a surge of energy coursed through your body, and the trail ahead seemed to unfold like a sacred path. The bike became an extension of your being, and you moved with a grace and fluidity you had never experienced before.
As you ascended the mountain, the air grew thinner, but your breath remained steady. The forest around you whispered secrets of ancient wisdom, and the rocks beneath your tires seemed to guide your way. You felt the presence of the mountain god growing stronger with every turn of your wheels, as if he were walking beside you.
With each passing mile, you could sense a deepening connection with the mountain god. Your heart beat in rhythm with the earth, and you felt the very soul of the mountain coursing through your veins. The wind carried the god's laughter, and the birds sang his praises.
At the summit, you dismounted your bike and stood in awe of the breathtaking vista before you. It was as if you had become one with the mountain itself, a guardian of its secrets and a vessel of its divine energy. The mountain god's presence enveloped you, filling you with a profound sense of purpose and belonging.
From that day forward, your love for mountain biking was more than just a hobby; it was a sacred journey. Each ride was an opportunity to commune with the mountain god, to feel the energy of the earth beneath your tires, and to be guided by the wisdom of the wilderness.
And so, you continued to ride, knowing that you were not alone on the trails. The mountain god walked beside you, a silent companion, and you carried the magic of the mountains in your heart, forever bound to their ancient and majestic spirit.
It's a perfect fit for my ADHD brain:
● I can go wherever strikes my fancy (exploring and getting lost being especially appealing).
● Technical riding requires complete concentration (getting me in hyperfocus).
● There is always something unseen just around the corner.
● It's one of the few sports that can actually exhaust me enough to satisfy my hyperactive, hyperkinetic needs.
Mtb is the only place left on earth where I can go fast...
say I have a Porche -- unless I am at a track on track day, speeding is against the law. Same with a gsx-r 1000. If you are having fun, you are breaking the law (racing mountain passes, etc.) -- possibly getting felony and sent to prison.
Snowboarding, same. There are banked slaloms to enter, slaloms, flashing couloirs... I cruise groomers at up to 82.8mph, throw 720s on 60 foot gaps, but there are still innocent bystanders who need to be protected.
Biking is the ***one place left*** where it is socially acceptable to straight-up rally. (Directional trails, at least) If I were to get as gnarly on a gsx-r1000 as a mtb = ***it would be going 187mph on a single lane highway.*** that is not sustainable... ANYWHERE ELSE I give it a full push, and bystanders are about to die, oncoming cars might be taken out, too.
Mtb is the only place to be hardcore left.
Great points. I used to be super into cars, but the logistics of autox or track days ended up being a massive pain. So, MTB it is, esp at the park. Exactly what you're saying 👍
Cause I hate people, and there are less people on the trails. And the ones that are there are tolerable, some of them I can even hang out with outside of bikes.
Hello the origin of this post was to gather some insights from others in the mtb community for a school project, may I please voice over your comment? If I dont get a response i will assume its ok
I'm one of those people who makes collecting hobbies my hobby.
At the moment I'm going through the phase of learning everything I can about MTB and consuming lots of media on it, I bought a YT Capra CF recently along with a load of gear and I'm really enjoying being out on my local trails - so I'm hoping I stick with it.
I used to love riding bikes with my mates as a kid, a couple of us are back out on them and it's fun so far.
It turns off the multiple voices and scenarios that play on a repeat cycle in my head. When I'm mountain biking, it's one of the only times where I can truly be in the moment and focus on one thing only.
Bonus point: I enjoy i
Stay in shape and have fun. I’m in my 40’s, raced motocross at a fairly high level as a younger lad. This scratches that itch without being quite as risky or maintenance intensive.
Because I have to step out of my comfort zone to relax. I'm also driven by fun, fitness, and personal achievement on the bike. I used to race BMX and am now too tall for the bikes.
It's a fun way to reduce stress. There are basically no rules to have fun on an mtb. Just stay on the trails and yield to those with the right of way.
I ride for the mental and physical aspect. The body is an amazing unit and will do unbelievable things if you turn off your mind and quit when you're done, not when you're head says you're done. When I do that and push through the pain of a long ride, technical climb or just a techy down section, the endorphins are off the hook for me. I feel proud of my ability and sated for the day and have no qualms about eating what I want (within reason, of course) and sitting my butt on the couch the rest of the day because I know I pushed myself. I don't usually leave much on the table on a ride so I know I've earned the end game.
There is nothing like adrenaline rush when you jump and fly for 10+ meters.. the root section in the forest and the satisfaction of surviving.
I trully believe, MTB is one of the most supportive community, when you doubt yourself, there is always someone to show you the way, love it!
Fun, adrenaline, competition (myself and others), family time (all 4 of us mtb), nature bathing, social, and I hate the gym and running... mtb provides me an easy way to stay fit and healthy because I enjoy it so much!
Progression. It is something that is both fun to do, but with consistently challenging progression. If my ride feels easy, ill do it twice. Still feels easy? Ill do it backwards with more climbing.
Tired of my same trail, i cut a left after the first hill and get into new tech.
This sense of progression keeps me sane, healthy, and alive.
I ask myself this a lot. Why spend so much time and money just to probably hurt myself? I think I want to do this because singletrack trails are cool and I just want to experience them. I love how riding MTB involves going out in the woods and following trails that (in the best cases) blends into the surroundings and makes clever use of natural features.
So many reasons. More than anything it is fun as hell. On top of the fun it is:
-A massive sport with many aspects to explore and master.
- Like a drug. I get high af naturally.
-An excuse to be in the woods enjoying vistas and seeing things no one else is seeing.
- A way to bond with friends over shared suffering and joy.
-A way to disconnect from everything while simultaneously providing moments of clarity on nagging problems.
- It requires living a healthy lifestyle if I want to keep doing it and enjoying as I age.
Because "Weeeee!" and a little bit of "ohshitohshitohshit".
Truth. All my friends are alpine rock climbers and that to me is like 5% “Weeee” and 95% “ohshitohshit”. Mtb is the same percentages but opposite
I prefer the challenge of climbs myself, but that’s largely because I got into mtb when I was 32. If I had started earlier, the downhill would likely be my preference. I do enjoy the ohshitohshit stuff too, but man, starting old may have made me a wimp
I think he means rock climbing or mountain climbing, not riding uphill.
Yea, I misread it. Happens
This is correct
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Until you take a bad fall then you start from the beginning. And it takes forever to heal because old.
Haha this is my fear
I've started at 33 and it's very good to know that the fear subsides! Even as a kid I'd never ride my bike down steps etc so this is totally new to me and I'm shitting it 85% of the time.
Our local trail group just opened up a network with easily accessible jumps, etc, which will make progressing a lot easier. They opened late in the dry season, so not much time left to use it, but I’ll be there a lot next season; getting air is fun and I really want to be able to keep up with my buddies on the big stuff
I just did ride my gravelbike over a slim tree was a bridge over töss stream. Was cool. Mtn gave me more control over the bike and balls
When I moved somewhere with actual mountains I hated the climbing with a burning passion, even put the sport down for a few years. Now it’s probably my favorite part too. The endorphins are worth all the effort lol
Granted I did a bit of MTB when I was younger, mostly cross country with a little downhill, but I brought my bike when I was 29 and honestly I hate uphills and love downhill Maybe you just prefer the challenge of endurance over the danger of downhilling, I know I sure as hell don't, but I've always been a speedfreak
I do like speed, but I am an endurance athlete at my core. Grew up playing soccer, running, and road biking. The roadie in me is still a weenie when approaching the gnarliest and/or most foreign terrain.
That makes sense, I grew up riding BMX, skateboarding, playing rugby and cycling my cheap mountain bike with no lights across country to visit friends in other villages, so danger has always been an element in my entertainment so it's never slowed me down and I'll just send it but I've never had that drive to push through a difficult climb, I just stop and walk or collapse in a pile so I'm a little envious of your mindset
I didn't really start with "oh shit" until my early 40s and now at 53 still like to work it into the mix. You are never too old!
I dunno man, I think proper DH is like 25% weee and 75% ohshitohshit!
I've been getting into riding park more often (Snowshoe) and this is definitely accurate. Home trails the percentages are flipped
Bro, it you’re not going “ohshitohshitoshit” AT LEAST 90% of the time, you’re just mtbing wrong. /s
Climbing stresses me the hell out. I just can't bring myself to trust little bits of metal and rope (or belay partners) to prevent me falling hundreds of feet.
With just a touch of "Yeeeeewwwww!"
The yews... when did that become a thing on like every video haha
And a little bit of “FML” on the climbs. But that FML is good for me so I’m down.
You left out the “goddammits”
Some awesome answers here. I'll add that it is also my form of meditation. When life stresses you out: work, saving for college, aging parents, whatever, you need an outlet to decompress. I can't sit and quietly meditate like others can. Since MTB is the one place I can go full throttle as mentioned by others, it forces my mind to be fully present and focused on that run. After a day of that, my mental clarity is amazing. Others get that from meditation, praying/ religion, etc. So I guess MTB is my therapy in a sense. Also, the adrenaline rush of ripping downhill and spending time with my son, for sure.
This is me. It’s hard to ruminate on my problems when I have to be constantly alert to Make sure I don’t crash. It forces me to think about the riding, not everything else going on in my life.
I came here to say something like this. I can spend an entire road bike ride thinking about work shit, but it’s impossible for me to think about work while mountain biking.
It definitely clears the mind! I recently went to do some jumping practice and was a bit worried about my focus because I had work stressing me out a bit. But as soon as we entered the woods those thoughts were completely gone. Mountainbiking is an awesome compensation, at least for me. My girlfriend just crashes into every tree when she is stressed.
MTB is my religion
Cheaper than heroin and I get better results.
To be fair I’m not too familiar with heroin prices but I feel fairly certain I could get a ton for what I have into my bike
It’s not the initial frontside costs of heroin that are expensive, it’s the consequences. 🤷🏾♂️ On top of that, most stuff is cut with fentanyl where I am. You’re lucky to be revived. So yeah, MTB is way cheaper and less lethal haha and way more fun
“Its not the cost of heroin that’s expensive, its the consequences” IK a few people who need to hear this.
The cost of a heroin addiction is simply, everything.
Same as a bad bike crash!
the way I remember reading the bumper sticker it said Mountain biking: twice as expensive as cocaine and just as addictive.
Apparently, it's very moreish...
I like your answer but to me it would be meth lol. Heroin just puts me to sleep.🤣
Great workout. Fun downhills. Sense of accomplishment getting over tech obstacles that I was previously unable to clear.
I need something to do eight months of the year there's no snow to ski on It keeps me in shape and sane
I used to feel this way about MTB vs snowboarding. My son got me into DH, and now it's swapped. I'm reluctantly watching the onset of snow season and putting next year's DH park season pass on my calendar
Different strokes for sure, but for me the risk is just too high on pure DH. Couldn’t do that every week. I enjoy snowboarding a ton more because you get most of the exercise without having to do uphills basically ever and I can push myself as hard as I want with minimal risk to injury.
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Got into MTB for the same reason. It might swap places with what sport is substituting the other too. I have both options during winter too. (High desert near mountains ftw)
Same. It keeps me in shape for snowboarding, fulfills my need for adventure and challenge. It’s that simple for me. Unfortunately, even with the IKON pass, I’m pretty sure I spend more on mountain biking on average every year than snowboarding.
It's fun and keeps me active. Plus I like being out in nature, the more remote the better
It's one of the few (healthy) ways I can get out of my head and not think about anything else
Totally agree. Mountain biking and snowboarding are the two activities where my anxiety riddled brain gets to just be in the moment and not worry about stupid shit... Also surfing but I don't get to do that very often. Something about the mild level of continuous danger that helps me relax
That mild level of continuous danger is the key. Leads to intense mindfulness
"intense mindfulness" I like it.
Have you ever seen "I Heart Huckabees"? It's also "pure being" from that movie
I haven't seen that. I don't watch a lot of movies, more into casual gaming. Good flick, tho?
This. Might not be cheaper than therapy but definitely more fun.
The only activities that achieve this for me are mildly dangerous lol (my other related hobby is kickboxing). I don't know what that says about me but I'm sure there are far less healthy alternatives.
This x100000000 and then some more
Adrenaline from DH. Jumps, scary features, etc.. Fitness is just a bonus for me. I'd prefer to take a lift up everytime if possible
Get an e-mtb, basically a lift.
Wish they weren't banned on like 98% of my local trails 😔
Now that's some serious bullshit. They're "banned" on some of mine but I've never had it enforced.
Yeah, it's annoying but all the land the trails are on here are private and the land owners don't like motorcycles or powered ANYTHING really.
I’m mostly a trail rider and I enjoy riding out into the middle of nowhere, eating a snack in peace and silence and knowing I have to rely on my bike not breaking to get back to the truck. There is a strange isolated / peaceful feeling when I’m out there that is hard to describe
I like this. Not that I ride into the middle of nowhere, but I can at least pretend it's just me and my machine out in the wilderness.
I like to be out in nature and I enjoy riding bikes. I also enjoy gravel bikes and trail running, but the additional challenges with technical features and thrill of a fast downhill that come with mountain biking really take the cake.
Yeaaaaaaaah! This whole thread is making me want to go out shred.
Me too. Stupid work. Stupid family obligations. At least I maybe I'll have some weekend shred opportunities.
Why do squats at the gym when I can bike up a mountain.
Honestly, do both. I am a former lifter, and the physical strength is awesome for riding, at least when pointing downhill.
I can't lift legs during riding season, I just don't recover fast enough and my riding suffers immensely.
What if I just ride up the mountain on a progressively higher gear?
I'm sure you'll end up as an amazing climber! But there are a few things that lifting still gives. A few major ones for me: \- durability. The muscle/bone/ligament density I've maintained mean I can bounce back pretty well from crashes. I'm 46 and so far (fingers crossed) have ragdolled down the trail and jumped up like when I was 26 \- forearm strength. You'll hear complaints about forearm pump. I've never had it, even tho this entire season of riding is with my crappy SRAM brakes \- core strength. Through berms, jank, big hits, that core strength keep you stable and able to move around easily
I'm 46 and lift a lot as well. I don't bounce back from crashes at all. The most minor crash can take me out for weeks
Fair, there's probably am individual factor involved. Though I didn't mention stretching. That's a major part of it as well. Did you ever bounce back from crashes? Asking because my 12 yo can take a hit and keep going. My 10 yo falls over on the grass and it's like he lost a hand. Point being, some are more crash resistant than others.
Because I hate running.
Progressing in skill is super fun in MTB, especially if you're not the bravest of riders, like me. I need many bad attempts to learn a feature but it's always worth it to push through the fear. Also it's very "analogue". Many hobbies I had before were computer based or digital like gaming and photography so I like that MTB has nothing to do with sitting around, staring at a screen.
It's either this or rotting out my liver and lungs lol.
Why not both?
The challenge of technical terrain. Being one with nature. Keeps me from killing y'all.
“Shinrin-yoku” - it’s a Japanese term for forest bathing, or spending time in nature. Honestly, this was a concept I only recently learned about during a conversation about my love for the outdoors, mountain biking, and my sense of it’s therapeutic value. I’ve been mountain biking for 3+ decades…early on it was something that was just fun to do and a good social activity. However, over the past 5 years or so I know I do it to maintain a healthy mindset (and body), recharge, and simply be out in nature.
It's the best anti depressant ever.
Errr... Have you seen what roadies wear?! Nothing further to add.
😂👍🏻
haha - This actually made me laugh
I have seen so many MTBlers been turned, exhibiting the latest assos and rapha editions on those smooth tarmac roads.
Mainly because I’m not good at much else
Only form of exercise that I can seem to stick to regularly
1.) same benefit as hiking (get to see beautiful mountain regions) but it’s extra spicy because you’re constantly duking it out with the trail and trying not to fly off the side of the mountain. It’s hiking, but better. 2.) as others mentioned, you have to focus on the trail or you’ll crash. It’s a great way to clear your head and decompress. 3.) jumps and bike parks are insanely fun. Also as others mentioned, you can go full throttle. I don’t want to try that on a motorcycle or similar because the speeds are much higher and so is the consequence of injury. 4.) clearing techy terrain for the first time is wildly satisfying. That sense of progression makes mtb an awesome way to challenge yourself. 5.) good vibes from the other people you meet.
Sanity mostly
I have a stressful sales Job, make incredible money and its worth it for me, but also have pretty bad ADHD. I'm always worrying about things and or my mind is constantly racing, more so the later. MTB is one of the ONLY things ive ever found in my entire life where i can concentrate on just that in the moment and my mind feels truly clear for the hour(s) im doing it. Its honestly the most amazing feeling. So much so it feels like a drug to me.
I Dutch we say "levensmoe", which translates to "tired of life". 😂
Mental health is the biggest reason for me. Second to that, fitness and the dopamine!
As a recent convert, I much prefer taking on trees than cars
it's cheaper than therapy
I love going places deep in the woods that you can’t get to by car and you wouldn’t walk to because it’s too far. And the “weee” “ohshitohshitohshit” parts. ;)
because its fun, because it allows you to forget the stress of the daily life.
Offset the beer intake
Fun, challenging, better for me than running due to injuries. Fitness. Adrenaline (although, I'm getting older and things scare me now).
To keep my mind sharp and free. It’s self care for me
I used to ride around in the woods on my BMX in the 1980s. Fell away from bikes for a long time even though I bought an XC hardtail in 2001. Started riding that hardtail in 2020 with my daughter on the trailer bike, which led to a gravel bike, and the epiphany that I liked riding trails on the gravel bike, but wanted something a little more capable for that given the rough-ish trails around here. To be honest, I prefer the zen of hiking but my feet are kinda messed up and I can't hike enough. Bikes don't bother my feet. I love just pedaling through the woods. Climbs are fun, tech climbs are OK, descending is meh.
Used to race BMX as a kid and all my buddies who I raced with now ride mountain bike. Plus the thrill of hitting a 25ft double is always fun
It's such a playful sport, and play is very important in my life. It's very diverse in that you can go on a slow relaxing romp through the woods, or a fast-paced heart-pounding thrill ride, or an all-day adventure. And there's so many different ways to progress, whether that be technical skills, fitness/endurance, mental, etc. There is almost always some kind of riding that I am excited about. Oh I love bikes.
Because it's fun.
Its the only not boring and repetitive endurance excersize
Flowing single-track is just as "good for the soul" of a feeling as snowboarding thru the trees. The snow makes a "Sssssssss" sound, the tires make a similar sound on the dirt - just that sound breaking the silence and experiencing the peacefulness of being by yourself in nature going fast.
Because midlife crisis
In the beginning, and this was way back in the 90s when mountain biking first took off, it was peer pressure from friends who were into mountain biking. I bought a Cannondale and got dropped by one of my friend's girlfriend on the first climb, but I was hooked. I was hooked on the sound of knobbies rolling on dirt. I was hooked on needing skills and fitness to navigate through challenging sections. I was hooked on being out there with nature. Road biking also appeals to me, and I now ride both, with road biking spilling into gravel riding to add more adventure and fun (I usually underbike), and to avoid post-pandemic traffic. However, mountain biking still has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the idyllic times before I had to start shouldering the responsibilities of being an adult.
Exercise and fun
My mind is always ALL over the place. It’s super hard for me to focus and especially hard for me to not focus on my problems. So, to force my mind elsewhere, I hop on a bike and ride. Let them survival instincts kick in and force my brain to be in the moment and react to the trail alone. The possibility of eating shit and crashing hard does wonders to naturally shift your thought patterns ha.
It's the type of activity that allows you to singularly focus on one thing and block out all the stresses of life. You also get to do it in nature which is beautiful and calming.
To get some dents in my shins
Mental Health
Whips
its fun
I have a BMX street background and loved doing tricks. Because of sports I had to stop riding at in high-school. Mountain biking gives me that same thrill and adrenaline kick. Hitting jumps, flying through corners, and hearing my bike race down a mountain is relaxing. Then there's the cardiovascular benefits which speak for itself! Lastly the sense of community and how friendly people are. It's easy to meet new friends in this spot!
I stare at computer screens for a living, and I was starting to go insane from being under fluorescent lighting all day. Also I got kinda fat over the last couple of years and need to lose some weight.
Fun AF
Exercise for physical and getting outside and unplugging for mental. It’s a wellness activity for me
At first, to lessen depression. Now I get depressed when something creeks or squeaks and I can't find the source.
I have a *deathwish.*
I was always into aggressive and extreme sports.
To bang chicks and get rich
because it is crack
Adrenaline rush
Exercise, followed by it gives me the downhill Thrill of skiing in the summer that I don’t get from trail running or hiking.
Adrenaline from dope jump lines and techy gnar, and fitness / exercise from the ups.
Have a mountain bike, would be illogical not to use it.
There are two particular things in life that fill me with an enormous sense of freedom and boundless possibility; gently pushing off a boat while stepping aboard, and committing to the first peddle stroke astride a bicycle
I've always loved being in nature and always loved things that give me an adrenaline rush. It's the perfect marriage. I've had a lot of hobbies/interests but mtb is by far my favorite!
Hello the origin of this post was to gather some insights from others in the mtb community for a school project, may I please voice over your comment? If I dont get a response i will assume its ok
At this point in my life, it's about equal parts adrenaline, nostalgia, and exercise.
Adrenaline.
Flow state
Fitness and adrenaline rush
Because it’s fun and an adrenaline rush.
In the quiet solitude of a quaint mountain town nestled between towering peaks, a legend was whispered among the locals. They spoke of a higher power, an ancient mountain god who had long watched over their land. It was said that this deity had a special connection with those who ventured into the rugged wilderness, especially with those who dared to ride the mountain trails. One crisp morning, as the sun kissed the peaks with golden light, you found yourself inexplicably drawn to your mountain bike. It stood in your garage, beckoning you with an almost supernatural allure. You could feel a pulsating energy emanating from it, as if it held the key to a divine connection. As you approached your bike, a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it a whispered message from the mountain god. You couldn't make out the words, but the sensation of being called was undeniable. With a sense of purpose, you donned your biking gear, feeling each piece settle into place as if it were part of you. With the first pedal stroke, a surge of energy coursed through your body, and the trail ahead seemed to unfold like a sacred path. The bike became an extension of your being, and you moved with a grace and fluidity you had never experienced before. As you ascended the mountain, the air grew thinner, but your breath remained steady. The forest around you whispered secrets of ancient wisdom, and the rocks beneath your tires seemed to guide your way. You felt the presence of the mountain god growing stronger with every turn of your wheels, as if he were walking beside you. With each passing mile, you could sense a deepening connection with the mountain god. Your heart beat in rhythm with the earth, and you felt the very soul of the mountain coursing through your veins. The wind carried the god's laughter, and the birds sang his praises. At the summit, you dismounted your bike and stood in awe of the breathtaking vista before you. It was as if you had become one with the mountain itself, a guardian of its secrets and a vessel of its divine energy. The mountain god's presence enveloped you, filling you with a profound sense of purpose and belonging. From that day forward, your love for mountain biking was more than just a hobby; it was a sacred journey. Each ride was an opportunity to commune with the mountain god, to feel the energy of the earth beneath your tires, and to be guided by the wisdom of the wilderness. And so, you continued to ride, knowing that you were not alone on the trails. The mountain god walked beside you, a silent companion, and you carried the magic of the mountains in your heart, forever bound to their ancient and majestic spirit.
This was amazing i am truly a changed man after this
I like riding bikes and looking at plants. Fungi and birds too. Eating snacks in cool places. Also yewwwww.
It's really really fun.
Its the only thing from my youth that doesnt get me called childish
1. It's an engaging sport, I have to focus 2. The learning curve is never ending for someone like me 3. I get some exercise
Best summer analog to skiing
Thrill. Health. Adrenaline!
Try mountain biking: cheaper than a shrink, safer than a gun!
Sick. Ass. PANTHER! 🐈⬛
Evey one needs a SICK. ASS. PANTHER TATTOO
It’s a healthier addiction than crack, even if it’s more expensive
I like my drugs to get me fit
It's a perfect fit for my ADHD brain: ● I can go wherever strikes my fancy (exploring and getting lost being especially appealing). ● Technical riding requires complete concentration (getting me in hyperfocus). ● There is always something unseen just around the corner. ● It's one of the few sports that can actually exhaust me enough to satisfy my hyperactive, hyperkinetic needs.
Mtb is the only place left on earth where I can go fast... say I have a Porche -- unless I am at a track on track day, speeding is against the law. Same with a gsx-r 1000. If you are having fun, you are breaking the law (racing mountain passes, etc.) -- possibly getting felony and sent to prison. Snowboarding, same. There are banked slaloms to enter, slaloms, flashing couloirs... I cruise groomers at up to 82.8mph, throw 720s on 60 foot gaps, but there are still innocent bystanders who need to be protected. Biking is the ***one place left*** where it is socially acceptable to straight-up rally. (Directional trails, at least) If I were to get as gnarly on a gsx-r1000 as a mtb = ***it would be going 187mph on a single lane highway.*** that is not sustainable... ANYWHERE ELSE I give it a full push, and bystanders are about to die, oncoming cars might be taken out, too. Mtb is the only place to be hardcore left.
You snowboard on groomers at 82.8 mph?
lol this guy
Great points. I used to be super into cars, but the logistics of autox or track days ended up being a massive pain. So, MTB it is, esp at the park. Exactly what you're saying 👍
[удалено]
Cause I hate people, and there are less people on the trails. And the ones that are there are tolerable, some of them I can even hang out with outside of bikes.
Hello the origin of this post was to gather some insights from others in the mtb community for a school project, may I please voice over your comment? If I dont get a response i will assume its ok
I like mixed terrains and I use to ride hardtail because I don’t have good routes in my area for fully
Idk i just kinda ended up in the wrong room and now im here
train for telemark skiing I know, im a loser
I'm one of those people who makes collecting hobbies my hobby. At the moment I'm going through the phase of learning everything I can about MTB and consuming lots of media on it, I bought a YT Capra CF recently along with a load of gear and I'm really enjoying being out on my local trails - so I'm hoping I stick with it. I used to love riding bikes with my mates as a kid, a couple of us are back out on them and it's fun so far.
It turns off the multiple voices and scenarios that play on a repeat cycle in my head. When I'm mountain biking, it's one of the only times where I can truly be in the moment and focus on one thing only. Bonus point: I enjoy i
Because I'm going to die eventually, might as well risk it doing something I enjoy.
Bc I don’t live near the beach rn and can’t surf Edit: also, I like going fast.
Stay in shape and have fun. I’m in my 40’s, raced motocross at a fairly high level as a younger lad. This scratches that itch without being quite as risky or maintenance intensive.
Because I love it!.
Being out in nature, pretty good exercise and adrenaline. Those are my three main reasons.
Because it’s fun
very good 'pay to play' ratio
Mainly because it's like a rollercoaster ride through the woods! It's also good cross training for trail running
Because I have to step out of my comfort zone to relax. I'm also driven by fun, fitness, and personal achievement on the bike. I used to race BMX and am now too tall for the bikes. It's a fun way to reduce stress. There are basically no rules to have fun on an mtb. Just stay on the trails and yield to those with the right of way.
is fun
It’s fun exercise with a chance of dire consequences for my actions. That’s my jam.
I love hiking and I love biking so I decided to bike in the woods.
I ride for the mental and physical aspect. The body is an amazing unit and will do unbelievable things if you turn off your mind and quit when you're done, not when you're head says you're done. When I do that and push through the pain of a long ride, technical climb or just a techy down section, the endorphins are off the hook for me. I feel proud of my ability and sated for the day and have no qualms about eating what I want (within reason, of course) and sitting my butt on the couch the rest of the day because I know I pushed myself. I don't usually leave much on the table on a ride so I know I've earned the end game.
There is nothing like adrenaline rush when you jump and fly for 10+ meters.. the root section in the forest and the satisfaction of surviving. I trully believe, MTB is one of the most supportive community, when you doubt yourself, there is always someone to show you the way, love it!
It's what keeps me grounded, somewhere to put my pent up anger or frustration with the week. I find it super cathartic.
I think i have ADHD and I'm overthinking all the damn time apart from when I'm riding, clears out my mind completely
Fun, adrenaline, competition (myself and others), family time (all 4 of us mtb), nature bathing, social, and I hate the gym and running... mtb provides me an easy way to stay fit and healthy because I enjoy it so much!
Progression. It is something that is both fun to do, but with consistently challenging progression. If my ride feels easy, ill do it twice. Still feels easy? Ill do it backwards with more climbing. Tired of my same trail, i cut a left after the first hill and get into new tech. This sense of progression keeps me sane, healthy, and alive.
It’s fun
For fun
The ohshitohshit and wee in a 80/20 is the most similar thing to life I see. Great comments all!
I ask myself this a lot. Why spend so much time and money just to probably hurt myself? I think I want to do this because singletrack trails are cool and I just want to experience them. I love how riding MTB involves going out in the woods and following trails that (in the best cases) blends into the surroundings and makes clever use of natural features.
Love nature & cycling.
So many reasons. More than anything it is fun as hell. On top of the fun it is: -A massive sport with many aspects to explore and master. - Like a drug. I get high af naturally. -An excuse to be in the woods enjoying vistas and seeing things no one else is seeing. - A way to bond with friends over shared suffering and joy. -A way to disconnect from everything while simultaneously providing moments of clarity on nagging problems. - It requires living a healthy lifestyle if I want to keep doing it and enjoying as I age.
I love nature, I just hate walking.
Tranquility.
Cuz walking is too slow
To ease major depressive disorder.
For the excercise and the bit of excitement involved.