By Amanda Wilks
Image Source: Unsplash.com
Mountain biking is a thrilling off-road sport that combines adrenaline, physical exercise and the beauty of wild nature. It’s a perfect sport for thrill-seeking nature lovers because it allows you to go off the beaten path into rough terrain while at the same time enjoying some beautiful scenery. It can be the adventure of a lifetime and a physical challenge all in one.
How to Prepare for a Mountain Biking Trip
To prepare for your adventure, start training in advance. The important thing is to train both your legs and upper body while at the same time building up your endurance. Mountain biking is a very physically demanding activity, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge.
When you’re ready to rock, the next step is to get your gear. A full suspension mountain bike and safety equipment such as a sturdy helmet, pads, gloves and eye protection are mandatory for a secure ride.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to choose your destination. There are plenty of beautiful mountain biking destinations out there, so make sure that you pick the best option for both your skill level and landscape desires.
The Best Destinations
According to the International Mountain Bicycling Association, or IMBA for short, mountain biking is a very popular sport, especially in the United States of America. In fact, about 40 million Americans partake in this activity each year.
But it’s no surprise that mountain biking trips are particularly enjoyed on American land, considering that the States have some beautiful destinations for an unforgettable biking adventure. Here are the five most stunning landscapes.
1. Grand Canyon North Rim
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The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is the perfect destination for a summer mountain bike adventure. Beginning with the month of May, the snow melts away and the Canyon turns into one of the most spectacular attractions in the US. Furthermore, its mountain bike paths are excellent, and the scenery is breathtaking.
A lot of agencies offer both four and five-day tours of the Grand Canyon North Rim. The mountain biking trails here are perfect for an intermediate level biker.
2. Death Valley & Red Rock
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When most other mountain biking trails in North America are covered with a thick layer of snow, the Mojave Desert is the hottest spot. The renowned Death Valley along with Red Rock Canyon make for great mountain biking trails from February to April when the temperature is just right. And for a late autumn session, the heat dies back down around October.
To successfully complete the Death Valley and Red Rock mountain bike trail and enjoy your trip to the maximum, beginner and intermediate level bikers should avoid this trail. If you’re a courageous intermediate you could still give it a go, but be careful. The paths here are harder than those at the Grand Canyon, but just by a hair.
3. Colorado Rockies
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North America’s Colorado Rocky Mountains make for a perfect higher difficulty mountain biking adventure. The best place for the trip is in the San Juan Mountain Rage, lovingly dubbed “America’s Alps” by mountain bike enthusiasts.
The Rockies are perfect for biking during mid to late summer when the weather is kind and mild. Thus, mountain biking adventure trips in this area usually take place during July and August.
4. White Rim
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Perfect for a courageous beginner, Utah’s White Rim Trail is perfect for an early spring mountain biking adventure. In fact, the White Rim Trail is good to go all spring, from March to May. And if you start missing it by next autumn, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s perfect for biking trips during the months of September and October as well.
A great number of mountain bikers visit the White Rim Trail in the Canyonlands every year. In fact, it has become a sort of pilgrimage site for them due to the colorful desert scenery, perfect weather and relaxing, yet thrilling paths.
5. The Maze
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The Maze section of the Canyonlands National Park is very remote and rather inaccessible, meaning that biking its paths will make for an unforgettable experience. However, getting to this section of the park is very tricky, which means that you will require expert guidance.
Agencies that organize mountain bike tours offer a variety of tours in this area. The ride begins at the top of the Orange Cliffs and it’s very exciting, offering the possibility to enter and visit The Maze’s stunning and wildly remote canyons.
Furthermore, these tours also provide a full day of hiking in the middle of The Maze during which you will get the chance to admire a unique view of all the landscape, so it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
Have Fun on Your Adventure
After you’ve prepared for your adventure thoroughly and chose the best destination for you, it’s time to get going. Remember to have fun on your mountain biking trip and make some great memories!
Amanda Wilks
Author Bio: Amanda Wilks is a passionate writer, veteran MTBer, and sports activist. Her passion for mountain biking dates back to her childhood when she would join her dad every weekend for a quick ride uphill. Now, Amanda is constantly looking for new and exciting mountain biking destinations and she never misses a trail. Find out more about Amanda on Twitter.
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