Are You a Mountain Biker? Here’s How to Find Out!

Can you brave the mountain?

Depending on your level of experience with cycling, you might have noticed that you’ve developed a bit of a “biker’s personality.” No, I’m not talking about buying a Harley, a leather jacket, and getting tattoo. Instead, many of those who have started using a bicycle on a regular basis have developed a certain temperament. There are the casual cyclists who just like to use the bicycle as an easy-on-the-joints way to get in shape, and there are the more serious cyclists who track their time, distance, and outings.

Then, there’s a whole other level of biking – mountain biking. For people who are serious about their cycling and want to use it both to get into shape and to challenge themselves mentally, mountain biking is a great option. But how do you know whether or not you have what it takes to be a mountain biker? Here are a few quick questions to tell you just that.

-How much do you love bicycles?

Be honest here. Do you just grab an old bike that you bought at a garage sale for ten dollars and ride it around every now and then, or have you made some serious bike purchases before? Your level of commitment can be revealed simply by asking yourself these simple questions – either you love bikes or you don’t. Those who loves bikes are more likely to become successful mountain bikers.

-What sounds more enticing: the exercise routine of trails and predetermined routes, or the unused trails of the outdoors?

You can guess where I’m going with this one. Many people find that predetermined routes – which let them know their exact time and mileage – can be greatly beneficial for their health and for their self-discipline. But it’s not for everybody. If you like a little more unpredictability, challenge, and even adventure, you might have the makings of a mountain biker.

-Are you already known as a cyclist?

If you pursue enough outdoor activities, eventually, people take notice, and your reputation starts to get formed. That which you are most inclined towards will tend to make up your reputation. In other words, if you love to run, you’ll most likely get the reputation of a runner after a while. If you dabble as a cyclist but still have the reputation of the neighborhood jogger, mountain biking might not be “your thing” – unless you want to make it that way.

Ultimately, whether or not you’re a mountain biker is up to you – you simply have to make the commitment, put in the time, and find ways to really enjoy the outdoors, the fresh air, and the exercise. If that sounds good to you, maybe a mountain bike wouldn’t be such a bad investment.

Photo Credits: Peter Macdonald Photo

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Originally posted 2009-03-30 05:53:59.

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