Mountain Biking

Bicycles have been ridden off-road since their invention. However, the modern sport of mountain biking primarily originated in the 1970's. Some guys, particularly in the USA, modified their bikes and adapted them to off-road riding. Other riders were copying their friends with motorcycles to be able to ride on trails.
Mountain bikes are particularly designed for riding over uneven and rough terrain. Large, wide tires ensure for better traction in slippery conditions. Additional suspension on front and rear is becoming a more common feature. An also larger frame tubing, to increase durability, makes these bicycles heavier than the road-touring bicycle.
Whether mountain biking is done as a sport, or as a recreational activity, it requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance. Biking can be done almost anywhere, from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails in the countryside, or trails that wind through forests, mountains, deserts, or fields.
Mountain Biking is certainly suitable for everyone, regardless of background biking proficiency and age. Some of the most appealing things about this activity are that you can participate at relatively low cost, and that you can start off slowly.

Styles of Biking; Types of Bikes

Your choice of bike will depend upon what kind of riding you will be doing and your personal desires. You can find bikes in many different price ranges, shapes, and styles, which makes it somewhat overwhelming to find the right one for you.
Mountain biking is roughly broken down into four categories:
Cross-Country (or XC) biking is the most familiar style and has the maximum number of followers. It includes ascents and descents on different terrains. (Cross-Country racing competitions are different from cross-country biking). A typical XC bike weighs some 20-30 lbs and it has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.
Freeride is another popular type of biking. It restricts the biker with no specific rules. Freeride bikes are often assembled by the rider from a preferred selection of parts for convenience and style. Usually these bikes are heavier, weighing between 30 and 40 lbs and come generally with ample suspension on the front and rear.
Downhill, as the name suggests, involves riding mountain bikes downhill. It is generally associated with racing-oriented downhill riding and does not require the rider to pedal up the hill. The bikers along with their bikes are transported up the hill with the help of a truck or ski-lift. To downhill is indeed challenging, including jumps, drops and navigating other obstacles. Tough mentality, physical strength, swiftness and mounted heavy bikes weighing some 40-50 lbs make you eligible for these races.
Trials riding, involves hopping and jumping over obstacles with your bike. It demands great sense of balance and control. Riders make use of special bikes, often with lower fitted frames. Usually these bikes are light in weight and don't have much suspension.
There are other categories, classifications and styles of riding available, depending how much you want to specialize yourself.

Safety Tips when going on a Ride

Ride with a group You should not be going alone on long biking trips. The importance of riding with a group cannot be stressed enough. A group makes riding fun and enjoyable. It is also your first line of defense in case you get into an accident while in the trail.
Bad things can happen outdoors and help can be miles away. Make sure that there are people around you who can call for help in case you need immediate medical aid.
Leave your itineraries to a friend or a family member, where you are going and expected time of return, so that if you do not return as expected, they can contact authorities.
Use the right bike Not all mountain bikes are the same. Some are better for certain terrain and weather conditions than others. Make sure that your bike is designed for that particular trail.
Wear proper gear Keeping your butt on the seat, your feet on the pedals, and your hands on the handlebar is not always possible. You may crash and may suffer minor cuts and bruises along the way. To minimize injury, you have to wear the proper gears. Wear the right helmet whenever you go for a ride, it can save your head from possible injury if you crash. Wear gloves, they will protect your hands from cuts and blisters if you fall. Additional elbow & knee-protection is also good to have.
Ride within your abilities Admit it, there are better riders than you and there is no shame in walking and carrying your bike on some sections of the trail if you don't feel comfortable riding. You don't have to prove anything. It is better to be safe than risking your life and limb on a trail that you know you can't ride. It is also equally important to know your physical fitness. Pushing yourself beyond your physical capacity may get your into trouble. Do not ride on a long and steep trail of you don't have the physical capability.
There is no better way to invite a disaster than by doing crazy things while on the trail. Never attempt to cross a cliff if you think you can't do it. Do not cross a river if you know you can't.
Always have a crash plan Any trail can be a venue for disaster so aside from keeping control with your bike, you need to plan your crash. It doesn't mean you are deliberately going to crash, but you should have a mental simulation on the possible scenario and the things you should do to protect yourself if in case you lose control. Never underestimate any type of trail. Sometimes, what looks so easy to ride is actually deadly to crash.
Know the trail Any mountain biker will agree that knowledge of the trail is better than years of experience. Do not push your limits on an unfamiliar trail. Get to know it first. And even then, you have to take the outmost care.
Keep your speed in check The faster you go, the least time you have to react on unforeseen changes in the trail's condition. Sharp bends, a ditch or muddy holes are venues for crashes and can only be dealt properly with the right speed. It will only take a split second of negligence for an accident to happen. Stay focused all the time. Walk and carry your bike if you can't ride. Take extra caution when riding downhill and on blind curves. Do not accelerate when approaching sharp curves and uneven terrain.
Mountain biking is almost similar with driving a car. The only thing that sets them apart is that when you ride your bike you will likely get a wipe out if you lose control. You will most likely get an encounter with a rock, sand or mud, which can be nasty. Be careful. Slow down.
Keep hydrated Working your muscles for a prolonged period of time produces sweat. Make sure that you replace the lost body fluids by re-hydrating regularly. Smaller and frequent sips are better than gulping the whole content of your water bottle at once. Do not wait until you are thirsty, especially when riding on cold weather conditions. Cold weather suppresses thirst, so follow similar hydration practice. Water is still the best liquid to drink while biking. Energy drinks are also good.
Travel Light During mountain biking trips, it is really not advisable to carry a large bag on your back. Not only it tires you fast, it also reduces your balance while riding. Bring the things that are only necessary for the trip such as first aid kit, tire repair kit, multi-tool kit, enough food and water, and some clothes. Do not forget to bring a cellular phone, it can be your saving grace in case something bad happens.
Watch out for change in weather Summer storms can happen instantly and they are often accompanied by high winds and heavy shower. If you are caught at the wrong place, you may be in big trouble. Stay away from lone trees or rocks during lightning storm. Get off ridges before the rain starts. Stay together with your fellow bikers. If you sense that the rain is coming, set up a makeshift shelter on high grounds.
Keep your attitude in check Having a good bike and wearing complete gear do not equate to total safety. Stay focused at all times.
         Be safety-conscious and enjoy your ride.