MOUNTAIN BIKING NEAR ME
So, you’re ready to go mountain biking and ready to take it on as an adventure, but how do you figure out where to go?! We’ve put together a list of ways to find mountain biking near you!
Here is the method that we use when riding new mountain bike trails.
The best way is to visit a local bike shop and get information and then confirm those details online by finding your local trail building and maintenance organization or using one of the trail finding apps.
Ask a friend that mountain bikes and find out what your best options are for finding mountain biking trails and other mountain biking tips. But, make sure you use other sources of data to validate your friend’s recommendations. We’re not questioning your friendship but an ”easy trail” for your friend or colleague that has been mountain biking for 15 years may not be so easy for you as a beginner or the ”obvious right turn at the big rock” may not be so obvious.
MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS NEAR ME
There are a number of great apps to use to find and choose mountain biking trails and systems. Here are some of our favorites:
Singletracks.com is not only one of the top mountain biking blogs, it’s one of the best resources for finding mountain biking trails. While you’re there, you’ll want to subscribe to them as you’ll get lots of mountain biking inspiration, how-to guides, product reviews, and more. They also have their own trail finding app that you can use as well.
TrailForks.com is probably the most downloaded app as it provides in-depth trail information. You can download the trails and get offline data when you’re out riding to make sure that you never get lost. Like Singletracks and other apps, the data is an open-source database that provides information from fellow riders that have ”been there ridden that” and gets verified by admins for accuracy.
MTBProject.com is one the oldest mountain bike route and trail finding app and works very similarly to Trailforks. We have all 3 of these apps downloaded and have offline maps downloaded when we are finding new mountain biking near us.
Strava is a fitness app that also has the ability to search segments close to you which you can use to find trail networks, although this isn’t our preferred way.
With all of these apps, it is important to have the trail downloaded for offline use before you head out. It’s easy to lose signal in the mountains and you can’t just ‘Ask Siri’ for the quickest way back to your car.
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING TOWNS
See our “best of” compilation of our favorite mountain bike towns in the U.S. Some are well-known destinations, others are barely on the radar – but we feel they are all very worthy of the title. Is your favorite mountain bike destination on the list?
To recap, here are the best steps for finding mountain biking near you.
- Ask a local shop and/or friends or online community like MTBReddit
- Research online by searching for MTB groups.
- Download the right apps and the trail before you head out.
- Check out our list of favorite mountain biking towns.
Some best practices when riding new trails:
- Let someone know where you are riding and when you plan on finishing
- Give yourself extra time, in case you get lost
- Download an offline map on your phone
- Carry a paper map if possible
- Ensure you have ample supplies for your ride and that you’re fully self-reliant
MOUNTAIN BIKING GEAR
Finding the right gear for mountain biking is easy! TripOutside features the best local shops for mountain bike gear rental, trips and tours. Whether you are looking to demo a brand new model before buying, or you are taking a trip to a renowned destination like Moab or Sedona, TripOutside has the gear you need for your mountain biking adventure in over 50 top biking destinations.
TYPES OF MOUNTAIN BIKES
There are so many different types and categories of mountain bikes. Here is a couple of the most popular.
HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS
Hardtail mountain bikes have suspension only in the front. They are great for climbing mountains, since they are light and efficient. They work well for both cross country and trail riding.
FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS
- Cross Country Mountain Bikes – the fastest and lightest of the full-suspension mountain bikes. These bikes are made to go as fast as possible and for long distances.
- Trail Mountain Bikes – The trail mountain bikes have more suspension (aka travel), thicker tires, and slacker geometry than the cross country bikes. They can handle a larger variety of trail as they can still pedal efficiently uphill.
- All Mountain / Enduro Mountain Bikes – are perfect for shuttle assisted rides like the Porcupine Rim in Moab or the Downieville Classic. If you are going to be riding ‘mostly’ downhill but may still have uphill sections or if you’re planning an Enduro style ride where you climb all the uphill first and then plan on a long downhill run, this is the bike for you. They have more suspension, even bigger tires, and brakes, slacker geometry than the trail bikes but can still climb uphill unlike the downhill bikes.
- Downhill Mountain Bikes – for lift-assisted or shuttle-assisted downhill rides that have big drops, steep downhills, lots of roots and rocks and not much climbing uphill.
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS
- Electric Mountain Bikes – there are many categories of E-bikes, some are pedal assist and some have a throttle. There are restrictions by trail on where e-bikes can be ridden so it is best to check with your bike rental shop to see which trails you are allowed to go on.
WHAT TO BRING MOUNTAIN BIKING
ESSENTIAL MOUNTAIN BIKING GEAR
- Bike
- Helmet
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Hydration pack and/or water bottle
HELPFUL ITEMS TO PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Compass
- Bike lock
- Tail light & Headlight
- Whistle
- Protection pads
- GPS
- Rain jacket
- Wind jacket
- Insulated jacket
- Arm and leg warmers
WHAT TO WEAR MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Cycling jersey
- Mountain bike shoes compatible with your bike’s pedal
- Comfortable padded shorts under some durable mountain bike shorts
- Cycling socks
- Biking gloves
MUST-HAVE REPAIR TOOLS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Patch kit
- Tire levers
- Extra tubes
- Handy pump
- Allen wrenches
OPTIONAL REPAIR TOOLS
- Pressure gauge
- Inflator
- Replacement chain
- Lubricant
- Brake cables
- 6” adjustable wrench
HELPFUL PERSONAL ITEMS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
- ID
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Map
- Food/Snacks
- Camera
- Cash
- Phone
- Permits as necessary
- Lip balm
