Sport Explorations: Mountain Biking
-- Anna Middleton
“I thought I was in shape,” I panted ruefully as I stood beside my bike, leaning heavily on the handlebars and gazing at yet another towering dirt hill ahead of me. “I’ve been biking all summer, almost every day.”
But I had been skimming smooth roads and paved trails—I hadn’t been mountain biking.
“Fall is cool and comfortable with dry conditions and is typically the best season for bikes,” writes Steve Johnson in Mountain Biking Minnesota.
I agree with him. Forget peddling through clouds of mosquitoes and getting soaked to the bone with sweat during the humid summer months. Autumn biking is simply nice in so many ways, so I guess it seemed natural to wait for fall to try mountain biking for the first time. My adventure had started earlier that afternoon when I strapped my old bike onto the car and headed out to Hillside Park in Elk River. After plunking my four dollars into the drop box for a day pass, I clambered onto my antique machine and eagerly set off down the narrow path leading into the woods. Sunlight filtered through the green leaves and the change of seasons was in the air. Hillside Park contains over seven miles of challenging, twisting singletrack. The dirt trail winds back and forth, climbing up wooded hills and dropping down rough inclines. I clung to my handlebars until my hands began to ache as my bike bucked and bounced over rocks and roots.
Twigs and other woodland flotsam crackled and snapped under my worn tires as I sped along. The bike itself jingled and creaked under the unaccustomed exercise. “This elderly bike is going to be a mass of twisted metal and spokes by the end,” I thought during particularly rough stretches, and once or twice I dismounted just to save my bike’s life. Of course, once or twice I dismounted to save my own life. Staring over the edge of a rocky downhill plunge, for instance, I couldn’t help but notice that there was nothing to give my wheels traction—the path down there became thick sand before turning sharply. I could clearly envision my balding tires spinning out, my body flying violently into the tree trunks and boulders at the bottom. I walked down that particular hill.
Speed can be dangerous, but speed can also be fun, I realized. Racing through the forest was truly exhilarating. Dodging the trees became agame. The very roughness of the ride madeitadventurous and entertaining. The trail-makers at Hillside Park also devised ways to make the ride interesting. Among other features, the path contains rustic jumps, a boardwalk bridge, a waterfall of rocks and a giant see-saw that bikers can ride over. It really is a fun trail.
Here are just a few more great mountain-biking trails in Minnesota:
- Elm Creek Park Reserve
Hennepin County’s largest park offers four miles of dirt and grass trails for mountain bikes. It’s a great beginner’s loop and surrounded by lots of wildlife. While you’re there, enjoy the nature center. - Battle Creek Regional Park
This St. Paul park sports many different choices of rolling, rollicking trails through thick woods. The trail is a hard-packed single track with steep downhills and sharp turns. Watch out for deer! - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Not far from Duluth, this 7-9 mile trail gives great views of the spectacular shoreline and glimpses of the famous lighthouse. After crossing the highway, the path becomes a grassy ski/hike/bike trail. “Talk about the most gorgeous fall ride! Breathtaking,” say Mark and Lana Smith on the site Trails.com. - Bloomington Ferry Trail
This 13-mile singletrack provides a long, challenging ride by the river as well as some beautiful views of the valley. “I love this trail, as it was my mountain-biking playground,” says one reviewer on Trails.com. “One of the best and worst things about the trail is the EVIL FERRY OF DOOM. … Besides befouling one’s hands with the mucky rope and making shorter riders get wet feet while attempting to embark and disembark in the dryer seasons, it also has more subtle hidden dangers.” For instance, some riders have gotten stuck in the middle or lost their bikes in the water. If you want to put yourself to the test, however, this may be the path for you to follow.
Tips
“Keep in mind that some hunting seasons may also overlap the riding season,” writes Johnson. “If you’re riding in an area with bullets flying, don’t wear your moose antler bike helmet. Wear blaze orange and check with the Department of Natural Resources for specific hunting dates.” Here is more great advice from his book:
- Make sure your bike is clean and in good working condition.
- Wear a helmet. It can save your life!
- Cycling gloves are good for protecting your hands from cuts, branches, etc.
- Bring at least one full water bottle. Some fruit or an energy bar is another good idea.
- Dress for the weather. This might also mean wearing sunscreen and/or bug repellent.
- Consider taking a small tool kit with a bike pump and tube patch kit.
- Be respectful of the environment and other people’s property.
- Ride only on designated trails.
Where to Learn
Books
Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack. This is a detailed, easy-to-read guide for learning all aspects of the sport, from beginner instruction to advanced tricks.
Mountain Biking Minnesota by Steve Johnson. This guide contains maps, photos and detailed information on more than 60 great rides in our state. Plus, it has some good general information about mountain biking.
Sites
Check out this site for info on where to buy gear, bikes and more: www.mountainbikingonline.com
Here is a resource for trail info: www.morcmtb.org
If you’re serious about this sport, check out the “Mountain Bike Capital of the World” in Wisconsin: www.cable4fun.com/bike.htm