Why forests are a Mountain Biker’s Paradise
Explore Scenic Trails, Diverse Terrain, and Year-Round Adventures.
There are many reasons why someone that enjoys mountain biking would like to go biking to a forest, from a variety of trails, to the specific terrain it provides, the accessibility of it, or even just for fun events with friends and family. Let’s dive a little more about why going mountain biking in a forest is so amazing.
1. Scenic Trails & Trail Variety
The forest can effectively bring a sense of peace when you first arrive, from the quietness that it brings, it’s calming wind sounds, the nurturing pine trees and or it’s blue skies painted with all sorts of cloud figures that frees the mind and imagination.
As a mountain biker myself, what I find in the forest the most interesting is its varying terrains to enjoy. From long grassy meadows to the shady trails under and in between trees; to the technical punchy climbs with roots and rocks to the flowing and rocky descends. Then again you would also find any combination of the above mentioned. All of these factors contribute to keeping you in the NOW, using your wits and skills to avoid a fall or to go off trail but most importantly to bring you the thrill and emotion that only a mountain bike ride provides.
Mountain biking tends to have that “x” factor, the unknown of what you can encounter; the sharp corner, the big boulder to avoid, the unavoidable jump, the steep downhill, or the sneaky pine cone in the middle of the trail. There’s never a downtime in nature because you never know what you’ll find in the middle of the trail.
Forests can also provide a variety of mix trails, from beginner-friendly to challenging routes packed with all kinds of obstacles. The important thing is that you always have options, there is usually a line “b” you can take. Also, there is no shame in taking a walk here and there since safety is above all things.
2. Year-Round Accessibility
This might be a little difficult depending where you live and which forest you visits. For obvious reasons winter will not be the most suitable time to go mountain biking in a forest if the forest you visit receives several inches of snow, however, most forest will have a spring, summer and fall; which gives you 3/4 seasons to enjoy the great outdoors. Always follow the national forest’s restrictions when it comes to safety and always let someone know where you’ll be and when you’ll be.
Mild climates make it ideal to riding in all seasons.
3. Unique Ecosystem
For those of us that do not live near a forest, mountain biking in the forest provides a very unique landscape. Something that is not closely related to your local trails. Perhaps you’ll see and bike around lakes, or arid landscapes, and you are sure to see different plants and animals that are not part of your local fauna.
If you go through a trail that offers altitude as part of the route, you more than likely will see a variety of ecosystems depending on the altitude that you bike through. Trees will change, dirt and soil might too, as well as plants and animals. All these transitions make it even more memorable of a ride because you get to experience a bit of everything.
4. Community and Friends
One of the most fun factors for mountain biking is the social part. Biking with friends away from your local trails brings a different level of camaraderie that everyone can enjoy and participate in. Everyone has something to say right? Yes, sure, but at the same time everyone gets to pitch in something they saw, something they did or something that would make it more fun for the whole group to experience, thus enhancing the time together.
Mountain biking with friends is also a safety thing, the more the merrier goes the saying; and in that way everyone can keep an eye out for everyone else so that the group ride can be safe for all. Still let someone you trust know where and when you’ll be biking, that should be a standard safety for everyone that goes into the mountain to enjoy nature, or any trail away from your home for that matter.
Conclusion
Mountain biking in a forest offers an unparalleled experience for enthusiasts, combining a variety of trails, unique terrain, and year-round accessibility. Forests provide serene scenic beauty, from the calming rustle of pine trees to the thrill of navigating technical climbs, flowing descents, and unexpected obstacles. The diversity of trails caters to all skill levels, ensuring every ride is both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, forests often showcase unique ecosystems, with changes in altitude revealing varied landscapes, plants, and wildlife, making each ride memorable. Beyond the ride itself, mountain biking fosters camaraderie, as group adventures enhance the fun and ensure safety. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline, nature’s tranquility, or shared moments with friends, forest trails deliver it all.
