Dispelling `danger' myth

Mountain biking is not a difficult or dangerous sport when it is approached with adequate preparation.

For Leo Griffin, director of mountain biking for the Spokane Mountaineers, mountain biking is ideal for anyone looking for a healthy escape.

"I'm a CPA by day," says Griffin. "And when I'm on a bike and flying through the woods, I'm flying, I'm free, I'm mentally relaxed, and I get to enjoy the outdoors."

For the beginner, choosing the bike you buy depends on your level of commitment. City and crosstrainer bikes are unacceptable for mountain biking, as they lack the treaded tires needed to grab the terrain. A low-end bike, without any kind of suspension, costs between $300-$500, while higher-end bikes can cost upwards of $1000- $3000.

"If you're going to buy a bike, you want, at minimum, front suspension," says Griffin. "Zero suspension bikes (called `hardtails') are acceptable. But your whole body is absorbing a lot of stress. You can ride faster and more comfortably through terrain with front or full suspension than with a hardtail.

"It's not safety, it's comfort," Griffin adds. "Why not let the bike absorb all the ruts for you?"

Full suspension bikes start at $600. And while a good mountain bike's price tag often seems exorbitant to a beginner, these prices are much lower than they were five years ago. And the technology has improved.

"Bikes aren't like skis," says Bryan Conn, sales manager for Two Wheel Transit. "If you were to buy a high-end pair of skis, they'd throw you all over the place until you learned how to use them. A higher-end bike is an easier, more enjoyable ride. But even the low- end stuff is better than any high-end stuff 10 years ago."

The frames on the high-end bikes are much lighter than the low- end frames, and can weigh as little as 2.9 pounds. The price tag fluctuates depending on the kind of workout you want to give your legs.

"The more money you spend, the lighter the bike and the quicker its response to the rider," says Conn.

Helmets are a must. Griffin and the Spokane Mountaineers don't allow anyone to ride with their group without one.

"My sister hit the pavement so hard one time, she cracked her helmet and had a concussion," says Griffin. "She'd be dead if it weren't for her helmet."

With helmets, safety is the issue, not vanity. Griffin is frustrated by the number of mountain bikers he's seen wearing their helmets up so that their front lobe is exposed.

All bicycle helmets made in America are required to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard, which is labeled inside the helmet.

And make sure your helmet fits well.

"Any helmet not properly fitted is virtually useless," says Steve Loveland, owner of Two Wheel Transit. "Any quality bike shop will fit the helmet for you."

Griffin believes that mountain biking is less dangerous than road riding.

"The concept of a 2,500 pound moving vehicle coming at me scares me," he says. "In mountain biking, the trees don't move, so I feel more in control on the mountain bike trails than on the road."

And since a flat tire is inevitable for the constant mountain biker, it's wise to bring a pump, patch kit, tools, and an extra tube.

Clothing depends on preference, but both Griffin and Conn advise against wearing cotton, as it sucks and holds the body's moisture and creates an extremely uncomfortable ride. Gloves are recommended to help with shock and provide a better grip.

Bugs and bushes are a constant nuisance that can be alleviated by wearing clear glasses. Sunglasses should be avoided because much of mountain biking takes place in the shade of the woods, not in the sun.

It's important to have good biking shoes with hard soles. Tennis shoes, according to Conn, tend to "mush out" on the pedal, which wastes energy. A biker needs hard-based soles to transfer more power to the pedal.

"But don't buy all these things up front and all at once," says Griffin. "Experience riding first, then decide what to buy."

Beginners should consider joining a mountain biking school to increase their confidence. The Spokane Mountaineers have qualified instructors who are passionate to see students exceed their goals and dramatically improve their skills.

Mountain bikers of all experience levels should check out "Mountain Biking Spokane and Coeur d'Alene" by Martin Potucek. It includes detailed information and maps for 40 local mountain bike rides, and is available at REI.

Griffin says that Riverside State Park is the best place for beginners to start. There are 40 miles of trails, most of which are easy and suitable for beginners.

As director of mountain biking for the Spokane Mountaineers, Griffin organizes the ride schedule from mid-April through mid- September. Every Thursday night at 6:30, the group has an open riding day for anyone interested in mountain biking, no matter what experience level.

"People have a perception that mountain biking is dangerous and difficult," says Griffin. "And a lot of people are scared to try it because of that unknown. But if you link up with a friend or with a local biking group, we can make it fun, safe, and healthy."

This sidebar appeared with the story:

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Take a ride

The Spokane Mountaineers are inviting the public to a mountain bike ride in Riverside State Park Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Take Government Way 1.5 miles past Fort Wright Drive, turn right on Aubrey White Parkway and go 1 mile up hill and park in circle parking lot. Arrive early. Helmets are required.

For more information, call 835-5543.

Copyright 2000 Cowles Publishing Company
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