The sport of Downhill Mountain biking is a thrilling one if you take part as a competitor or as a hobby enthusiast. In the UK, the USA, Europe, Australia and Canada is followed eagerly. It has become an appreciated sport and is thrilling for audience too particularly when a race is won against the clock by the closest of margins. Downhill Mountain biking competition initially appeared in 1990 in Durango in the United States. A gold medal is given to the winners. Gee and Rachel Atherton, British brother and sister, are the present Downhill World Champions for the men’s and women’s competition.

The nature of the sport calls for riders have enough defensive equipment and clothing. This means wearing a full face helmet with a visor (to shield from strong sunlight) and a mouth guard. Bikes used for Downhill Mountain biking have to endure racing over roots, rocks and jumps. Riders on the world circuit have bikes which are as lightweight as possible and they have front and rear shocks, disc brakes and air-sprung suspension forks. Padded shorts or pants should also be worn, or shin and knee guards. There are extraordinary shoes that should be used for Downhill Mountain biking. The soles have a grip, adequate to avert slipping. These shoes are reinforced in the toe area and have ankle protectors. Riders have to make tight turns and the bike has to be capable to do that and at great speed. If a crash occurs these are essential to guard the skin. Elbow pads and chest protectors are also available. Full fingered gloves are also recommended. Some riders choose full body armor. Manufacturers struggle to produce the best bikes.

In the summer as ski areas are converted into biking trails, so the sport has provided a number of ski resorts with a source of income. Since the primary race in California in 1976, speeding down tremendously steep slopes on two wheels has caught the imagination. Even though, until the 1990s, function built bikes for Downhill Mountain biking were not developed. Trials World Championship and The UCI Mountain Bike Championship comprise events for Cross Country, Downhill, Trials and Four Cross. Lots of bikers discover themselves in remote places and may not be competent to obtain a signal for their cell phone.

The sport has proved to be a profitable industry and the victory of the competitions motivate leisure biking. For this reason, there are several travel companies concentrate in biking vacations in the US and in Europe. There are also biking camps where riders can get better their skills with expert coaches and mingle with like-minded people. It is suggested that learn the fundamentals of bike maintenance and repair, including how to mend a flat tire. If you are biking alone, ensure somebody knows of your planned route and your projected time to return. A few riders have a GPS system attached to the handlebars. Always carry a water bottle and a set of tools including spare bike tubes and a tire pump. Visit www.bandrsports.com for more information.