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Downhill riding is a style of riding in which the rider flies down the hill at extreme speeds. Some of the challenges of Downhill riding include large rocks, jumps, logs, and steep terrain. These obstacles can inflict severe pain when a rider hits them at fast speeds. This is why most downhill riders wear many pads and a full face helmet. |
| Here is a picture of a downhill rider jumping over exposed roots and rocks. As you can see, he has a full face helmet on with plenty of padding. Most downhill bikes have a large amount of travel (the distance that the shocks can compress) in the front and back of the bike. |  |
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Freeriding |
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Freeriding is an ever-expanding style of mountain biking that is a mix of downhill and cross-country riding. Most freeriders have a lot of suspension, but their bikes are also much lighter allowing them to climb hills with ease. Freeriding is a fairly new style of riding that has exploded in its populartiy. Most mountain bikers have at one time or another given freeriding a try, and they mostly have enjoy it. |
| Here is Hans Rey flying down a steep cliff in Egypt. He is one of the best freeriders around and also one of the main riders to really push the sport to what it has become today. |  |
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This is freeriding at its best. Just going out on your bike and enjoying nature, while still hurling yourself down a hill at break-neck speeds. |
| A perfect example of why freeriding is so dangerous. Falling off of a cliff and hoping to land softly on the other side is taking a risk. These riders push themselves to the edge and back everyday. |  |
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Hans Rey screaming down another hill in Egypt. He is doing what is called a drop-off. This occurs when a rider "falls off" of a rock or a small cliff. |
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Cross-Country (XC) |
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| Cross-Country riding is a broad range of riding styles mixed together. It combines some downhill riding with freeriding. Mostly it is riding up and down the hills, and in racining the fastest rider wins. This causes most cross-country bikes to be extremely light yet durable. Most riders start out riding cross-country, and then cross over to the other styles. |  |
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Here is a picture of a xc-rider coming down a section of steep and rocky terrain. This shows that cross-country is a mix of downhill riding. Cross-country riding can take place almost anywhere in the world, including Ireland, Hawaii, Argentina, and Russia. |
| This picture was taken during a long ride in Hawaii. Notice that the trail is very skinny. Because of this, the rider must have complete control over his bike, so as not to fall. That type of trail would be called single-track. Some other types of trails include firetrack, double-track, and downhill. |  |
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In Hawaii, you can get some spectacular views while still enjoying the thrill of riding. This single-track trail is right on the edge of a cliff, yet it is still very safe. |
| Finally, the riders in this picture are climbing up the base of a volcano in Hawaii. Most cross-country riders who prefer taking long and hard rides, also prefer to bike with friend. For example, it is much safer to bike in groups than to bike alone. Also the experience is a lot more fun when riding with your friends. |  |
