An Overview of Free Ride Mountain Bikes

Free ride is a relatively new concept in the biking community, which was basically coined by the manufacturers of the mountain bikes as publicity and marketing campaign. This was launched with an intention to attract the crowds of people who were the believers of freedom of action and considered that everyone has the right to act at their own free will without keeping the risk factor in mind.

Another such radically threatening sport which emerged earlier was bungee jumping, which was initially practiced by daredevil stuntmen and initially gained popularity as an illegal outdoor activity. The similarity which it has with mountain biking is their inception as a sport before recognition was that of a self endangering act which is considered illegal.

When the concept of free riding emerged, bikers used to build their own obstacle courses to challenge one another. These tracks were not designed with a scientific plan or design criteria, but totally on the absurdity of mind of the biker to make it tougher and tougher a challenge.

This raised the number of casualties and injuries to an alarming level which the local authorities had to tear them down. This did not stop the free riders from building newer tracks at remote areas and further venture the possibilities of using the natural terrain obstacles as a challenge.

Jumping off the overhanging cliffs and biking in the wilderness became the trademark of these daredevils. But now free riding has been accepted as a thrilling sport for almost everyone who loves to paddle. Tracks and obstacles have become more technically planned and have a safety aspect for the users. Indoor and outdoor free riding has become an internationally recognized sporting event which is practiced by thousands and watched and admired by millions.

If you are a free rider yourself or an admirer of the sport like me, consider what the initial bikers had to go through to get this sport recognized for our benefit. Hats off to you all free riders.