May 2016 - Lapland Guide

The history of mountain biking

The history of mountain biking is associated with travel, recreational sports, and the pioneering spirit of humans to explore the wilderness areas of the mountains what ever means they had available. Like all children of the world who had a pushbike to peddle, they too used them on their week end expeditions into the back country of their town or city. The running cost of a bike was very much affordable for most people.

There is a lot of history and information out there
in regards to the history and origins of mountain
biking, with some being recognized and some that
depends on who has the best firm of public relations.

Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo
Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry
who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and
tough terrain. They began in August of 1896, over
the course of 800 miles. Their mission was simple –
to test bikes for military use in the toughest of
terrain.

Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France
that started mountain biking. The club was comprised
of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and
1956 developed a sport that resembles present day
mountain biking.

It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was
the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he
constructed what he called a “Woodsie Bike”, using
a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars,
and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years
ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off
road enthusiast, there were many at that time who
didn’t share that same passion.

Today, we believe that the history of the mountain
bike is most apparent in Northern California. There
are a few areas that claim to be the first community
for mountain biking, although each and every history
book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists
and turns over the last several hundred years. Even
though there are many that say different things about
the history and the beginning, we know one thing
for sure – one thing has led to another and the
sport of mountain biking was born.

Mountain biking vacation

Mountain biking vacation can be very good form of personal health and fitness improvement vacations. 3 – 5 days trips could be a life changing event towards a personal improved life style. Without doubt spending quality time in a natural environment while working towards a destination and a goal, is life changing for anyone with a creative and open mind to be inspired by the natural environment of the Nordic Arctic region.

Taking a mountain biking vacation is an excellent
way to unwind and explore any country. There are several
companies that offer mountain biking tours that go
through scenic routes, and they often arrange any
accomodations for travelers as well. For athletic
couples, these types of vacations offer the perfect
way to relax and enjoy some exercise together.

Each and every region in the United States has some
truly awesome mountain biking trails. It’s not just
the major mountain ranges that offer these trails, as
any hilly, scenic, rough trail can provide riders with
the adventure they seek. Some of the best areas to
mountain bike ride in the Lapland of Finland are during the summer season. There are also great rides using the fat bike with extra wide tires during the spring (March – June), when the sun shines and the snow has a thick crust that can hold the fat bikes tires without sinking trough the snow crust.

Mountain biking vacation and a Spring season tune up tips

This mostly applies for those that use their own mountain bike on their vacations. For other people it may not apply during their vacation, because they will most likely hire a mountain bike for several days at a time.

If you don’t ride in the winter, you’ve probably
spent the winter months on the couch eating chips
and watching television. Before you know it, spring
will be here and a new season of mountain biking
will begin. Even though your body may not be in
shape, these tips will ensure that your bike is.

Before you take your bike out, check the wear and
tear on your components and adjust them if its
necessary. Start off with your chain. If you
haven’t replaced it in a year or more, it’s time
to do so. Over time, the individual parts in the
chain will get worn out, increasing its effective
length.

As this happens, the chain is no longer able to
conform to the cog and the teeth of the chain ring,
so it wears those teeth out to fit the profile of
the chain. If you can replace the chain before it
stretches too much you’ll save yourself from having
to replace high priced cogs and chain rings.

Now, check the bearing surfaces. These include your
bottom bracket, hubs, and the headset. Each of these
should turn without a problem with no play in the
system. Before checking the bottom bracket, make
sure each cranking arm is snugged tight. Next, hold
on to the crank arm (not the pedal) and wobble it
back and forth. If you hear any clicking or if the
crank arm binds, the bottom bracket needs to be
adjusted.

Do the exact same thing with your hubs. Take the
wheels off the bike, spin the hub axles, then feel
for any free play or binding. If you feel play or
binding, you need to make an adjustment. To check
the headset, start off by putting the newly adjusted
wheels back on the bike.

Now, grab the front brake and pull and push the
handle bars back and forth. There shouldn’t be any
play. If you lift the front end off the ground,
the fork should turn very smoothly. If it feels rough,
it needs to be either adjusted or replaced.

While your looking, check the condition of your cables
and housing. The cables should be rust free and the
housing shouldn’t be cracked or kinked. If you see any
of this you should replace the offending device, as if
you don’t your shifting and braking will be sluggish.

Last, you should inspect your brake pads. Most pads
will have ridges or indicator marks that will let you
know when they need to be replaced. Brake pads that
are worn out will comprimise both safety and braking
efficiency.

Once you’ve got the tune ups out of the way, it’s time
to go for a ride. With your mountain bike running
better than ever, all you have to do now is have fun!

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