Mountain Biking From the 'Clunkers' in San Francisco to the 'Fat Tires' in San Diego, the sport of mountain biking is one which has made history. Changing the road bicycle so it may conquer the streets as well as the mountains has created an entirely new form of recreation with rapidly increasing participation. As road racers in Italy begin their annual Ride the Country, the members of the 'Clunkers' are set to take out there feelings on Mt. McRenolds. Since 1970, the sport of mountain biking has become as popular as road biking and other forms of outdoor activities. A recreation that all members of the family can enjoy still has some space for the competitive racers. Racers such as Gary Fisher and Deb Murrel who began the sport even have comments on how great it is. You may no longer enter a bicycle store and expect only to find the original road bike. Instead, bikes in stores have changed to mostly 'fat tires' and incredibly, shocks. Riders who have been waiting since the early 90's to be in the first downhill dash were still with their old mountain bikes wearing jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. With only one new add-on, the coaster brake, these people are set to try out an entirely new thrill. The final outcome is a style of bike that the first thrill-seekers can only relate to as 'The Ultimate Machine.' The speed and excitement of riding on the mountain combined with the freedom of going anywhere you choose has made this sport popular world-wide. Having total confidence in your ability to do something is necessary in every sport, but in mountain biking, your life relies on your confidence. From the huge boulders and rocks, to the slick ice and snow, if you doubt yourself for even one second, your effort could all be wasted as you and the ground meet face to face. "Mountain biking is a sport of which we may all be proud ...from beginning with the Clunkers, to today with the racers and recreational riders, mountain biking in my opinion can and will take over the sport of cycling."
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