Exercise & Fitness

Mountain Biking - A Fun Way to Get Fit
By Bill Cullins For many people, the term “mountain biking” evokes an immediate image of wild eyed daredevils riding up or down steep mountain trails and jumping their bikes over large boulders. Although some skilled off-road cyclists can do that type of riding, mountain biking is actually something that riders of all ability levels and ages can enjoy, to include “chronologically enhanced” cyclists such as myself. Imagine that you are riding off road, away from traffic, on a rolling trail or dirt road. The only sounds you hear are your bike tires, birds, and the soft rustle of wind blowing through the native West Texas vegetation. You see ground squirrels, deer and an occasional wild turkey. Hmmm – you realize this is just like hiking or trail running but maybe even more enjoyable. Mountain bikes differ from road bikes in that they have wider tires with knobby treads, lower gearing, and typically offer a more upright riding position. Most mountain bikes have front or front and rear suspension, although rigid (non-suspended) bikes will work just fine for most recreational cyclists. Touring or multipurpose cross bikes with all terrian tires also work well for casual dirt road or smooth trail riding. There are several things that cyclists can do to make their off road cycling experience safer and more enjoyable. As with any type of riding, a helmet should be worn at all times. In addition, you might want to add “flat proof” sealant to the tubes in you bicycle tires, and carry a spare tube, pump, and a patch kit (and … know how to use them). Our region is blessed with a lot of cactus, mesquite, and other thorny vegetation, so flat tires are possible. There are numerous places to ride off road in the San Angelo area. For novice riders, Middle Concho Park is a great place to begin a mountain bike ride. This park, located in SW San Angelo on the banks of Lake Nasworthy, has rolling dirt roads that are suitable for riders of all ability levels. You can continue your ride out the back gate of the park on the unpaved road that connects with the 4WD roads and trails around Twin Buttes reservoir. Cyclists who seek more challenging trails can also begin their ride in Middle Concho Park. The Spillway Hill area, just outside the back gate of Middle Concho, offers a nice 10 mile loop that includes dirt roads, 4WD tracks, and trails. This loop has something for everyone, ranging from easy dirt roads to challenging sections of trail. A trail map is posted on-line at teamsanagelo.com (scroll down to the bottom of the main page). These same trails are also great for hiking and trail running. San Angelo State Park is another good place for off-road cycling, with over 70 miles of trails and terrain that will challenge all ability levels. It is located just west of San Angelo on FM 2288, and the trails begin just inside the front gate near the playground. The State Park is used for the San Angelo Bicycling Association’s off road time trial series each year, and is the venue for West Texas Cycling Association’s Chapparral Challenge mountain bike race in October. This race is part of the West Texas mountain bike race series and will attract racers from all parts of Texas. Riding off road on dirt roads and trails enables cyclists to get away from the traffic and congestion of the city. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Ride On, San Angelo, and let’s get some dirt on those knobby tires!