Pioneer

Issue date: 6/4/09 Section: Feature

Media Credit: Stacy Wagoner

Media Credit: Stacy Wagoner Terry Mirande, world languages and interpreting coordinator, likes the challenge of mountain biking versus road biking. She says that mountain bikes are built like tanks, they're stronger and can withstand the rugged terrain. Her favorite trails are near Winthrop, Wash.

Since coming onto the scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s, mountain biking has become a fun, exhilarating, and exciting way to exercise and get around. People of all ages and backgrounds are able to go out and explore the world around them.

Mountain biking can be done most anywhere. Depending on how skilled a rider is they can ride a flat trail or they can ride through rocky canyons. There are many trails one could ride to take in this extreme sport. Some of these great trails are right in your own backyard, geographically speaking.

"The main place that I go to every year is Winthrop," Terry Mirande, world languages and interpreting coordinator, said. "There are basic trails, they're all marked and there are good maps provided by the community."

Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, Lake Chelan and even parks in Pierce County all offer specialized trails for mountain biking.

If a bike is the only means of transportation one has, Fort Steilacoom Park offers some mountain bike riding around the lake and along the ridges.

"For folks who are comfortable on a bike, but haven't done much mountain biking, the trails in Fort Steilacoom Park might be fun," Karen Harding, chemistry professor, said.

"I'd encourage beginners to ride on the flat sections just east of campus and along the easy single-track trails next to the barn," Steve Crain, PE and wellness professor, said.

Riding on logging roads can provide a good way to build experience for people who are new to the sport. Old railroad beds are also good for beginners because they're not steep and don't require technical riding skills.

"My favorite part about mountain biking is arriving at my destination," student Raymond Brandt said. "It's the most relaxing feeling to sit back with a few friends and take in the scenery."

Mountain bikers are able to see scenery that most people would miss while riding on a sidewalk. Instead of buildings, riders have trees and instead of teriyaki restaurants or Starbucks, riders have lakes and rivers.

"I like mountain biking for a couple of reasons; I like being in the woods and it makes me feel like a kid," Harding said. "I've been mountain biking for about ten years."

Mountain bikes are quite durable. Frame quality is probably the most important part in bike design. Frames are made with steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Front and rear suspension creates a smoother ride for the biker by absorbing the bumps and jumps.

"Road bikes are very delicate," Mirande said. If you hit a rock you could go over, but mountain bikes are like riding a tank."

Mountain biking can become an expensive hobby if you're looking to customize. A good mountain bike for a beginner, with a front shock can cost $500 to $600. A good full suspension mountain bike for a beginner can cost $1,100 to $1,200. Of course one can buy a cheaper bike and customize it to their needs. Depending on what kind of trails are being ridden, different bike parts will be needed for different riders.

Like all extreme sports there are risks so proper safety precautions should be taken. Wearing helmets, gloves, and appropriate riding gear can help reduce the cause of serous injury while riding the trails.

"Carrying a cell phone or a GPS unit is a good idea," Tom Broxson, geography professor, said.

Broxson teaches geography at the Puyallup campus and has been commuting to work on his bike for the last 25 years.

"I rode 10,000 miles last year, mostly on the road, and I had zero injuries," Broxson said.

"Until mountain biking came along, the bike scene was ruled by a small elite cadre of people who seemed allergic to enthusiasm," Jacquie Phelan, Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee, said.

Trail, nearest city, difficulty
Fort Steilacoom Park - Steilacoom
Skill Level - beginners, 6 miles
Steep at times, loop around Lake Waughop.
Altitude - 200 feet

Deception Pass State Park - Mount Vernon
Skill Level - beginners, 16 miles
Steep at times, many trails to choose from. Altitude - 1000 feet

Devil's Gulch - Wenatchee
Skill Level - advanced, 24 miles
Long loop track.
Altitude - 3300 feet

Clark's Creek Park - Puyallup
Skill Level - for weekenders, 4.2 miles
Rolling terrain
Altitude - 400 feet

Lord Hill Park - Snohomish
Skill Level - beginners, 6 miles
Rolling terrain, many trails to choose from.
Altitude - 630 feet

Bear Mountain Figure 8 - Winthrop
Skill Level - intermediate, 14 miles
Hills on a single track.
Altitude - 2400 feet

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