History of Mountain Biking:

The modern form of mountain biking has it roots right here in California, where people took their Schwinn cruisers with knobby tires and raced down fire roads and trails in Marin County.  These races where called the “repack races” because of the bearing grease having to be repacked in the rear hub because of the heat friction from the brakes.  These bikes weren’t the first actual mountain bike, but soon after these “repack races” the first mountain frame was introduced by Joe Breeze in 1978 although there are some different opinions of who created the first mountain bike.  By 1983 Specialized created the first mass produced mountain bike called the Stumpjumper.  Since 1983 the mountain bike industry has completely transformed with all of the new technologies making these new bikes lighter, stronger, and more durable through the use of suspension, and materials like titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

Local mountain bike areas:

Northern California is home to some of the best mountain biking around.  Auburn a small town right outside of Sacramento has some very reputable trails such as the Confluence trail which has great views of the north fork of the American river.  Foresthill divide loop which is just up the road from the Confluence trail is another great trail with smooth single track and some great views of the valley.  Another popular trail is located just outside of Eldorado Hills called Salmon Falls, which is another great loop that showcases great views of Folsom Lake and has some great climbs and fast single track.

California MTB races:

There are some great race venues offers throughout the surrounding area of Sacramento.  One of these is called TBF mountain bike challenge, which is put on by Total Body Fitness and is a series of three races that feature a six, twelve, and eighteen mile circuits for racers of all levels.  Another good venue is the Prairie city race series, which is a series of evening races that take place during the week and also feature different levels of racing.  One of the year’s biggest races for mountain biking in California takes place in Monterey at the Laguna Seca race track and features all aspects of cycling from road racing, downhill racing, and mountain bike racing.  This is a great event to attend because it gives the attendee exposure to all aspects of the bike culture and the different product available.