Mountain biking events

Search for "mountain biking" on YouTube and you'll be confronted with shaky GoPro footage of steep downhills being taken at death-defying speeds - we'd forgive you for being put off. The thing is, although that is mountain biking it's also very much the extreme end of the sport and not representative of the all (if any) of the events listed here.

Essentially, mountain biking is cycling off-road with an emphasis on taking on rough terrain, as opposed to gravel riding or cyclo-cross. This could encompass actual mountains or it might just be a variety of dirt tracks, as with the London to Brighton Off-road Bike Ride.

Mountain biking events are typically categorised into the following types:

MTB XC

Cross-country mountain biking is probably the most famous version, involving steep climbs and some technical descents, though not on the level of downhill MTB.

MTB downhill

You guessed it: start at the top of a winding, technical track and make your way down as fast (and as safely) as possible.

MTB endurance

Full-day events in a beautiful location, with tough climbs and steep descents.

To take on this kind of demanding terrain, you'll need a bike adapted for the job with full suspension and off-road ready tyres. When you're ready, find your next event right here!