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by: ColetteThyman
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If you're looking for a truck or SUV to explore the countryside, you're thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills.

Today's popular "mountain bike" style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles that were designed for cruising up and down mountains. Obviously, racing down a mountainside can be a serious adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. If you're actually considering taking on a mountain pass, you must invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. Using the right equipment and some common sense, mountain biking can be a fun sport for the entire family.

Choose Your Style

When shopping for a mountain bike, you'll need to choose one of three basic styles, including the cross-country, freestyle and downhill. The styles vary in many ways, but each demands a great deal of skill. Know your own personal riding style before you try to pick the mountain bike style. Don't buy a heavy downhill bike if you plan on busting moves with your buddies. If trick riding is your passion, choose a lighter freestyle model.

Hone your Skills

Every great mountain biker needs endurance and stamina. It takes ambition and, sometimes, courage to be able to conquer nature's courses successfully. Like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and practice. Lots of practice. You can't expect to go from riding your bike around the block, to scaling rocky hills and maneuvering through winding trails. Anticipate getting a few bumps and bruises before you're ready to ride with the big kids.

Learn About Your Location

Assume that every mountain biking path is an unpaved surface. Your bike is ready to take you virtually anywhere you want to go, and there are many North American parks that offer designated biking trails. Before hitting these park and conservation trails, check for local rules and regulations. Trail maps may be available for you to take along on your trek. Ask about local mountain biking clubs, competitions and group trail rides. Your local bike shop should have this information, and you can also check the newspaper and search online. Biking groups can vary from beginner to advanced, so be sure to join a group that's appropriate for your skill level.

Buying Your Bike

Once you've narrowed down your mountain biking style -- cross-country, freestyle or downhill -- the bike you select basically comes down to personal choice. There is a huge variety of makes and models on the market today. Compare styles, shapes and price.

Consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, and don't be fooled into thinking that the most expensive models must be the best bikes. Use the Internet as an effecting comparison tool while shopping for a bike, as many website compare the quality, features and prices for you.

Ask for a test drive when you find a bike that you like. You should feel as though the mountain bike is an extension of your body. Make sure that your body position is just right, the seat is comfortable and the gears and brakes meet your personal preferences.

A mountain bike can be a major investment, so ask for advice and do your homework before you buy.

Keep it Safe

Mountain biking can be dangerous on unpaved roads and through unexplored territory. It's impossible to know what's waiting around the next bend. Always wear a helmet no matter where you're riding. Kneepads, elbow pads and riding gloves are also good choices to keep you safe and comfortable, and you should wear goggles if you're riding in the woods or following a group. Always keep a few band-aids in your pack, just in case.

Cruising around the county or riding cross-country is more fun on a mountain bike. It's a great sport for seeing the sights and staying in shape. Buy a bike, wear a helmet, get out there and have fun!

About the Author

Freelancer Colette Thyman is an essayist for numerous popular Internet sites, on sports gear and fitness products themes.

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