Mountain biking rocks – and here is why:

1) Good cardio workout and a great way to stay fit.
Why not experience the real hill workout on a mountain bike (versus a hill workout simulated on a treadmill or elliptical)? The scenery from a mountain bike changes your focus –  off the pain and on to the awesomeness!

2) Moves you outdoors (and who doesn’t love the outdoors?)
The trees, meadows, streams, and varied terrain create a feast for the eyes and for the mind. God created a great universe and you can experience it up-close. Mountain biking is all about fresh air and getting away from the concrete jungle. Get out there.

3) Provides a sense of accomplishment.
When you finish that climb to the top, finally nail that technical trail section you never could do, or finish an epic bikepacking trip, you know you have accomplished something. Celebration of an accomplishment is as personal as each individual. Mountain bikers celebrate well – having fun with a contagious exuberance.

4) Adventure calls!!!
Whether you are exploring a local trail, or taking that epic ride on a well-recognized trail, adventure awaits. Mountain biking allows you to “explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

5) It is therapeutic.
After a good ride you feel loose and rejuvenated. It is hard to wipe that grin off your face after a great ride 🙂

6) Provides community.
Mountain bikers are friendly and helpful. Stop along a trail and you will always hear a good word and an offer to help from mountain bikers.

7) Develops mental fitness.
Processing the terrain, sights, sounds, smells, pressure, and shakes while reacting instantly to the experience engages all the senses and stimulates neurons. Maintaining balance while powering through a roots and rocks technical section is a considerable neurological, physical miracle. Its a rush!!!

8) Generates great stories.
Mountain biking provides a wonderful way to start conversations and tell stories.

9) Makes you tough as nails.
Fixing a flat, learning to navigate, getting lost, riding in a storm, becoming exhausted, and other mountain biking challenges – these help you become self-reliant, and increase your fortitude. Some of my best rides have involved some mud, blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

10) Increases your faith.
When I consider all that God created – the mountains, hills, streams, trees, weather, it blows my mind. And when I consider how I am intricately made (Psalm 139) to process it, experience it, enjoy it and to acknowledge the creator of it all, it is miracle to me. God gets the praise for all of it!