Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Green mountain biking
Jan 9, 2008
  4
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Community
Trips for Kids to Host Tenth Annual "Brews, Bikes and Bucks" Event
Jan 8, 2008
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
MTB Tips
Setting goals: Epic rides in 2008
Jan 7, 2008
  2
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Vacuum-sealed MTB shoes AND riding at night without lights
Jan 4, 2008
min
Retro mobile phone graphic beside the word "GO" in bold, stylized font, conveying a sense of action or movement.
Culture
Find a trail, buy a helmet - On your phone!
Jan 3, 2008
min
A winding dirt path through a forest, surrounded by trees and dense foliage. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and sunlight filters through the branches, casting shadows along the trail. The path leads into the distance, inviting exploration.
Mountain Bike Trails
Stonewall Falls Ride Report
Jan 2, 2008
  2
A magazine advertisement showcasing the Bridgestone Almost Custom MB-4 bicycle. The image features a cyclist wearing a red shirt and helmet, riding on a wooded path. The ad includes text promoting the bike’s quality and affordability, alongside the Bridgestone logo.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike from the dead
Dec 31, 2007
  2
A mountain biker in a blue outfit leans into a turn on a dirt trail, showcasing dynamic movement on a rocky path. In the background, spectators watch from the sidelines amidst a forested setting.
Community
MTB Predictions for 2008
Dec 28, 2007
min
Community
Mountain biking in 2007: A review
Dec 26, 2007
min
Image alt text: Promotional poster for the Baja Epic Mountain Bike Race, scheduled for November 5-8, 2008, in Baja California, Mexico. The poster features an athlete on a bicycle with the number 608 displayed on the bike.
Community
Baja Epic Multi-stage Mountain Bike Race
Dec 24, 2007
min
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar with a digital cycling computer mounted on it, displaying speed and distance metrics on a screen. The device is secured with rubber straps and features a sleek design.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Rear-view camera for your bike
Dec 21, 2007
min
Two mountain bikers riding along a dirt path surrounded by greenery. One rider is wearing a blue jersey and white shorts, while the other is further up the path in a black shirt. There are signs and foliage lining the trail.
MTB Tips
Mountain biking for fitness in 2008
Dec 20, 2007
min
Close-up view of a damaged computer motherboard showing burn marks and melted components. Wires appear singed, and blackened residue is present around the area of damage.
Community
Singletracks is all better now
Dec 20, 2007
min
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail. They are wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and a dark jacket, with shorts and gloves. The background features dry grass and trees, indicating an outdoor setting.
Culture
Ride along with the Prez
Dec 19, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
SF mountain biker finalist for National Hero Award
Dec 18, 2007
min
A large hillside with the letters "LU" prominently displayed in white and burgundy, surrounded by lush green trees under a bright sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Liberty University to develop mountain bike trails
Dec 14, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bike Trails
No such thing as a Free Lunch - until now!
Dec 12, 2007
min
A man sitting on a rocky surface under a bridge, wearing a red sweatshirt and gray pants, with a blue bicycle leaning against a wall beside him.
Culture
Bike shop helps out homeless man with new mountain bike
Dec 11, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Mountain Biking: A second coming
Dec 10, 2007
  2
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
California wildfires impact bike companies
Dec 7, 2007
min
A blue and black mountain bike with a modern design, featuring front suspension, disc brakes, and a gear system. The bike is positioned against a white background, highlighting its sleek frame and components.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
3 of the best mountain bikes?
Dec 7, 2007
min
A white and black dirt bike is parked on a rocky terrain, showcasing its rugged tires and lightweight design. The bike is positioned on a black stand, with a backdrop of red rock formations and dry grass, emphasizing its off-road capabilities.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike + Motorcycle = Rad
Dec 6, 2007
min
Magellan Triton GPS device featuring a color touchscreen display with navigation options including Waypoint, Place, Trail, Geocache, Route, and Trips. The device has an orange and black ergonomic design, with a circular navigation button and control keys.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
The Magellan Triton 2000 GPS
Nov 29, 2007
min
Map of Colorado Springs, Colorado, displayed in Google Maps interface, showing terrain features and nearby search options.
Culture
Google Maps adds terrain
Nov 28, 2007
min
Compact handheld GPS device displaying a colorful map on its screen, featuring a rugged design with buttons on the side.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
What's on your holiday wish list? Fox forks and bikes that start with 'S'
Nov 27, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Bike company case study: Raleigh
Nov 26, 2007
min
Two men in outdoor apparel handling a deer carcass on a forest path, with bicycles nearby. One man is wearing an orange safety vest and helping to lift the deer onto the bike, while another man in camouflage observes. Pine trees surround the area, indicating a hunting or outdoor setting.
Culture
Deer hunting meets mountain biking
Nov 23, 2007
  3
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bike Trails
Wal-Mart bike trail extension proposed
Nov 21, 2007
min
Alt tag: "A QUARQ cycling computer displaying various metrics, including wattage, cadence, speed, heart rate, lap time, and distance."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Powerful bike computer + GPS from Quarq
Nov 19, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Community
World's most grueling mountain bike race: La Ruta
Nov 16, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Illegal mountain biker winds up in federal court
Nov 15, 2007
min
A person crouches near a stream, beside a wooden display featuring a sign that reads "DIDY-GO" and bottles of a product. The surrounding area is lush with greenery.
Culture
Mountain bikes as bio-vectors
Nov 13, 2007
min
A winding dirt path through a tranquil forest, surrounded by tall trees with a mix of green and autumn-colored leaves. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and the path leads into the distance, inviting exploration of the serene, natural landscape.
Mountain Bike Trails
Ride Report: Raccoon Mountain, Tennessee
Nov 12, 2007
min
A person wearing an orange shirt and helmet is riding a mountain bike, positioned in a natural outdoor setting with a clear sky in the background. The rider appears focused and poised, with a backpack on, showcasing a dynamic cycling posture.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Introducing our Senior Bike Editor
Nov 8, 2007
  3
A winding dirt path cuts through a grassy landscape, surrounded by low hills and scattered rocks under a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Connecting Hall Ranch and Heil Valley Ranch
Nov 8, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Community
National Mountain Bike Series Ignores East Coast
Nov 7, 2007
min
A mountain biker riding down stone steps near a historic archway, surrounded by large rocks and ancient stone walls. The scene is set against a clear sky, highlighting the cyclist's action.
Mountain Bike Trails
Epic Ride Report: Grande Route of Historical Villages, Portugal
Nov 6, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bike Trails
A frozen Moab?
Nov 5, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Community
Trail Weekend @ Hueston Woods: Nov 9-11
Nov 2, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bike Trails
Best trail in the world
Nov 1, 2007
min
Close-up image of a black insect, commonly referred to as a stinkbug or clown beetle, positioned on a surface of small gravel or dirt. The insect is shown from a top-down angle, highlighting its distinct body shape and long antennae.
Culture
Mountain bikers: Yield to wildlife?
Oct 26, 2007
  2
Culture
Ultimate Frisbee on Mountain Bikes
Oct 25, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Culture
Recumbents: Expired
Oct 24, 2007
  3
An illustration featuring a cyclist in an unusual position, riding a bicycle with a skeletal spine incorporated into their body. The background is green, and the text "Riding the SPINE" is displayed in a stylized font above the figure.
Culture
Riding the Spine: Halfway to the tip of South America
Oct 23, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS Freeze: Problem solved?
Oct 22, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Mountain Bike Trails
New mountain bike trails in Cleveland
Oct 19, 2007
min
A Garmin Edge 605 GPS device displaying a map with speed and heading information, featuring a gray casing and a black screen with navigation details.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 605 and 705 release pushed back to 2008
Oct 18, 2007
min
In the past mountain bikers have received a bad rap for damaging the environment and in all honesty, our reputation hasn't been entirely undeserved. Trails were often constructed with little consideration for erosion, trashed bike parts could be found "decorating" the surroundings, and wet trail riding created potholed trails with puddles that never seemed to dry. For the most part we've been enlightened and changed our ways thanks to groups like <a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a> but there's one more thing to consider when planning your next bike trip: carbon emissions. No, this isn't a joke about flatulence; I'm talking about the emissions you generate when you drive to your favorite trailhead for an afternoon of mountain biking. Unlike other fitness activities like jogging or even road cycling, mountain biking almost always involves putting the bikes on/in the car and driving somewhere to find dirt. For a lot of us good trails are becoming harder to find locally and development is driving trails further and further from city centers. Here's a quick emissions calculation to put all that driving in perspective: assuming you drive an average of 15 miles each way to the trail and you go riding twice a week that's more than 3,000 miles of driving just to ride your bike! I personally don't get to ride quite that often but when I do I generally take day trips of up to 100 miles from my home so 3,000 annual miles isn't much of a stretch for me. Anyway, 3,000 miles of driving releases over <strong>1 ton of carbon dioxide</strong> into the atmosphere which you will promptly breathe back in when you finally get on the trail ;) I'm really not the tree hugging type myself but I did come up with 3 ideas for ways we can reduce our mountain biking carbon footprints (trendy eh?). Here they are, from easy to more difficult: 1. Carpool. Maybe you already do this, and if so, good for you. All it takes is a little extra planning to coordinate with your buddies so you can all ride to the trail together. Maybe this will finally give you the excuse you need to upgrade to a swanky roof rack system to haul all those bikes. 2. Use carbon offsets. Did you know you can actually <a href="http://www.carbonfund.org/">pay someone</a> to dispose of your carbon emission guilt for you? I did a little research and offsetting 1 ton of carbon emissions will only set you back around $15. While you have your checkbook out you could also show some love to IMBA as well, they're good for the environment too you know ;) 3. Get involved in creating and improving local trails. This won't happen overnight but having more sustainable urban and suburban trails is great for everyone. There are plenty of ways to help: volunteering at a local workday, petitioning your local politicians, donating $$, organizing local riders, etc. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a killer trail within riding distance from you house! So there you go - 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact from mountain biking in 2008. Al Gore would be so proud.
Community
Bid on a ride with Gary Fisher at Mount Tam
Oct 17, 2007
min