Mountain biking is something many people see as a true winter sport. The opposite proves true however. In fact, mountain biking is a particularly great sport for the warm summer months. Plenty of road cyclists take to the trails during the cold season to keep their trusty road bike from getting destroyed by the rigors of winter. Only to then store their mountain bike for 6 months or more once the sun comes back out again. Such a shame! Mountain biking in the summer is great fun! We’ve listed 13 reasons why you should continue riding your mountain bike during the summer.
1. Pleasant weather!
Just like with road cycling, the summer weather makes for perfect Mountain biking! Thundering through forests, enjoying the beauty of nature around you; nothing can quite compare.
2. Excellent core training
You use your upper body a lot more on a mountain Bike. This makes mountain biking a great workout for your core.
Most of us know by now that a good strong core also helps you on your road bike. So step lively! Get on your bike and into the forest!
3. You notice the rain less
Summer too can see a spot of rain. Mountain biking is especially great on those uncertain days, since you’ll barely notice a light shower under the cover of the trees.
And if the heavens do decide to open up, you can always stop over under that big tree to enjoy a refreshing energy bar. This way, you can only push on harder once the rain has gone!
4. The ideal interval training
The fact that interval training is good for your fitness will come as no surprise. As it so happens, mountain biking is a perfect interval training. Set out a fairly short lap, preferably with a nice climb in it.
Then try to fly round that lap as quickly as you can. One at speed, the next at a recovery pace.
5. Good for your technique
Besides your fitness, mountain biking is also a great way to work on your technique. Do you find yourself going through corners a little uncertain on your road bike? Then try your hand at some sharp twists on your Mountain Bike.
Hurl your bike into the turn and work your upper body to fly out the other end nicely. You’ll still be working on that core, but even more so on your confidence and bike handling. Want to bet you’ll feel a lot more sure of yourself next time you get on your road bike?
6. Variation
If you spend a lot of time on your road bike, chances are you’ll know every road and route in the area all too well by now. The advantage of the mountain bike is that you’re able to try out a new trail or different route every once in a while. The great thing is, as the summer progresses, your view will slowly change with it.
If after a summer storm you find branches and debris blocking your path, then those only add to the obstacles to overcome, jump over, or veer around using your now honed bike handling skills.
7. More nature
As soon as you ride into the forest, the smell of nature hits you. Since pretty much your entire ride will be in nature’s surroundings, you get to see a lot more of it. Running rabbits or hares taking off, squirrels scampering away, or maybe you even spot a deer or other large animal.
It makes mountain biking even more fun. Not only can you now brag about what great times you managed on today’s ride, you can also list what animals you’ve spotted along the way.
8. Cooler!
A little cooling is always welcome on a hot day. Usually, the forest tend to be much more agreeable than the open roads. Don’t want to have to stop every 30 minutes to top up your bottles?
Only to find that you’re not really getting any riding done since you’re continually drinking during your ride? Taking to the forest on your mountain bike is the perfect alternative. Thundering down trails under the shade of the trees. What’s not to like?
9. Less mud, more KOM’s
The serious KOM and QOM hunters can eat their hearts out in summer. The perfect, dry trails make for the ideal time to really go all out in the pursuit of that elusive KOM.
It gets even better if it has rained the day before, reducing the amount of dust. Just clip in, and go!
10. Sportives
A lot of friendly mountain biking events are hosted in summer. The great thing about this is you’re able to ride in places where you’re normally not welcome, or which would otherwise require a special permit.
It’s a perfect opportunity to discover new areas and go for a fun ride with your fellow mountain bikers.
11. Nighttime riding
Sadly, nighttime riding isn’t permitted everywhere. Mountain bike night time rides are fantastic however. Setting out just as the sun goes down with a proper bike light and topped up batteries is just great.
It won’t get too cold, so no worries there. You often encounter the most striking animals at night. Do try to keep the size of the group limited to 3 or so, irrespective of whether you’re going for a nighttime ride somewhere you’re allowed or not. This to reduce the chance of causing any disturbance.
12. The beer after tastes better in the sun
The best friend of many a mountain biker or road cyclist. A refreshing beer after a hard ride. As it happens, that beer will taste even better if you’re sitting in the sun, your face and legs covered in dust.
Granted, you could do this all the same when hopping off a road bike, but a beer after a ride is never a bad idea right?
13. Cheaper mountain bikes!
Oh yes, mountain bikes tend to be less expensive in summer than they are during the winter. Perfect time to buy a mountain bike then. This will save you money to spend on some extra gear, or on more beer after.
Leaving your shiny new mountain bike locked away for winter isn’t going to happen! We’ve got several awesome mountain bikes lined up for you at great prices.
Your tips on why you should ride your mountain bike in summer
Missing a reason in our list for riding your mountain bike throughout the summer? Then leave it for us and your fellow cyclists in the comments below!
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