Editorial

Mountain biking has changed a whole lot in its lifetime, and it seems like a lot of the current growth in our great sport is due to there being more options to get uphill with less effort. And as we release our second Alpine Issue for this summer, it’s probably worth reflecting on it. Is mountain biking, as an entire sport, the same if you took all the uphills out? My argument is no. I have no qualms about using a chairlift, a shuttle, a lift with a mate, an eMTB or even an easier trail or my own two feet to get to the top of a trail to ride the descent. But if I only rode in places where I could shuttle or take a lift then I think I’d be missing out on some parts of what makes mountain biking great.

Mountain biking is almost endlessly diverse. The sport is just about what you’d like it to be. If mountain biking for you is a cruise on a local fire trail – that’s awesome. If mountain biking is timed runs on a hectic downhill course, that’s great too. Mountain biking can be social rides in unique landscapes, or solo missions with an emergency beacon. And if mountain biking is going elbow to elbow with others every weekend then that’s fantastic as well. Mountain biking will always be something different to each and every one of us.

But if you take out the need to climb, you miss a few things. You miss the chance to see a view open up near the top of a climb. You miss the light headed vision that makes you stop and appreciate where you are – right then. You miss the need to slow down and connect with those around you, or even just the thoughts in your head. And you might just miss out on some exercise endorphins that truly top off an excellent ride.

Mountain biking is different for all of us, but next time you’re heading out to a bike park that shuttles, or an arvo of runs with mates, make sure there is a pedal up in there. Get high on your own supply – you might just like it.