In the last 30 years, mountain biking has changed dramatically. From the type of bikes we ride to the type of trails we ride them on, mountain biking has evolved. Today’s mountain bike scene is different.
In the early 90s, when my family moved to the Mount Washington Valley, we pedaled hardtail (no suspension) 26’ers. We rode snowmobile, motorcycle and ski trails, linked together with forest service, logging and gravel roads. There were no trails designated or designed for mountain biking. Exploring and concocting loops was our challenge. Where we couldn’t ride our bikes, we carried them. “Hike-a-bike” was an accepted mode of travel for short distances.
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