The Mind-Boggling History Of Mountain Biking

There are different versions of the history of mountain biking that are confusing and at the same time mind-boggling; some of these versions are recognized while some or not. Whichever is true, one thing is for certain: mountain biking did happen and someone could have originated it. But who?

Dated back August of 1896, the Buffalo Soldiers apparently were the first ones who thought of mountain biking. Buffalo Soldiers were considered a turn-of-the-century infantry and they were believed to be the pioneers in customizing bicycles to be used for carrying gears around despite rough terrains. In fact, a white lieutenant together with some of his enlisted personnel have rode their bikes on an grueling 800 miles, just to test if the bicycle was capable enough to be used by the military, regardless of mountainous terrains. However, these Buffalo soldiers were not proven to have originated mountain biking.

The Velo Cross Club Parisien was also considered a part in the making of the history of mountain biking. Composed of twenty young and avid bicyclists, they come from Paris, France and they developed this type of sport that is somehow similar with the present mountain biking, between the year 1951 and 1956. During that time, their bikes were the most durable and sophisticated, technically speaking.

John Finley Scott, the first American mountain bike lover, created the "Woodsie Bike". This bike was the one he used for off-road and mountain trails because of its diamond frame, flat handlebars, balloon tires and derailleur gears. The year was 1953 and sad to say though, no one during that time, shared his fascination of mountain biking.

The history of mountain biking, as perceived my the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, is a nonstop chain of events. A concrete example takes us to Marin County, where a group of cyclists, the Cupertino Riders, also known as the Morrow Dirt Club, competed with some popular cyclists from that place way back 1974. Though they weren't able to make a name, they became noticed because of how they made modifications with their bikes. With that, historians believed that there was never a person nor a group of cyclist that make up for the history of mountain biking. However, it is credited to avid cycling enthusiasts, trying to make some new and innovative ways of improving their two-wheels.

The history of mountain biking is not as important as it seems it is. What matters is that cyclists have learned to love mountain biking for the reason that it is not just a mere outdoor sport but also a way of having fun under the sun.