How to be a mountain biker

Women’s mountain biking Canberra. Photo: Alexandra Orme Photography

As the dust settled on Redbull Hardline Maydena and Thredbo Cannonball, I found myself in a curious silence and questioning if I’m really a legit mountain biker if I’m not sending it like a boss or shredding for dayz. In the hype and buzz, we were in awe of the riders pushing the limits of possibility on a mountain bike. And here I was, cruising on a fire trail. A mediocre mountain biker.

Women were in the spotlight, finally. It was incredible to see these moments in history and the athleticism and courage of these women. Through a screen, we felt the victories, the achievements and the records being smashed. I swelled with emotion to know that my own girls will be able to see what is possible for them, because these women have paved a way forward. High risk, but high reward and cementing their names and legacy into the sport.

It only took one crash within our riding community to shake me back to reality. I remembered why I ride fairly conservatively these days. I know where my risk-reward limits are- I need to be able to pick up a 3 yr old and get out on the bike again next weekend to coach.

On screen, we rarely see the lowlight reels. We don’t see a lot of the riders who have gone down in a blaze of glory. The concussions, the broken bones, the recovery time, the price tag for the most extreme version of the sport. We don’t see much of the long journey of those who never made the podium, but still pay the price.

There’s a lot to be said for pushing limits and progressing, but there’s also something to be said for self-preservation.

So here’s a little reminder of another kind of mountain biking. The one where you are out there, riding with friends, in nature. Feeling the cool breeze on your face as you make it up a climb and onto the top of a rise. Hearing the hooting and hollering of friends coming down Skyline as you watch the sunset over the city. Walking that section because you know at least you’ll be able to ride again tomorrow. And joining the crew at the bottom of the hill for coffee or a beer and a catch up to share your highlights and near misses.

You don’t need to be riding fast, or hard, or hitting jumps, or riding tech… to be a mountain biker.

You don’t need to be progressing, improving, striving.. unless you want to.

You don’t need to justify your bike- whether it’s old, budget, fancy, or an e-bike- or your reasons for walking a section, or for choosing to ride the trails you’re riding.

You don’t have to be hardcore.

You don’t have to be gnarly.

You don’t need to ‘send it’, ‘shred it’, ‘rail it’ or ‘carve it’.

You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.

Just by riding a mountain bike, you are a mountain biker, and you are part of the mountain bike community at whatever level you’re at.

If you’re enjoying it and being safe, you’re already winning.

Of course we love it when you want to progress. But that is not for everyone. Or it just may not be the right time.

Some people just want to be part of a kind and inclusive community.

Some people just want to get some exercise that doesn’t necessarily feel like exercise.

Some people just want to be in nature.

Some people just like to try something new.

And some people like to do all of the above and a bit more.

Just by being on a mountain bike and riding on dirt, you’re a mountain biker. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different.

So if you’re into being a mediocre mountain biker, come and join us. There is magic in the mediocre.

Claire attempting a track stand on a grassy field.