Mountain biking began in the early 1970s in California. It all started in the early 1970s when Joe Breeze and Otis Guy broke off from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) to create the new Mountain Biking Association (MBA). The first group to call themselves mountain bike riders were called “The Vigilantes.”

Do you want to learn more about the history of mountain bikes and how they were invented? Then read on, and keep reading to discover some interesting facts about this fun activity.

Who invented the mountain bike?

The mountain bike was invented by Joe Breeze in California, the US in the 1970s.

He is an American engineer and bike builder who designed the first modern mountain bikes. His passion for cycling started when he was a teenager.

He used to ride his bicycle from his home in Laguna Beach to the top of Mount Tamalpais, which is a mountain range located near the San Francisco Bay area, in California.

He would ride down from the mountain on his bicycle and then back up again, over and over again. This became his hobby and he started riding his bicycle every day.

Joe Breeze is credited as the inventor of the first modern Mountain Bike in 1974 during his time working at Rock Shox Incorporated as an engineer where he designed frames and suspension forks for BMX racing bicycles.

While working at Rock Shox Inc., Joe Breeze met Gary Fisher, who owned a bike shop called “The Bicycle Center” in Palo Alto, California where they decided to collaborate on creating a new type of bike that had both off-road capabilities and on-road performance qualities.

What was the first mountain bike?

The first mountain bike was the Breezer number 1. It was designed by Joe Breeze and built-in 1977 using many of the ideas that were later used in modern mountain bikes.

The Breezer number 1 was built from a mix of road and off-road components, including a Schwinn Excelsior Sports frame with a rigid fork, 26-inch wheels, and cantilever brakes.

When was the mountain bike invented?

The mountain bike was invented in the 1970s by Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher.

It was first introduced in the late 1970s, with a design that emphasized lightweight, durability, and versatility.

The first models had no suspension, but it was soon added to the design as riders’ needs for comfort and performance increased.

Where was the first mountain bike made?

The mountain bike was invented in California, US in the early 1970s by Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher.

The two were looking for a bicycle that could handle the hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the dirt trails that crisscrossed them.

They created a prototype, which they called “the Breezer,” but they didn’t have any luck getting it into production until they met with Mike Sinyard at Specialized Bicycles.

The first mountain bike

The first mountain bike was created in the early 1900s by a Canadian bicycle shop owner named Joe Breeze.

He was inspired by a bike that he saw at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.

That bike was called a “vomit comet” because it allowed riders to simulate the weightlessness of space travel by going down steep drops with no brakes or tires on the wheels.

Breeze took this idea and combined it with his desire for an off-road rideable bike.

He started experimenting with different designs and materials until he found one that worked for him: a bike with two large tires for cushioning rough terrain, front suspension forks for absorbing shock from bumps in the road, and disc brakes for stopping power when needed.

He then shared his invention with other bikers who were interested in building their versions of this new type of bicycle – which they dubbed “mountain bikes” because they were designed to be ridden off-road through mountainous areas around the San Francisco Bay area where most people lived at the time.

Early mountain bike brands

Two brands stand out from the crowd in early mountain biking, but they are not what you might expect.

Two early mountain bike brands, Specialized and Univega Alpina Pro both started as bicycle manufacturers with a focus on road bikes.

1. Specialized

In the 1970s and 1980s, Specialized was a small company that made high-quality, custom-built bicycles.

In 1981, founder Mike Sinyard saw an opportunity in the growing market for mountain bikes.

At the time, most mountain bike companies were either large corporations or small startups with limited access to capital and expertise. Specialized had both.

The company began marketing its bikes directly to consumers via mail-order catalogs and quickly became one of the most popular brands among enthusiasts.

2. Univega Alpina Pro

Univega Alpina Pro was founded by Giuseppe Marinoni and Franco Ballerini in Italy.

It was originally called Univega Bicycles SpA and made racing bikes for professional cyclists such as Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor.

The company changed its name to Univega Bikes SpA in 1994 after it moved its headquarters to Montecatini Terme (Italy).

Mountain bike history timeline

Mountain biking has a rich and varied history. The first bikes were invented in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that they became popular as a form of recreation.

In the last 30 years, mountain biking has evolved into a popular sport that has attracted millions of people, including many women and children.

1. The late 1800s

Bicycle racing became popular in Europe during this period and there was a growing interest in cross-country events like races through hilly terrain.

Some riders took advantage of their lightweight bicycles by riding them off-road during these competitions.

These early attempts at off-road riding led to a serious interest in creating an improved bicycle design for this purpose that would allow for greater speed and comfort over rough terrain.

2. The 1900s – 1960s

The first mountain bikes were built in the early 1900s, but they weren’t created for recreation or exercise.

Mountain bikes were originally used by miners, ranchers, and farmers to traverse rugged terrain and access remote areas.

The earliest mountain bikes were created with wooden frames and steel wheels, which made them heavy, bulky, and difficult to ride down steep slopes.

In the late 1950s, the first full-suspension mountain bike was built by a man named Charlie Kelly.

This bike featured shocks on both ends of the frame to help riders tackle tough terrain at high speeds.

However, this design was soon replaced by rigid frames that could be ridden faster down steep slopes.

3. The 1970s – 1980s

The 1970s saw the development of modern suspension systems, which allowed riders to travel greater distances over rough terrain with less discomfort.

In 1974, Gary Fisher founded Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes (GFMB) in Marin County, California, which was one of the first companies to produce a full line of mountain bikes for sale to the public.

In 1975, Tom Ritchey founded Ritchey Mountain Bike Company in San Diego, California

4. The 1990s – 2000s

As mountain bikes became more popular, manufacturers began to experiment with new materials and technologies to improve performance.

Carbon fiber frames were introduced in the 1990s, but their high cost made them prohibitive for many riders until later on when technology improved to make them both lighter and less expensive.

In the early 2000s, aluminum alloys replaced steel as the material of choice for frame construction due to its lighter weight without sacrificing strength or durability.

5. Recent MTB history

Mountain biking started to take off as a sport, with more people taking up the sport, more companies making bikes and components, and more races being held around the world.

More manufacturers started to produce full-suspension bikes, which improved comfort while riding on rough terrain.

More advanced suspension designs were developed that allowed riders to descend faster than ever before.

These innovations made it possible for mountain bikers to tackle steep and rocky trails with ease.

The introduction of disc brakes also helped increase control on technical descents and allowed riders to stop quickly when carrying speed downhill.

Famous mountain bikers

Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.

The term mountain bicycle is not very precise: it has been applied to any type of bicycle used off-road by riders who may or may not ever compete.

Since the birth of mountain biking, there have been many famous mountain bikers who changed this sport. Here are the most famous ones:

1. Joe Breeze

Joe Breeze is a mountain biking pioneer, the creator of freeride mountain biking, and the founder of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

He has been riding since the 70s and invented many new riding styles, like skinnies (narrow trails) and dirt drops.

2. Nico Vouilloz

Nico Vouilloz is a French professional mountain biker from Annecy who rides for GT Bicycles.

He has won six UCI World Cup Cross Country World Championships titles and four UCI World Championships downhill.

3. Mike Sinyard

This man is known as one of the fathers of mountain biking.

He founded Specialized Bicycle Components in 1974 and helped create some of the first bikes that were specifically designed for off-road riding.

His company also helped invent modern components like disc brakes and suspension forks.

4. Juliana Furtado

Juliana Furtado, is the most successful female biker. Juliana is a Brazilian mountain biker and an Olympic gold medalist.

She won gold in Rio de Janeiro at the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first woman to win an Olympic mountain biking race.

She was also the first South American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, as well as the first Brazilian to win a gold medal in cycling.

5. Jeff Steber

Jeff Steber is one of the most successful racers in American history.

He won three consecutive national championships between 1994 and 1996 and has competed in more than 100 races throughout his career so far!

He’s even won two World Championships!

6. Dan Critchlow

Dan Critchlow was born on June 16th, 1967 in London, England.

He began mountain biking when he was 13 years old after seeing an article about it in Mountain Bike Action magazine.

His first race was held near his hometown at Millstone Hill (the UK’s first purpose-built downhill course).

Dan won that race and hasn’t stopped racing since!

Mountain biking facts

Mountain biking is a sport that has been around for decades, but it’s still growing in popularity and becoming more accessible to people of all ages.

Here are 5 mountain biking facts that you might find interesting:

1. Mountain biking has many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased flexibility, and reduced stress levels. Mountain bikers can also burn up to 1,000 calories per hour!

2. Mountain biking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, whether you’re riding on trails or through the mud.

3. The world record for the speed attained by a mountain bike is 169 mph (272 km/h), set by Elias Schwärzler during a downhill run in Schipkau, Germany on 22 May 2022.

4. Mountain biking is a sport that requires a lot of stamina and endurance. In 2015, Adrian Ellul rode over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) in 48 hours with a mountain bike.

5. In 1996 it became an Olympic sport. Mountain biking is very popular in many countries, especially in Europe. It is also popular in North America and Australia.

Extreme mountain biking

Extreme mountain biking, or enduro mountain biking, is all about taking mountain biking to another level.

It’s about pushing yourself as far as you can go, and then pushing yourself just a little bit farther.

Extreme Mountain Biking is a new sport that is rapidly gaining popularity.

It involves taking your mountain bike and riding it down a mountain without any brakes or gears.

This can be done on any kind of mountain: small, large, steep, or flat.

In extreme mountain biking, there are no limits – no boundaries or limits on where you can ride or how fast you can go.

This means that there’s no need for trails or roads – just a bike and some skill.

FAQ

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about who invented the mountain bike. I hope you might find it useful and interesting.

Final word

Mountain biking is now a part of most cultures and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world every day. It’s an incredible ride and even more fun when done with friends.

Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, and Otis Guy can claim to be the inventors of modern mountain biking because they were the first to come up with the concept of making a smaller, faster, more maneuverable bike designed specifically for loose surface riding.

I’m glad If this topic was informative for you. Additionally, if you have a question related to MTB invention feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll gladly respond to you.

By then, the first mountain bike, and all mountain bikes for that matter were anything more than badly modified street bikes.

And every time you saddle up, it’s worth remembering that the features we love on our bikes now were nothing but the stuff of impossible dreams right back at the start.

We’ve grabbed some mountain biking facts that should prove intriguing. After reading this, you will know everything (almost) there is to know about mountain biking.

Well, and before anything else, if you’re now all ready to take on the road, make sure you have the right mountain bike for a beginner, the right MTB gear and shoes, and also (more than anything) a great mountain bike helmet. Let’s ride.

The (real) beginning of the history of mountain biking

To get to the start of things with purpose-built bikes, you need to go back to the early 1970s, to California.

There’s a place called Mount Tamalpais (‘Mount Tam’ to locals, and anyone who knows anything about the region) that was home to some seriously hardcore bike riders.

These guys took old bikes, standard ‘paperboy’ bikes made in the first half of the twentieth century, and turn them into mean, lean racing machines. This is when the history of mountain biking began.

And then, rather than do the sensible thing and race them at a tarmac track, they threw them onto Mount Tam.

They then raced down in the dirt, for a total of 52 turns on a downhill slope that was nothing short of challenging.

The strain on your body would have been immense. Just imagine riding a Penny Farthing around a junkyard and you’re a little closer to what it must have felt like.

Undeterred, the races became popular. More and more bikers got involved. Mountain biking history was about to begin. For real.

They took it to the races with precious little regard for their safety (most of the riders wore denim because that was the toughest stuff you could wear back then – there was no such thing as proper mountain biking clothing).

The riders hurtled down Mount Tam, setting records and generally breaking the frames of bikes that used to deliver the morning papers to suburbia. Was it tough? You bet.

Today, we’ve got bikes that cost thousands, and are better designed than most cars. We’ve got it made.

Back then, you were on top of a rattling piece of metal (they were known as ‘clunkers’ to the riders) and your only goal was to survive the race (the secondary goal was, presumably, to win).

Early Mountain Bike Riders:

An early rider called Charlie Kelly, in love with riding clunkers down the track, decided to start a race event on Mount Tam.

He kept the whole thing reasonably quiet at first (for some reason the authorities didn’t take to the frankly quite dangerous event) but eventually named the race the ‘Repack’ and started to advertise it.

It was called the Repack because of the need to ‘repack’ the hub brake of your bike by the time you’d finished.

It was common for the racers that the brakes would simply burn as you made your way down Mount Tam, with a trail of smoke behind every rider.

Before the first Repack race, MTB bikes had never been anything more than a hobby.

People had tried to modify bikes for years of course, and some had attempted the dangerous task of getting down dirt tracks on them.

But the racing aspect (which is the true spirit of the sport) was born with Kelly on Mount Tam. The Repack races ran from 1976 to 1984.

This was the kind of event that was not made for mountain bike beginners. It’s important to remember this distinction.

Before Repack and the growth of it, all (both competitive and hobby-based) people were creating basic berg climbing bikes (whatever that could be).

The key events of the early 70s in California allowed the hobby to grow into a competitive, recognized sport that eventually made its way to the Olympic Games.

The first mountain bike

If we’re not counting the improvised stuff around before the 1970s, Mount Tam is where we need to go to find the first ‘real’ MTB.

Charlie Kelly stumbled on something that would prove to be incredibly influential, and he was starting to become a little frustrated.

He and his friends loved heading down the hill on those old paperboy bikes, but the damage that the bikes endured was just too much, and he would find that the bikes were ruined after just a few rides.

The clunkers couldn’t cope, and aside from the smoke that would come from the burning grease, he found that the frames were just shot to pieces due to the terrain being a little rockier than what they were used to.

So he contacted a friend. He asked someone called Joe Breeze to design him a bike that could manage the job of helping racers set records.

Joe Breeze took on the challenge and designed what became the very first mountain bike.

In 1977 he created that first frame, which was designed on top of a Schwinn bike from 1941. The history of mountain biking would never be the same again.

He ended up creating 9 more frames, all of them inspired by the Schwinn bike. To make it tougher, lighter, and capable of managing Mount Tam, he used steel alloy tubing. Then he did the one thing that helped to solidify the whole legend.

He looked at the frame, and ran twin lateral tubes across it, but diagonally. This was, of course, an attempt to make a bike that could stand the intense impact of a tough downhill and aggressive course.

But, it also served as a way to brand the bike visually.

To finish off the first-ever purposefully designed one, Breeze added some modifications and new parts that made the new bicycle special visually, as well as performance-wise.

The ‘Breezer’ bike was then put to the test on the Mount Tam course. Mountain biking history as a sports specialty was just about to begin.

Repack and that first mountain bike

That first mountain bike, the Breezer number 1, won the Repack race. Breeze rode it to the win. And that changed the history of MTB, for real.

This showed that his design was sound because it was noticeably tougher and more responsive on the track.

Kelly rode Breezer number 2 and that model is currently one of the most prized in the history of bikes.

It’s on display at the Marin Museum of Bicycling, in Fairfax, California. And that first one, the one that Breeze rode? That’s at the Smithsonian Museum.

What made the whole clunker thing take off was a TV show that aired in the late 70s.

The show Evening Magazine featured the Repack race, and it also showcased some of the famous figures of the time, including Breeze and Kelly.

The show included footage of one rider falling on a switchback. (Check out a visual history of the mountain biking timeline right here).

The tight turn caused no damage other than scratches to the frame of the bike, but it’s arguable that the show, and that footage, crystallized the image of the whole sport being dangerous and incredibly good fun.

These wheel machines were very simple, and nothing like the bikes used nowadays. On top of that, the riders in races like the Repack wore their normal clothes.

Denim and plaid were the closest things to safety wear. And no one wore helmets or headgear of any kind other than the odd baseball cap.

Mountain Biking History: From Europe and to the USA

While Breeze and Kelly created the first purpose-built bikes, the first-ever off-road bikes (perhaps the first true bicycles made to be ridden over on wild terrains) have their origins in the eighteenth century.

The Swiss Army Bikes, which were bikes to be used by soldiers in mountainous areas, were the very first recorded examples of hill-climbing bikes.

They were meant to carry heavy loads as soldiers traversed hills and peaks, their rides giving them the edge over foot soldiers.

Of course, these are not used today, but they’re as far back as the whole thing goes in the sense of cycles used for off-road pursuits. The first regiment that used a Swiss Army Bike was in service in 1891.

Then the famous Buffalo Soldiers of the US Army were the next to see the use of a bicycle similar in nature and purpose. The regiment rode from Missoula, Montana to Yellowstone in 1896.

These were modified, just like the Swiss bikes, for use off the beaten track. As the world entered the 1900s, Cyclocross riders would take their bikes off-road.

Cyclocross hasn’t gone away and is still an immensely popular sport today.

But back then the bikes were a lot heavier, and when riders had to pick them up and carry them across harsh terrain, it was a major physical challenge.

The first Cyclocross championships happened in 1950, and this spurred on Cyclocross enthusiasts to create a sport that would have clear links to the modern sport.

And it would only be about 20 more years before Breeze and Kelly kick-started the more recent phenomenon of biking as a racing pursuit.

Specialized Mountain Biking History

The next big thing to happen in this amazing sports history timeline is the ascent of Specialized.

This company was founded by a bike enthusiast who spent some time importing bike components that he couldn’t locate in the US.

Things changed later in the 70s when Specialized focused on different areas. This meant the creation of its bike parts.

The main reason why Specialized has a place in history is of course due to its production of mountain bicycles.

It was the first company anywhere in the world to mass-produce bikes made to be ridden on mountains.

This happened in 1981, just a few years after the Repack phenomenon exploded. The Stumpjumper is a major off-roader.

While it may have been created first back in 1981, and while it may not be in the same league as some of the top bikes out there today, it is still very special.

Every kid or adult who buys a factory one today is buying something that was made possible thanks to the production of The Stumpjumper.

Mike Sinyard founded Specialized, and he at one point did state that he wanted to make a production bike, but that it had to feel like it ‘was a custom bike’.

Perhaps the best thing about The Stumpjumper (1981 edition) was the gears, a 15 speed Suntour set.

Any biker who remembered the Repack races would know that to go from a ‘coaster’ downhill bike to a production 15-speed model was a major feat. It was a testament to how MTBs had progressed.

Stumpjumper: Ahead of its time

Amazingly, for such an important and groundbreaking machine, it had no suspension.

Perhaps this can be put down to the learning curve manufacturers would find themselves on in the years to come, but it was certainly an interesting omission.

The reaction to The Stumpjumper was originally perhaps a little less than ecstatic. Too many retailers it looked like a BMX bike, and nothing more.

But Sinyard arranged for 500 to be shipped to the US from the factory in Japan in 1981.

The price (considering its relatively specialist nature) is reasonable. If you wanted the bike in its entirety, you had to pay $750.

For just the frame, you would cough up $395. In 2018, that $750 is worth around $2000.

The first 125 of the Stumpjumpers sold out in just six days. Things have changed, and the Stumpjumper is still available today, but in a vastly different form, for obvious reasons.

The bike has its place in the story due to it being the first mass-production MTB. While it may not be the best bike in the world, its legendary status is assured.

From Japan: Kuwahara

You can’t have an MTB history book without mentioning Kuwahara.

The legendary Japanese company was founded in 1918, and after some hard work by the founder (Sentaro Kuwahara) and his family (he allowed his children to take part in the business), Kuwahara began to make a name for itself.

The Kuwahara brand became well known in the early 70s when it first started exporting BMX bikes to North America. Then E.T. happened.

The Spielberg movie happens to feature BMX bikes in it, and they were Kuwahara bikes. For much of the world, and especially Europe, this was the first time that BMX bikes had been seen, let alone ridden in such an exciting manner.

This made Kuwahara a household name, and as a homage to the movie, a special ‘E.T. Edition’ of their BMX bike was recently made available.

E.T. was important, simply because top BMX riders of the day did the stunts for the movie.

Later on, Kuwahara branched out into mountain bikes, and things took off there because the brand managed to have its bikes feature heavily in some major championship events.

Finally, in 1991, the Kuwahara team won its first UCI MTB Series in Switzerland.

Kuwahara’s history is a big part of the whole sport’s history and overall. The push behind its teams and its place in popular culture have made sure of it.

Competitive arena

Most people now know MTB has a competitive culture. The first real competitions that had any kind of international feel to them started popping up in the 1990s and 2000s.

The first UCI Bike World Championships took place in Colorado in 1990.

Just as they do today, winners were allowed to wear the famous rainbow-colored jersey. Cross-country, downhill, and four-cross (where four riders race downhill to the finish) are the events involved.

A cross-country team relay was added to the World Championships in 1999, addressing the growing popularity of the discipline.

Perhaps one of the most exciting international events in the world is the Red Bull Rampage. That classic event has had some flak in recent years due to the danger the races pose to competitors.

However, this hasn’t stopped it from becoming world-famous. One of the most intriguing aspects of the event is the fact it is invitation-only. Held in Utah, the race first ran from 2001-2004.

It was then canceled due to the danger involved. It returned in 2008, and a venue change helped to bring the contest back to international attention.

Perhaps the most attractive feature is the prize money. Along with the invitation-only kudos, winners can expect an impressive prize. In 2015, there was an incredibly generous prize fund of $100,000.

Some key facts about mountain biking

We all love the sport, and there’s a ton of factual information out there that makes our practice even more fun.

Knowing this stuff will give you a fuller appreciation of the genius behind the whole machines and industry and the way they are today.

Right now, MTB has several categories that make it a complex sport and pursuit.

These categories are not exhaustive (there are bound to be more obscure activities out there) but just looking at the list shows how it has changed from what it was in the 70s:

• Trial biking
• Downhill
• Dirt jumping
• Slopestyle
• Freeride

These classes (and the sets of these classes) served to make the sport even more exciting. The first-ever national championships were held in the USA.

This wasn’t until 1983, with the competition gave the sport some much-needed stability and respect.

A few years later there was more respect and recognition with the first International Cycling Union World Championships.

Extreme Mountain Biking

If you’re looking for the extreme stuff, then you might want to grab your oxygen supply tanks for ‘The Yak Attack’.

This is currently the highest bike race on the planet and if you want to take part, you have to travel to Nepal.

There’s one slight issue that you may want to be aware of if you’re thinking of trying the race. It’s a long race, with riders having to travel a total of 400 km.

While those guys in California in the 70s were trailblazers, the bikes they rode were still modified cruisers (apart from those that Breeze created of course).

This meant that those riders who rode up Mount Tam (rather than catch a truck that took them to the start) were incredibly fit.

The climb was excruciating because the modified bikes were never meant to go uphill.

Bike racing is now a massive sport and has Olympic events, but the biggest race is still by far one that is held in Norway.

This race is 53 miles long, but the amazing fact about it is that it can attract up to 15,000 entrants.

The Birkebeinerrittet is one of the most popular events in sport, and the definite king, size-wise. As regards the longest race, you’re looking at the great Tour Divide race.

This one is an absolute classic and a real part of the history of mountain biking. In total, riders manage to travel over 2,700 miles. It’s a true long-distance race and one that runs from Canada to Mexico.

One rather intriguing fact (and possibly one that will surprise many) is that there are many senior (in age) competitors.

There have been examples of bikers winning major championships well into their 70s and 80s.

Mountain Biking in 2020 and beyond

To say the sports changed since the late 70s and the Repack days would be an understatement. The newer machines have systems on them that would put most cars to shame, in their ingenuity at least.

Creating a bike that is both light and incredibly tough, as well as stable and fast enough to compete is no small feat, and modern designers have taken their work to new levels of innovation.

Frames are lighter than ever while remaining tough and durable. The suspension (unless you’re the kind of rider who doesn’t want suspension) is responsive and quick.

And the speeds the bikes can reach are phenomenal.

There are not that many places to go in design, other than faster and lighter. Perhaps the most important thing to remember about modern MTB’s is that there are many styles now.

Designs have now been developed so that they even fit certain disciplines.

So you can have bikes that are perfect for cross country, as well as bikes that are crafted for downhill and freeride events. And you can also buy a bike that is made specifically for stunts.

That’s stunts for MTB’s, not BMX bikes, in case you were wondering. They’re different things.

Downhill mountain bike history is another thing, long and complex, and there are incredibly expensive bikes made just for that style. We can only see the whole MTB becoming more popular.

With competitions held by brands like Red Bull, and technology moving at great speed, expect it to become even more important.

Get your bike and have your say in being a part of the history of mountain biking.