While the modern bicycle has its origins in 18th century Europe, the creation of the sport known as Mountain Biking owes its beginnings to Northern California in the 1970s - Marin County, to be exact.A previous discipline known as cyclo-crossing had been popular in Europe following the end of World War II. The California bike shared certain traits with the off-road, mountain terrain aspects of cyclo-crossing, but advances in technology led to bigger and fatter tires and beefed-up suspensions capable of withstanding radical forces.
An indoor version was known as BMX which stood for Bicycle Moto Cross, while the outdoor version was simply called Mountain Biking.
The sport grew fast. The first U.S. National Championship was held in 1983, followed four years later by the first International Championship.
The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum (MBHOF) is located in downtown Crested Butte, Colorado, at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.
Here in Red River, mountain biking has experienced a steady rise in popularity, as witnessed by this year’s 21th Annual Top Of The World Mountain Bike Race which will be held in Red River on September 7.
Sitzmark Sports at the corner of Main and Mallette has become the official center for mountain biking in the Red River Valley. Mountain bikes are available for rent or purchase, along with Digglers, an all-terrain scooter that is the “hot” item this year, mountain boards which are “snowboards with wheels,” and town bikes.
If you ask for Marshall Garner, you may get a puzzled look. If, however, you ask to see “Tennessee,” a tall affable young man with a ready smile will show up and do his best to see that you have a great experience while you’re in town.
He’s been working at Sitzmark in Red River for 5½ years, and is renowned for his expertise on a snowboard as well as his love of two-wheeled adventure the rest of the year, as witnessed by the photo on this page of a stream crossing. Notice the smile.
Want to find the best place to ride?
“I recommend the Nature Trail, which follows the river, if you only have an hour or two to ride. Catch it at base of the Red Chair Lift. It’s a really nice, easy trail.
“Up Mallette Canyon there’s a nature trail that follows the creek. Catch it at the park. You can go as far as you want for an hour or two.
“The Old Pass is kind of a hard ride, kind of a grinder, but it’s short and a lot of fun.
“If you have more time, I recommend Pioneer Canyon or taking the ski lift up to the top. You can even go from the top of the ski area to Goose Lake Road.
“Lost Lake is my favorite trail. It’s beautiful, awesome and well- maintained.”
Tennessee will tell you: Don’t forget your helmet. Safety is important.