1. It's All About the Terrain
Cross country mountain biking gets its name mostly from the type of terrain a person typically rides with this type of biking. It involves cycling on terrain that's smooth to moderate, including smooth fireroads, paved roads and rough forest paths. Cross country mountain bike is also referred to as XC mountain bike riding and is the most common form of cycling. It doesn't get as much media attention as downhill biking, possibly because it's not as extreme or as fascinating to watch. In 1996, cross country cycling became an Olympic sport. It is the only type of competitive mountain biking performed in the Summer Olympics.
2. Specialized Cross Country Mountain Bikes
If you're a very casual, recreational, cross country mountain cyclist, then any type of bike you're comfortable riding will do. However, if you want to do this type of cycling more often, you may want to invest in a proper bike. A cross country mountain bike is the lightest type of bike available. One typically weights between 22 to 30 pounds. All bikes have suspension forks in the front and some even have them in the back. The majority of XC bicycles have at least 4 inches of suspension travel in both the front and the rear, but many are made with a 5- to 6-inch suspension travel. When sitting on a cross country bicycle, you'll find that you're in a more upright position than a basic road bike, but you won't be sitting up quite as straight as a downhill bike.
3. The XC Cyclists Gear
The gear of a cross country cyclist isn't anything fancy, even for athletes who compete in the Summer Olympics. A good helmet is a necessity, but the full-face helmets and body armor used by downhill riders are not necessary. Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and length of the ride is also a good idea. Cycling gloves will protect your hands if you plan to do cross country mountain biking for any period of time.
4. Point-to-Point or Lap Racing Options
Cross country mountain bike races can be as short as 30 minutes and as long as 24 hours. The longer ones are usually divided into stages so they take several days to complete. These races tend to be point-to-point races. Cross country mountain biking races can also be lap-based, which isn't as interesting to participate in. Short-track cross country races have short laps to encourage spectators. Races are either mass start or interval start. Mass start means everyone goes at the same time. Interval starts involve releasing riders in large groups based on ability or age. Some very large races start with riders running to their bikes.
5. Find Professional Groups
Cross Country Mountain Biking is governed globally by the International Cycling Union, otherwise known as Union Cycliste Internationale. In the United States, it's governed by the USAC-MTB, which is a division of USA Cycling.
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