Judy 1

Mountain Bike Study

Revised by:Judy aly
Mountain biking is a popular and exciting off-road adventure sport and recreational pursuit. Over the
years it has diversified into many different riding disciplines including cross country, trail riding, all
mountain or enduro, downhill, freeride and dirt jumping, each requiring a unique mountain bike
design, kit and trail type.
Mountain bikes are designed for riding in rough terrain with features to enhance durability and
performance. They are typically ridden on mountain trails and natural landscapes which have hard
rocks, loose dirt, muddy or grassy tracks, and steep slopes. Electric mountain bikes are battery-
assisted bikes that are less exhausting for the riders. These bikes have broadened the appeal of
mountain biking and attracted a wider age range to the sport.

Global Market Growth are encouraged into the sport and the younger
riders move into the older age groups as they
Mountain biking is a major sport that is continue to participate.
witnessing an increase in the number of
Data shows that mountain bikers are a lucrative
participants and competitive events worldwide.
demographic to target. In general they are
The global market is expected to increase by
younger men with higher than average levels of
9.84% annually during the period 2018-2022.
household income and education. The amount
The sale of electric mountain bikes, more
that bikers are willing to spend and the extent to
women and children entering the sport, and
which they are treating themselves are
better media coverage at major competitions are
increasing, which bodes well for the sport.
fuelling this growth. The sport has flourished in
Europe and North America with surging sales Health Benefits
of mountain bikes. Both areas have vast and
scenic mountain ranges with Canada having Health issues such as obesity, heart disease and
some of the best mountain bike trails in the diabetes are on the rise and physical exercise,
world. Asia Pacific is the fastest rising and most especially in the outdoors, is essential for health
lucrative market due to the growing disposable and well-being. Studies have found that people
incomes of people in the area, particularly in the who cycle regularly have a life expectancy two
nations of India, China, Australia, South Korea, years above average and enjoy a level of fitness
Singapore and Taiwan. equivalent to someone ten years younger.
Mountain biking is an aerobic activity that
Demographics gives the heart, blood vessels and lungs a
thorough workout. It is a fun and exciting way
Most mountain bikers are aged between 20 and
to enjoy the many health benefits of regular
40, with the average age being 26. The sport is
exercise including:
dominated by young males with only 7% of
participants being female. Most female riders increased cardiovascular fitness
are aged between 30 and 39. Men and younger improved joint mobility, muscle strength and
participants enjoy the gravity oriented flexibility
disciplines such as downhill, whilst women and
older riders tend to participate more in cross better posture and co-ordination
country and all mountain disciplines. The strengthened bones
predominance of younger riders may be
explained by the relative newness of the sport, reduced body fat levels
or may be due to the demanding physical nature lower blood pressure
of the activity which is less attractive to older
strengthened immune system
sports enthusiasts. These demographic patterns
are expected to change in time as more women reduced stress levels, anxiety and depression.
Judy 2

At any age there is no better way to improve

overall physical, mental and emotional health.

Competitive Racing The following chart outlines the forecast

growth rate in the number of cross country
Competitive mountain biking is a relatively
events:
new sport which originates from America
where the first national mountain bike
competitions were held in 1983. The sport Growth of cross country events
gained in popularity and the discipline grew 10400 10303
quickly around the world. It took seven years 10300
10200

Number of events
before the first World Championships were
10100 10003
held in 1990 and the sport debuted at the 1996 10000
Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. The first 9900 9807
electric mountain bike race was held in 9800 9710
California during 2016 with the European 9700
9600
Cycling Union introducing professional e-road
9500
and e-mountain bike races to its calendar in 9400
2019. 1 2 3 4
Most races are organised Axis Title
into different categories
and level of skill so the
competition is balanced
between riders with comparable age, skill and
experience. In multi-lap courses the number of One reason many people choose mountain
laps to be completed will depend on the type of biking as a hobby is the potential for it to
race and rider ability category. Some races are become a lifelong adventure. The youngest
time trials raced against the clock with riders world championship winner was just 16 years
released at set intervals, in other competitions of age and the oldest rider to win a national
there is a mass start or riders are released in championship was 83, proving that age is no
groups. barrier to this sport.
The number of competitive events staged each
year has grown rapidly and current trends
Mountain Biking Tourism
indicate a continued annual growth rate of 10 to Mountain bike tourism is booming worldwide
15%. New sponsors are keen to endorse large and is the second highest grossing outdoor
scale events and competitor numbers continue recreation category in America. The market has
to rise. been driven by growing demand for active
holidays, an increased interest in ‘green’
tourism and the continued global development
of cycling infrastructure. Bikers are attracted by
the scenic and rugged landscapes and the
opportunity to explore and ride new trails. They
can stay based in the same location with daily
mountain bike trails in the surrounding
countryside, or travel as a tour staying in
different locations and cycling between
destinations.
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Research has shown that mountain

bikers take two mountain bike
holidays each year and tend to stay
longer and spend more per day than
other tourists. On average they will
ride for 4 hours 45 minutes each
day and cover 55.5 miles per trip.
Mountain bike tourism helps to generate
revenue for the host community and can act as
a catalyst for economic development. An
example of how such tourism can change lives
for the better is the Mama Rumi trail in
Ecuador. This was an old Inca trail traditionally
used as a bootleg smuggling route. It was lost
to the jungle for many years until villagers
worked tirelessly to clear and re-open the trail.
It is now a 12km adventure mountain bike trail
with a downhill descent of 1920m. The trail
attracts visitors all year and this tourism has
given a huge economic boost to the area. In
2015 the Downhill Mama Rumi race attracted
284 participants and over 600 visitors which
has financed a water system to bring potable
water to villages located along the route.