Many of my friends who know me say that I am a bicycle freak. It's true though. I like to ride my bike down the hill a lot with my riding buddies. However, people keep asking me isn't dangerous or scary to do that kind of sport? I replied, I think riding downhill on your bicycle is just as dangerous as playing soccer or hockey or rugby as you could get hurt as well or even break your body parts from doing those sports. So, what do you guys think about extreme mountain biking, if you ever seen or tried it before?
2007-04-10 21:16:32 · 5 answers · asked by downhill pilot 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
To follow up with what Alex said - I just bought new disability and life insurance. Bicycle racing of any type was not even listed on their form for 'hazardous activities'. They had over two hundred activities listed, and more than half of them were related to motorsports, followed by dozens of water sports, skiing sports, cave/mountain related categories, they even had a 'Swamp Buggy' category, but no cycling of any kind.
Of course you can get hurt, To quote for the standard atheltes release for cycling "I realize cycling is an inherently dangerous sport". So is walking across a city street. I've been racing for 20 years, had dozens of crashes, but alway managed to walk (ok, hobble) away. Yet, I have a friend who was in a local soccer league, did a sweep kick, caught another guys leg just the right way and shatterd his ankle, requiring two surgeries and a series of pins. He still can't run after 5 years (my friend, not the other guy).
I don't think of riding down a local hill with your buddies as extreme. Careening down a ski slope at 60 MPH on a full downhill rig? That's extreme.
Don't be stupid about it though. Always wear a helmet, always make sure your brakes work, and your tires are properly inflated. You don't want to _invite_ disaster.
2007-04-11 03:10:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Define "extreme"?? Downhill isn't that "extreme"... Freeriding is a bit more "extreme" in that the margin of error is greater and so is the range of possible injuries due to the heights and areas in which the riding is performed. But that's besides the point.
There are specialized bikes that make downhill even more fun and exciting. Safety equipment is deisgned to keep you safe. If you fall, you fall. You get hurt. You could get hit by a bus crossing the street. If you are willing to take the risk, go for it. If you have the skills and take the proper precautions you shouldn't have a problem.
Good luck!
2007-04-11 03:15:49 · answer #2 · answered by Kristy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For insurance purposes, the most dangerouse sport is cave diving. This is closely followed by horse riding (You know, that respectable sport that most people will pay extortianate amounts of money for their little princesses to learn.). Downhill does give spectacular injuries, but your safety gear tends to be more advanced and of better quality than is used by equestrians.
Anyway, if you want real extreme sport, I was thinking of starting a horse back cave diving club.
Luck
2007-04-10 23:15:42 · answer #3 · answered by Alice S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you enjoy it, go with it. It is not going to be everybody's cup of tea, but life is about being passionate about the things that make us happy.
2007-04-11 00:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
riding down a hill is extreme?!
2007-04-11 01:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋