Is mountain biking a summer sport? Despite the seemingly straightforward answer to this question, there is often ongoing debate surrounding it. While mountain biking is undeniably associated with summer, this doesn’t mean you can’t ride your mountain bike in other seasons.
The designation of mountain biking as a summer sport can be easily justified by several established facts. However, the reasons why some hold a different viewpoint are also understandable. In this article, I’ll lay out all the facts and explore why there remains a divergence in opinion among many.
Why Mountain Biking Truly Belongs to Summer…
Mountain biking is inherently a summer sport, as all major MTB-related events and competitions predominantly occur during the spring and summer months. However, this might not be readily apparent in my region due to the abundance of winter cycling tours. I’ll delve into this aspect later in the article. Nonetheless, the official MTB season primarily unfolds during the spring and summer.
The Olympic Games
Cross-country mountain biking has been an Olympic sport since 1996, representing a relatively young discipline that has remained unchanged in its program since its debut in Atlanta. This competition occurs every four years and is part of the Olympic Summer Games. Did you know that the Dutch cyclist Bart Brentjens clinched the very first Olympic title in mountain biking?
Considering that Olympic mountain biking always takes place in the summer, it’s safe to say that it is indeed a summer sport. After all, you won’t find any MTB events at the Winter Olympics.”
The Mountain Biking World Cup
The Mountain Biking World Cup, featuring various disciplines within the sport, traditionally kicks off in May. The enduro discipline tends to start a bit earlier, launching at the end of March.
All disciplines, from XCO (cross-country), XCC (short track), EDR (enduro), EDR-E (e-enduro), DHI (downhill) to XCM (marathon) (added in 2023), take place during the spring and summer.
The official MTB season wraps up at the end of September or early October with the final competitions across various disciplines. While the last race may fall in the autumn, mountain bikes are typically stored away afterward. Many professionals begin preparing for the upcoming season during the winter months, which is set to kick off after winter.
Based on the World Cup schedule, it’s clear that mountain biking is indeed a summer sport.
Mountain Biking: A True Mountain Sport
In Belgium, where I live, mountain biking looks quite different from its original conception back in the 1970s in California. The Repack Downhill race was one of the first competitions organized during that era. It wasn’t until the 1980s that mountain biking gained popularity in Europe and other parts of the world.
As the name suggests, mountain biking is indeed a genuine mountain sport where mountains play a significant role. During winter, these mountains are often blanketed with thick layers of snow, but in the warmer months of the year, they become perfectly navigable with a mountain bike.
Moreover, in the high mountains, the temperatures during the winter months are not particularly pleasant for outdoor activities. However, in the summer, the scene transforms entirely.
Even in Belgium and Europe, it’s a Summer Sport
Given the lack of mountains in my predominantly flat surroundings, mountain biking looks different here. While winding single tracks and pristine nature undoubtedly offer fun, adventure, and the necessary adrenaline rush, nothing quite compares to a challenging climb followed by a thrilling, high-speed descent that sends adrenaline coursing through your entire body, right?
Fortunately, as a Belgian, I also have the opportunity to engage in mountain biking in the Ardennes. While these Belgian hills are certainly not comparable to high mountains, they bring us closer to the true mountain biking experience.
And even in our neighboring Netherlands, true mountain bikers can still find their satisfaction. Primarily in the province of Limburg, you can tackle several altitude meters. Routes in Vijlen, Gulpen, Valkenburg, and Landgraaf are far from flat and, in the absence of real mountains, definitely worth exploring.
Of course, you can cycle both the Ardennes and Dutch Limburg routes year-round, but given our fickle climate with plenty of rain and ensuing mud, winter presents a vastly different experience than summer. Flowy and swift descents quickly turn into slippery and technical challenges. It’s great for honing your skills but perhaps slightly less enjoyable…
Both touring rides and MTB races in the Ardennes, as well as those in Dutch Limburg, like the official World Cup events, all take place in the spring and summer months. Therefore, in Belgium and the Netherlands, the official MTB season falls in summer, confirming mountain biking as a true summer sport.
Why are most MTB tours held in winter?
Officially, mountain biking is considered a summer sport, and that’s abundantly clear and hardly debatable. However, for many, especially in my region, mountain biking is seen as a sport for autumn and winter. There’s a clear explanation for this…
It’s the road cyclists among us who contribute to this confusion. Most road cyclists opt for mountain biking during the winter months since the road cycling season is over, and cycling on the roads in these months is less appealing.
For this reason, many cycling tours also take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. Local cycling clubs often organize these tours to support their club finances.
Of course, there are also MTB clubs eager to take advantage of this winter’s popularity and organize their annual cycling tours during this season. It’s understandable, given that the turnout in winter months is often much higher due to road cyclists opting for MTB rides…
During winter, you’ll hardly find the more challenging tours, like those in the Belgian Ardennes.
For cyclists primarily riding road bikes, mountain biking becomes a true winter sport, marking the start of their MTB season when the official MTB season concludes. Just as the trails become truly enjoyable and the MTB season kicks off, road cyclists switch back to the roads. Hardcore mountain bikers won’t complain as the woods become much quieter…
For me, the crowds at winter tours are a reason to participate minimally or not at all. And if I do join one, I prefer to depart a bit later to avoid traffic jams, congestion, and the few who think it’s a race…
4 Reasons Why Mountain Biking in the Summer Is Superior
By now, you should be gradually convinced that mountain biking is indeed a true summer sport. Besides the facts, there are several other reasons why mountain biking is synonymous with summer and simply more enjoyable during this season…
More and Longer Rides in Summer
During the winter months, darkness lingers longer, and there are fewer opportunities for mountain biking. Especially with a 9 to 5 job, taking out the mountain bike on weekdays becomes increasingly challenging. Consequently, you’re almost forced to ride on weekends, just like many others are compelled.
In contrast, during the summer months, you can easily go for a ride after or even before work. Additionally, you have the flexibility, even on weekends, to start your ride earlier in the afternoon or later in the evening. Or how about embarking on an extensive day trip on the mountain bike, a near impossibility in winter…
Better Conditions
While the Belgian spring and summers can be quite changeable, we’ve had little to complain about in recent years. In terms of temperature, it’s much more pleasant for mountain biking, and the conditions are often more favorable. Wading through mud becomes less of a concern and leads to kicking up dust.
Tree roots, rocks, and stones are less treacherous and are no longer concealed under a layer of leaves, mud, or even snow, allowing you to ride with more confidence over trails, obstacles, and descents.
In summer, there’s less wear and tear on your gear.
A direct consequence of the better weather is that the equipment will also suffer less. Of course, dust can still cause wear and tear and creaks, but winter and its accompanying weather are the real culprits for component wear. Local bike shops and parts sellers will attest that the cash registers ring much more frequently and loudly during that period.
The conditions on the trails and in the woods during winter mean you almost have to clean your bike after every ride with water and soap. And while cleaning your mountain bike can be quick, you’re still out there in the harsh cold with a water hose in your hands.
In contrast, you can take your bike in the sunshine in summer. Additionally, there’s much less need for water (the bearings will thank you), especially in drier periods, and you can often dust off or blow away the dust, clean and lubricate your chain, and Bob’s your uncle.
Mountain Biking Vacation
A mountain biking vacation is another ideal activity to do during the summer period. It’s an active holiday where you can indulge in your favorite hobby at unique and beautiful locations, and I certainly wouldn’t say no to that.
In addition to planning your biking vacation, you can also turn to one of the numerous MTB travel agencies for guided MTB tours or multi-day trips, both domestically and abroad… or how about bikepacking?
Mountain Biking is a Summer Sport, BUT…
Mountain biking is indeed a summer sport; we can all agree on that by now, right? Additionally, several reasons make mountain biking more enjoyable during the summer. However, of course, you can mountain bike all year round.
Many mountain bikers, like myself, have just one type of bike: a mountain bike. In that case, you have to ride regardless of the season. Yet, mountain biking remains predominantly a summer sport.
Unsurprisingly, many mountain bikers engage in more road cycling, choose indoor bike trainers, or opt for a run during the winter to maintain or build their fitness for the upcoming MTB season.
However, you look at it, cycling, in general, is an activity that attracts many enthusiasts during good weather. City cyclists and e-bikers, especially retirees, are rarely seen in winter, and you can’t blame them.
Besides the fact that it’s simply less enjoyable in terms of temperature, you can’t just stop for a break at a café along the way, which is often one of the motivations for getting the bike out. These arguments are certainly recognizable for many recreational mountain bikers as well.
Mountain biking in winter requires a strong mindset and some adjustments. It would help if you had quite a bit of extra clothing and accessories to brave the harsh winter cold, dampness, and mud as comfortably as possible.
How do I feel about it?
Meanwhile, I’ve been on the mountain bike for several years now, all year round. Apart from my worn-out city bike, my entire bike arsenal consists solely of mountain bikes. If I want to go for a ride, I have to take the mountain bike, regardless of the weather, be it in winter or summer.
At the beginning of my mountain biking ‘career,’ the conditions didn’t bother me at all. I used to attend one of the many cycling tours weekly, even in winter. I would ride through deep puddles or thick mud without hesitation. As a result, I often returned home completely covered in mud.
However, the fun eventually wore off, especially when I managed to ruin an entire drivetrain within three months by not avoiding any puddles or patches of mud. Following that rather destructive winter, the spring and summer truly opened up the world of mountain biking for me – what a relief… I have no qualms about admitting that I’m a fair-weather rider; there is nothing wrong with that, right?
For me, mountain biking is a summer sport, without a doubt! I use the winter months to prepare myself as best as possible for the summer cycling tours, marathon races in the Ardennes, and day or multi-day MTB trips.
This preparation varies from road rides, gravel biking, and trail running to intense interval or hill training on the bike trainer. Winter is certainly not boring, but it’s effective…
And if the winter happens to be a bit milder (and drier), I’ll still hit the trails. During heavy rain, I opt for sandy terrain where the water doesn’t linger on the trails for too long.
Final Thoughts
Mountain biking is officially a summer sport, but you can use your mountain bike all year round. It’s mainly due to road cyclists that mountain biking sometimes gets labeled as a winter sport. The road cycling season typically ends after summer, but what’s often forgotten is that the (official) mountain biking season also ends at that time.
While mountain biking in the mud certainly has advantages, there are plenty of reasons to tear up the trails, especially in the summer. The days are longer and more pleasant, allowing for longer rides and opportunities to ride at different times. The weather is often more favorable, making the trails quicker and better to ride.
Even with a 9 to 5 job, you don’t have to wait for the weekend to go for a ride in the summer. Additionally, you can take it easy on your equipment and even enjoy a vacation with your carbon (or aluminum) steed.
I look forward to the start of spring and especially summer every year. Winter is not my cup of tea, especially because I prefer riding marathons where you can spend 4, 5, or more hours on the mountain bike. Besides, I’m quite sensitive to the cold and would rather spend winter in a warm country.
Of course, everyone is different, and you should do what you enjoy! But we can all agree that mountain biking is a summer sport by now, right?
I’m curious to hear your thoughts… Let me know in a comment below
