Why Mountain Biking is the Perfect COVID-19 Sport

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many team sports have been canceled, because there is no way to safely play contact sports such as soccer, football, basketball, and many others without putting yourself and others at risk. 

However, mountain biking could be the exception, and here's why; 

First of all, mountain biking isn’t necessarily a team sport. You don’t need to shove other players or make contact with the same playing ball that multiple other kids have touched. You can easily train and practice alone; you don’t even need a mountain in some cases. For example, fine techniques and skills can be refined in everything from a skatepark to a sidewalk curb.

Second, it is difficult not to social distance on a mountain bike. Being at least six feet apart is almost an unspoken rule even without a pandemic. This enables basic safety precautions. If you’re riding on someone's tail, and they wipe out, the chances of you avoiding the wreck and preventing a multiple-person wipe out are slim. It is easier to social distance on a mountain bike than it is off of one.

Thirdly, even with races being canceled, it is still easy to mountain bike. You just have to get on and start biking. You can bike in just about any weather, terrain, or temperature- that is, if you’re tough and committed enough.

Indica enjoying time out on her bike with The Cycle Effect.

I personally play a lot of sports, but mountain biking is one of the few that I've been able to continue. Soccer leagues in my town are closed, so I can’t play soccer. Because there are no soccer games, I can’t referee them like I usually do. Covid-19 canceled the end of ski season for me, and rock climbing (in a gym) isn’t really an option; touching the same handholds as hundreds of other people? No thanks.

Mountain biking has continued to be a readily available sport for me, and I’ve never been as committed to it as I am now that I don’t have much else to do. My fitness has been better than ever thanks to the regular weekly biking I’ve been doing, and it is just an overall great activity to participate in.

By Indica Dobbins, age 13.