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Geared for fun

QUANTICO, Va. — Looking for an adventurous alternative to help stoke your fitness routine? Mountain biking might be just the ticket.

Combining the cardiovascular and muscular demands of trail running and cycling with the psychological appeal of a great outdoors workout, mountain biking is a terrific way to bust fitness fatigue.

“Plus, it’s fun,” said Marine Lt. Col. Daryl Crane, the varsity team captain of the Quantico, (Va.) Mountain Bike Club. Crane and four of his teammates had just finished a six-mile warm-up ride in the densely wooded trails of this sprawling Marine Corps base. The sweat and smiles were flowing freely.

“It may sound silly, but when I ride I feel like a little kid, flying along with the playing card clacking in my wheel spokes,” he said with a grin. “It’s just that much fun.”

More fun than road riding, enthusiasts say, because of the unique challenges and nonstop action mountain biking offers. If you’ve never done it, it’s not simply riding a fat-tired bike on a trail of pine needles (though it certainly can be, should you wish).

True devotees cheer about hills to summit, valleys to plunge into, creeks to cross, fallen trees and rocks to surmount, and narrow passages between old-growth trees that you need to thread between — all while changing gears, pumping pedals and preparing for what’s just around the bend.

Marine Staff Sgt. Nathan Putnam — who began riding just one year ago — says the adrenaline rush and physical demands of mountain biking make for a fantastic way to stay fit.

He relishes the speed, adversity, unpredictability and rugged individualism that are hallmarks of the sport.

“There are so many ways to ride, whether by yourself or with a team, cross country, or downhill,” said Putnam, who is president of the Quantico Mountain Bike Club. “I tell people that it’s up to them how far they want to take it.”

Mutual support

Like trail running, mountain biking usually happens on wooded loops that vary from five to nine miles, Putnam said. At Quantico, the varsity club comprises hard-core riders who compete in local and regional races both as individuals and as a team. Other club members do individual and group rides but at slower, less competitive paces.

“We’re here to support one another,” said Gunnery Sgt. Yomen English, the fastest rider on the Quantico varsity team. He doubles as the team mechanic and sport ambassador, constantly encouraging new recruits to join the club. “You perform to your own abilities.

“Beginners need to come out and enjoy this experience,” English cautions. “The worst thing you can do is get frustrated and quit.”

Those who stick with it and master the necessary nuances of speed control, proper gear shifting and essential anticipation, however, will be gleefully rewarded. There’s nothing quite like the serenity of the woods coupled with the adventuresome spirit of the chase.

Many military bases have dedicated trails for mountain bikers, and local off-base opportunities are abundant. The popularity of the sport has so exploded in the past 10 years, said officials at USA Cycling, that most U.S. cities have clubs similar to Quantico’s.

“Do a Google search for bike clubs, and you’ll be gladly amazed,” Crane said.

Like any sport, you can do crazy expensive with gold-plated gear or be well-served with some simple basics.

“You don’t need a $5,000 full-suspension bike to enjoy the sport,” said Capt. Alex Roloff, another Quantico varsity team member. “You can get a good bike for $800 to $1,200.”

Good mountain bikes are more expensive than weekend cruisers because you’ll want something that can handle the rough stuff. Your wrists, hands, back and shoulders also will appreciate a bike with a suspension fork. Frames should be made of steel, titanium or aluminum.

“Buy a frame from a local bike shop,” Crane said. “That’s a must in my book. You want reasonable quality, or you won’t be having fun.”

Fun seemed to be the operative word for these off-road adventurers.

“Gotta have it,” English said as he headed up yet another hill, eagerly anticipating the exhilarating downhill that awaited. “That’s what it’s all about.”

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