Mountain Biking Mountaineers: Insights into the West Virginia Mountain Biking Community

True Love Is a Trued Wheel

Self-assessment of riding skills and perception of trail difficulty in mountain biking - An investigation within the German-speaking mountain biking community

The popularity of mountain biking (MTB) in the United States has risen in recent years. We sought to identify the prevalence and distribution of MTB associated head and neck injuries presenting to emergency departments across the U.S. and identify risk factors for hospital admission in this patient population. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for MTB related injuries of the head and neck from 2009 to 2018, with analysis for incidence, age, gender, anatomic site, and diagnoses. A total of 486 cases were identified, corresponding to an estimated 18 952 head and neck MTB related ED visits. Patients were predominantly male (80.7%) and white (69.8%) with a median age of 35 years (interquartile range, 21-46 years). A majority (88.4%) of patients were released from the ED, but a significant proportion of patients were admitted (9.2%) or transferred (1.2%). The most common facial fractures were facial/not specified (35%), nasal bone (29%), mandible (15%), orbit (12%), and zygomaxillary complex (9%). The greatest predictors of hospital admission/transfer were injury to the mouth or neck and avulsion-type injury (P < .001). MTB results in a significant number of traumatic head and neck injuries nationwide. Patients are primarily adult, white males. The majority of injuries result in discharge from the ED, however a small amount of these patients experience significant morbidity necessitating hospital admission. Understanding the distribution of MTB head and neck injuries may aid in the clinical evaluation of these patients. 4.

Given the International Mountain Bike Association’s growing membership, mountain biking popularity, and industry growth, it is important to explore perceived health benefits and outcomes derived from the sport of mountain biking. Mountain biking is currently one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the world, but empirical documentation regarding outcomes from participation is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived health outcomes of mountain biking as they relate to different demographic groups in the United States. Data were collected using the Perceived Heath Outcomes of Recreation Scale, which measured recreation outcomes in terms of prevention, improvement, and psychological benefits from recreation participation in mountain biking. Results from this national study explored differences according to gender, age, membership, and regions. Findings suggest that women perceived higher psychological health outcomes, and men perceived higher health outcomes related to prevention. Older riders significantly perceived prevention-based health outcomes from mountain biking than their younger counterparts. No differences were found between prevention, psychological, and improvement outcomes related to membership. Regional analysis revealed a homogenous view of health outcomes from mountain bikers across the U.S. Land managers, outdoor advocacy groups, and commercial outfitters could use this research to promote the health benefits of mountain biking. Interestingly, and noteworthy from a public health perspective, mountain bikers who ride twice monthly, or every day, perceived similar outcomes. This provides support for the notion that mountain biking, even when participating with less frequency, bodes well as a possible recreation activity to address some of the challenges our society faces regarding unhealthy lifestyles. Recreation professionals could advocate for an alternative form of physical activity by introducing mountain biking to new audiences, while articulating the possible health benefits achieved from participation. This study may be useful to outdoor recreation programmers and public land use managers to better understand participants on park trails; and to allow for better recognition of benefits resulting from mountain biking on trails. Subscribe to JPRA

Mountain biking in peri-urban parks: Social factors influencing perceptions of conflicts in three popular National Parks in Australia

BackgroundMountain biking is an aerobic physical activity that has experienced rapid growth. The emergence of the electric pedal-assist mountain bike (eMTB), while not without its critics, presents the potential for an even larger segment of the population to enjoy the health benefits of mountain biking. Although the research focused on the use of e-bikes generally is growing, there is limited research specifically targeting eMTB use. Research is needed exploring the potential exercise response of riding an eMTB, together with the beliefs and perceptions of mountain bikers who have and have not experienced eMTB riding.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare conventional mountain bike and eMTB use. This was done by investigating 2 questions: (1) What proportion of exercise response is retained for an experienced mountain biker while using an eMTB when compared with a conventional mountain bike? and (2) What are the perceptions and beliefs of experienced mountain bikers toward eMTBs both before and after riding an eMTB?MethodsA convergent mixed methods data collection approach was used in the study. Participants completed both a pre- and postride questionnaire, and data regarding heart rate were collected. Heart rates from each ride were compared against each other.ResultsThe average heart rate during eMTB use was 94% (31/33) of the average heart rate during conventional mountain bike use. Therefore, eMTB use in this study achieved a majority of the exercise response and exceeded established biometric thresholds for cardiovascular fitness. Paired t test statistics were calculated to compare beliefs of conventional mountain bikes and eMTBs and to compare mean heart rate and speed between conventional mountain bike and eMTB use on the study loop. Participants overwhelmingly perceived the potential impact of eMTB use to be positive on both pre- and post-eMTB ride questionnaires.ConclusionsDespite the measured benefit, participants’ perceived exertion while riding the eMTB was low.

HepatologyVolume 5, Issue 4 p. 683-692 Special ArticleFree Access The liver sieve: Considerations concerning the structure and function of endothelial fenestrae, the sinusoidal wall and the space of disse Dr. E. Wisse, Corresponding Author Dr. E. Wisse Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Laboatory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium===Search for more papers by this authorR. B. de Zanger, R. B. de Zanger Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorK. Charels, K. Charels Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorP. van der Smissen, P. van der Smissen Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorR. S. McCuskey, R. S. McCuskey Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this author Dr. E. Wisse, Corresponding Author Dr. E. Wisse Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Laboatory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium===Search for more papers by this authorR. B. de Zanger, R. B. de Zanger Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorK. Charels, K. Charels Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorP. van der Smissen, P. van der Smissen Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this authorR. S. McCuskey, R. S. McCuskey Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels-Jette, Belgium and the Department of Anatomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506–6302Search for more papers by this author First published: July/August 1985 https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.1840050427Citations: 521AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume5, Issue4July/August 1985Pages 683-692 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Background: Injury research on mountain biking has been mostly limited to examining professional riders and off-road biking. Mountain bikes represent the largest segment of bike sales in the United States. Recreational mountain bike use is popular and understudied. Purpose: To describe the scope, distribution, and trends of mountain bike–related injuries treated in US emergency departments. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted with data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for patients aged ≥8 years from 1994 through 2007. Sample weights provided by the system were used to calculate national estimates of mountain bike–related injuries based on 4624 cases. Bivariate comparisons between categorical variables were assessed with injury proportion ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Nationwide, an estimated 217 433 patients were treated for mountain bike–related injuries in US emergency departments from 1994 to 2007, an average of 15 531 injuries per year. The annual number of injuries decreased 56%, from a high of 23 177 in 1995 to 10 267 in 2007 (P < .001). The most common injuries were upper extremity fractures (10.6%) and shoulder fractures (8.3%). Patients aged 14 to 19 years sustained a greater proportion of traumatic brain injuries (8.4%) than did patients aged 8 to 13 years and ≥20 years combined (4.3%). A greater proportion of female riders (6.1%) than male riders (4.5%) were hospitalized. Conclusion: Mountain bike–related injuries decreased from 1994 to 2007. Upper extremity fractures were the most common injury. Girls and women may be more likely than boys and men to sustain more severe injuries requiring hospitalization. Despite the decline over the past decade, more can be done to improve safety and reduce injuries in this popular recreational activity.

Mountain biking, also known as singletracking, is an emerging sector in outdoor recreation activities. Experience shows that although bicycling is considered a low-impact activity, singletracking may have adverse environmental footprints. Here, we review and conceptually analyze the forces applied on singletracks, and implement mathematical modeling of these forces, for a range of climatic conditions and geographic settings. Specifically, we focus on the hydrological and geomorphic impacts of singletracking, and highlight the importance of applying geomorphic principles in their design. Also, we demonstrate specific measures for establishing singletracks on hillslopes and in ephemeral stream channels. We discuss how climate, topography, surface roughness, hydrological connectivity, and pedology determine the processes of water runoff and soil erosion on singletrack trails. Further, we demonstrate how riders’ behavior determines the rate of shearing, wearing, compaction, deformation, and rutting of the singletrack, as well as the expansion of physical damages to the track’s surroundings. These conditions and effects determine the durability of singletracks, with implications for maintenance requirements over time. The specific implications of the emerging sector of electric mountain bikes on singletrack durability are discussed. Insights of this paper will benefit landscape designers and land managers aiming to foster ecotourism and sustainable recreation opportunities.

Public involvement in management decision making has received increased attention from researchers in recent years. These studies, however, have rarely considered differences in behavior resulting from gains and losses, despite ample evidence that individuals' behavior is not the same across situations. Individuals are often more sensitive to losses than gains, which research suggests is related to ownership (real or perceived) of the item lost. We present evidence from a within-subjects quasi-experimental design to test whether mountain bikers' reported intentions differ between gain based and loss based conditions. These data were analyzed using a multi-step repeated measures analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis of covariance. The results suggest that losses are more powerful than gains in motivating public engagement in management decision making. Further, the type of action was also shown to influence behavioral intentions. Additional analyses provide support to the claim that, centrality, used as a proximate measure of ownership, moderates the contextual effects on behavioral intentions. Thus, loss aversion, moderated by ownership, is a plausible explanation of stakeholder involvement.

Editorial for the Special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism on mountain biking

While the popularity of pedal-assist electric bikes (eBikes) generally is growing, electric-mountain bikes (eMTB) have not received a warm welcome by many within the mountain biking community. Anecdotally, a variety of concerns have been raised concerning eMTB use, including trail damage, trail conflict, decreased trail access, and the perception that eMTB use is not “real” mountain biking or is “cheating.” This qualitative study involved extracting and thematically analyzing discussion thread comments about eMTBs among nine mountain biking Facebook pages, Three predominant themes emerged: What is an eMTB?, Trails, and How should eMTBs be used? There was general confusion about the features and capabilities of eMTBs except by those who had previously used one. Commenters expressed concern over a variety of trail-related issues, including that eMTBs will damage trails similar to the way motorized vehicles do and that they could cause restricted access to some trail systems. There were inconsistent opinions on the use of eMTBs, where some comments saw riding mountain bikes as a “rite of passage” and that using an eMTB was “cheating”. There was some level of acknowledgement that eMTBs may be useful for promoting exercise, but this was mediated by the “rite of passage” belief. These findings confirm general attitudes around eMTBs including fears, concerns, and prejudices. This study includes insights that will be useful in efforts to promote eMTBs for recreation, a tool to increase levels of physical activity, and in discussing potential conflicts about trail use.

Background:Adventure sports have grown in popularity over the past several decades, with evidence of more significant growth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous literature has described head and neck injuries for this group of sports, although neither general musculoskeletal injuries nor injuries during the pandemic have been described.Purpose:To determine whether rates of adventure sports injuries changed from before to during and after the pandemic, using 10 years of national emergency department (ED) data, and to describe injury trends and demographics of injured patients.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:All data were extracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a publicly available database operated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission of approximately 100 US EDs representative of hospitals across the United States. NEISS was queried using its Query Builder function for adventure sports injuries from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Consistent with previous literature, our definition of adventure sports included snow skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, skateboarding, water skiing, mountain climbing, surfing, mountain biking, and motocross. Linear regressions and paired t tests were utilized for data analysis.Results:Based on the National Estimate (NE), there were 60,005 cases (NE = 2,534,437) of adventure sports–related injuries. Injuries were more common in males for all sports. The most common diagnosis was “fracture” for 5 of the 9 included sports. From 2013 to 2022, there were significant increases in skateboarding (P = .04; β = −0.660; 95% CI, –6618.181 to −244.437), surfing (P = .008; β = −0.778; 95% CI, –1018.419 to −209.193), and mountain biking (P = .009; β = 0.770; 95% CI, 279.601 to 1441.466) injuries. When comparing prepandemic (2013-2019) with peri- and postpandemic injuries (2020-2022), the only sports with a significant increase in injury rates during and after the pandemic were mountain biking (P = .0002; 95% CI, –8712.70 to −4097.96) and motocross (P = .0002; 95% CI, –12824.66 to −6230.77).Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that from 2013 to 2022, there were significant increases in skateboarding, surfing, and mountain biking injuries. There were significant increases in injury frequency from before to during and after the pandemic for mountain biking and motocross. Male athletes experienced the greatest percentage of injuries in all 9 sports, with adolescents comprising the most affected age group in the majority of these sports. These data may be useful in the development of injury awareness and prevention programs.

Comparing hiking, mountain biking and horse riding impacts on vegetation and soils in Australia and the United States of America

ABSTRACTThe Cape Epic (an eight-day mountain biking stage race in South Africa) exemplifies the most difficult mountain bike race on the African continent and attracts a relatively homogenous group of participants who, in order to prepare for such an extreme event, must engage in serious leisure. Until quite recently, academics considered lifestyle sports, like mountain biking, as playful and more relaxed than traditional sports. However, most hobbies or leisure activities can become ‘serious leisure’ when the time and energy spent participating and preparing for them begin to resemble work. Despite stereotypes surrounding lifestyle sport participants as young, white, middle-class males, a preliminary analysis of data collected on the 2017 Cape Epic revealed that although ninety per cent of riders were indeed white males, sixty per cent fell into high-income brackets and the average rider age was 44 years. Using demographic information from Cape Epic participants and responses given in a series of in-depth interviews with riders involved in serious leisure, this study contributes to a better understanding of serious leisure and team participation in lifestyle sports by addressing social and business motivations, subcultures, and meaning for participants in this ‘grey-area’ where serious leisure meets lifestyle sports. Furthermore, contrary to changing demographics across many lifestyle sports to include women, children and the elderly, Cape Epic participants are not diverse; this is explored through the gendered experience of the Cape Epic and the socio-cultural environment of lifestyle sports within the context of post-apartheid South Africa.