Cross-country mountain biking is what most mountain bikers do:  riding singletrack, doubletrack, dirt roads and pavement; technical and non-technical terrain; uphill, flat and downhill.  Cross-country (XC) opportunities are found everywhere, even in urban areas.  Because of the versatility of cross-country bikes, they can be ridden practically anywhere a bicycle can go.  Any rider can find great places to ride, no matter their skill level.

Cross-country rides can be leisurely and mellow; or epic and extreme.  The type of mountain bike is completely dependent on personal preference:  hardtail, full suspension, fully rigid, 26” wheels, 29” wheels, singlespeed or geared.  Even lighter-duty bikes such as cyclocross or mountain-oriented hybrids can be used on some trails.

When riding cross-country, riders may encounter areas that are closed to bicycles and it is extremely important to respect those regulations ? some multi-use areas, or areas that placed some restrictions to cycling, have been made completely off-limits to bicycles because of the actions of a few people.