Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: Sports

Free riding requires the use of a downhill bike while riding because one will encounter shoots, ladders, teeter-totters, see saws, and drops usually no less than 10 feet high, but usually more around 20. It is mostly downhill, but with loads of stunts and obstacles thrown in. Free riding started to blow up a few years ago and is huge now, with companies putting out free ride specific bikes at many price points.

What most people want to know are what the health benefits of riding are and how fun it actually is. There are many benefits to cycling that could surpass even running.

Purely scientifically, one will burn as many calories as a runner but will do it without the stress on the knees from the constant pounding of running. Biking is an all-body workout as well, contrary to the popular belief that cyclists use only leg muscles. Shoulders, arms, wrists, lower back, and hands are used as much as any other part, and what muscles one uses will alternate depending on the terrain he/she is riding.

Then there is the mental factor to cycling. A sense of accomplishment can be felt when an insane climb is completed, and some people even get addicted to the endorphins released from strenuous cardiovascular activity.

David Flood, senior art history major at Eastern University said, "Mountain biking is a delight that is only surpassed by coitus, presumably."

There are many trails in the area such as Valley Forge, Ridley Creek and West Chester University's own south campus trails. Orlin Jespersen, Assistant Director of Recreation said, "If there is enough interest here on campus we could certainly look at adding a club or adding that to the Ski & Outdoor Club Activities."

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