Have you Ever Tried Freeriding?

Whether on a big mountain slope or a jump trail, have you ever tried freeriding?

By Matt Miller
October 22, 2023 Last Updated: March 22, 2024

3 comments

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Freeriding black sand in Ecuador. Photo: Matt Miller

While most of us interpret mountain biking as something we do on a trail, one of our sport’s biggest events in the world happens without dedicated trails, but still with diggers and riders.

Freeriding also doesn’t need to be something reserved for the pros, and it can happen with tricks on a jump trail or on any appropriate mountain. Chances are, if you’ve ridden in enough places, you’ve probably passed somewhere you can freeride and it can be a relatively liberating and creative experience.

Give us your definition for “freeriding” in the comments below.

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Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Oct 23, 2023

It's interesting how the definition of freeriding has evolved over time. The term suggests this idea of riding raw terrain where no trails exist, but for most of us we think about massive built jumps and features ala Rampage and Crankworx. So the guys and girls riding down scree fields are freeriding, and so are the folks at the bike park.

If freeriding is defined as riding raw terrain on a mountain bike, then yeah I do that a lot haha. But for me it's usually riding through the woods, finding a way from point A to point B without an established trail. It ain't fast but it is a fun challenge to stay on the bike.

2 reply

Dr Sweets Georgia // 2016
Oct 24, 2023

I think when Freeriding became a thing in the late 90's it lead to an amazing evolution in mountain biking that is still being felt today. As a bigger guy that rides aggressively, I broke a ton of parts and bikes way back when the driving force in bike design was weight savings. The stronger parts Freeriding demanded stemmed that a great deal. Bike design changed as well not only for strength needs, but for pedal-ability. Geometry and wheel size additionally capitulated to these desires. Freeride lead to exploring to see what was possible on a bike more so than ever before. I'd argue this gave rise in part to Enduro and adventure stage racing racing. As for the Rampage, while it's interesting it has very little to do with what 98% of riders do routinely. By your definition (and mine) I routinely freeride. I am huge fan of the vast pirate trail network here N Georgia that while remaining plenty janky has some amazing features designed by the very creative trail builders.

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Oct 24, 2023

Freeride is open class jank. There is no limitation to it in the grand scheme of things.

Natural terrain features are a fine example.Conquer the seemingly non-rideable features is what it revolves around. Somewhat like trials with a dirtcouch instead of a trials bike.

The object of the game is clearing the section (Trials term) with no dabs of any kind, including balancing with a pedal on any terrafirma

The photo at the beginning of the article is akin to bribing Jeepers for a lift to the top of Ajax in Aspen with a 6 pack of fine beer or a skunky scented hooter. Either had been considered admission... Annnnnd, then DH'ing the face of the mountain on a Turner DHR!
A DH speedrun without the jank is a DH experience that cannot be confused with freeride.

Yup, been there, done that too!!

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