Mountain bike orienteering
Photograph by David 23on Flickr.
Mountain bike orienteering (MTB-O or MTBO) is an orienteering endurance racing sport on a mountain bike where navigation bike is done along trails and tracks. A compass is mostly Mountain bike orienteering not used.
Also, obstacles that slow down riding speed are usually marked on the map. Mountain bike orienteering is most popular in European countries Local bike shop and Australia. The most successful mountain bike orienteer is Mika Tervala, Finland that has taken ten World Championship and five European Championship medals.
Competitors may carry repair tools and spare parts during races. Maps are usually smaller scale (1:10 000 - 1:30 000) and less detailed than standard orienteering maps. Navigation tactics is similar to ski-orienteering, where the major focus is route choice while navigating.
MTB-O is one of four orienteering sports Mountain bike orienteering governed by the International Orienteering Federation. Other successful mountain bike orienteers are Päivi Tommola, Michaela Gigon, Ruslan Gritsan and Christine Schaffner. .
European Championships have been arranged since year 2006. Clipless pedals with a special cycling shoe is mostly used by elite bikers to maximize power transfer and efficiency. Mountain bike orienteering
Known brands for map holders are Miry, Devotech, Nordenmark, Autopilot and Windchill. Trails and tracks are marked on mountain bike orienteering maps based on their riding difficulty, with three classifications easy, slow and difficult.
Compared to foot orienteering, competitors usually are not permitted to leave the trail and track network. Many riders also use some type of card holder cord with a spring-loaded mechanism to draw the cord back after use.
Depending on terrain type either hard tailed or full suspension mountain bikes are more appropriate. The main difference compared to ski-orienteering is that navigation is done at a higher pace, because the bike can reach higher speeds. Preferred bike type is a robust mountain bike meant for cross-country cycling, but any type of bike can be used.
Bicycle helmets are usually a requirement in competitions. Special equipment required is a map holder attached to the handlebar of the bike.
