Mixed Terrain Cycle-Touring
Encyclopedia
Mixed Terrain Cycle-Touring, nicknamed “rough riding” in North America and "rough stuff" in Europe, involves cycling over a variety of surfaces and topography on a single route, with a single bicycle
. The recent popularity of mixed terrain touring is in part a reaction against the increasing specialization of the bike industry. Focusing on freedom of travel and efficiency over varied surfaces, mixed terrain bicycle travel has a storied past, one closely linked with warfare. By comparison, today’s mixed terrain riders are generally adventure oriented, although many police departments rely on the bicycle’s versatility. In many remote (and not so remote) parts of the world with unreliable pavement, the utility bicycle
has become a dominant form of mixed terrain transportation. A new style of travel called adventure cycle-touring or expedition touring involves exploring these remote regions of the world on sturdy bicycles designed for the purpose.
has become increasingly more specialized for travel over technical dirt (hiking width) trails called single track
, while road cycling
focuses increasingly on maximizing travel over pavement. Traditional bicycle touring
is typically considered road biking with travel primarily on paved roads, often carrying heavy loads of camping gear. Rough riding, in contrast, incorporates travel on both dirt and pavement; it stresses efficient travel on any surface or topography, a greater freedom of travel, and self reliance.
Alpine Cycle-Touring is rough riding in the mountains. Different than pure mountain biking, in alpine touring paved mountain roads are combined with dirt roads and single track for an efficient route through tough mountain terrain. Mountain features are not always avoided and are sometimes incorporated into the route, which may require alternative bicycle hauling techniques. This type of bicycle travel has a mountaineering flair, but it is generally done as adventure cycle-touring in developed countries where services are more prevalent and bike technology is slightly different allowing for more efficiency and speedier travel.
Mixed Terrain Bicycle Racing includes Cyclo-cross
, a style begun in Europe in the early 1900s, racers compete on mixed terrain courses on relatively flat courses. Mountain-cross, another form of mixed terrain racing staged on mountain courses is a recent invention.
Mixed Terrain Commuting may have contributed to the reaction against bicycle specialization. As bikes become more specialized, they become less suited for general commuting. Often commuters must travel on mixed surfaces or rough pavement even in urban environments. Often safer routes can be found away from heavy traffic, encouraging alternative and varied route selection.
Snow Biking, also called icebiking
is another example of mixed terrain bicycle travel and a great example of the bicycle's flexible technology. Nearly any bike which allows medium or wide tires can be outfitted with special snow studded tires. Surly Bikes
and other manufactures make bikes with extra wide tires specifically designed for deep snow. Events for racing and adventure riding across the snow have been created. The Iditarod Trail Invitational is a 1100-mile race billed as the "worlds longest winter ultra race across frozen Alaska". Another form of bicycle snow travel is called Skibobbing
or ski biking which replaces wheels for skis.
Beyond these prototypes adventure and alpine tourists have adapted a broad range of bicycles. Because of the relative obscurity of touring over adverse terrain there is a large amount of experimentation and specialized home-made equipment.
located in Missoula Montana. They are responsible for mapping the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
, the world’s longest mapped mixed terrain route. The oldest, still functioning, club dedicated to rough riding may be The Rough Stuff Fellowship of Great Britain founded in 1955. The Rough Riders of Southern California and the Colorado Rough Riders in Golden, Colorado are two American clubs dedicated to mixed terrain bicycle travel.
started experimenting with bicycle infantry
as a replacement for horses in mixed terrain environments. The Army's 25th Infantry Regiment unit (African American Buffalo Soldiers) stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana
was chosen for the test. These hearty riders traveled from Missoula to Yellowstone National Park
during one trip and from Missoula to St. Louis, Missouri
for their final trial. Much of the mixed terrain route was on unimproved roads or through roadless areas. Although they succeeded in beating the best horse travel times, the Army abandoned bicycle travel in anticipation of yet a faster new technology just being developed, the automobile . Although the U.S. military has not relied on bicycles, other militaries throughout the world, out of necessity, have used bicycles extensively for travel in mixed terrain. During the Second Boer War (1899–1901) both sides used bicycles in combat. Bike were primarily used for messenger service.
By World War I
, the Italian Army
developed a folding bicycle
that could be carried on a soldier's back for easy transport over difficult mixed terrain and alpine obstacles. The Germans, French and British also used bicycles for mixed terrain travel in WWI. Mechanized transport was still fairly limited so bicycle travel was relied upon heavily. Mechanized transport during WWII was much more prevalent, but the bicycle was still used by Japanese, German and Italian troops to some extent. The Allies supplied a limited number of paratroopers with folding bikes. British paratroopers on folding bicycles raided a German radar unit at Ste. Bruneval, France.
Up until recently (2003), the Swiss Army still had a bicycle infantry unit. The Swiss were great believers in the virtues of mixed terrain bicycle travel. " A fully equipped man can fly down the mountainside at speeds up to 50mph, and up to a distance of about 30 miles the entire troop can reach a potential battle zone faster than mechanized troops. 'We can go through the woods, we can take short-cuts,' said Jean-Pierre Leuenberger, commander of the training school near Romont. But the important point, he added, was that his men were able to fight when they got there."
Some armies around the world still use bicycles even today. In the West
, many police departments now rely on mixed terrain travel by police bicycle
. These cops on bikes can quickly chase down a runner, maneuver through tight areas not available to cars and yet cruise down any paved road or path. Paramedic
and emergency medical technician
groups also use the bicycle for ease of access where ambulance travel is difficult.
Mixed terrain bicycle travel for pleasure & commerce has seen varying degrees of interest over the years. Cyclo-cross
racing likely got its start when European road racers in the early 1900s began cutting through farm fields and over fences as a way to train and keep warm during the winter off season. Club riding in early 1900s Europe often included mixed terrain (called rough stuff or storm passing) as an integral part of typical routes. Early recreational cyclists would extend their biking range to include off road cycling. “Evidence of how much rough stuff was viewed as an integral part of the experience for the touring cyclist can be found in the format of the BCTC (British Cycle Tourist Competition). Run by the CTC and inaugurated in 1952 until the late 80's its aim was to find Britain's best tourist. Rough stuff riding was a key element and the organizers often went to great lengths to find awkward tracks, fords etc that would test a rider's skill.”
By the 1950s in Europe, bike clubs were formed specifically around mixed terrain and off road touring. In Great Britain, a club called Rough Stuff Fellowship was formed around mixed terrain and off road touring. “The history of the RSF goes way back to its foundation in 1955, long before anyone had ever heard of Marin County. It was formed by cyclists who wanted to get away from roads and cycle on tracks, and byways.” The Rough Stuff Fellowship is still an active club today. France also had a mixed terrain club called Velo Cross Club Parisien formed between 1951 and 1956. Not content with cyclo-cross racing of the day, around twenty French cyclists modified their 650-b bikes for mixed and off road travel.
The beach cruiser bicycle
entered the market in the early 1930s. These heavy single speed bikes sporting "balloon" tires could handle a variety of mixed terrain including moderately loose flat sandy beaches. Paper boys and couriers favored these bikes since they could handle the occasional gravel road with ease. However, as heavy single speed bikes they were not good for hilly terrain and climbing. These bikes have made a comeback in recent years for their retro look. They are still good flat lander all-rounder bikes, great for cruising the beach or urban landscape. In the late 1970s cruiser bicycles, by then called "clunkers" became the inspiration for mountain bikes. Offering cheap material for experimentation, these clunkers were slowly turned into the modern mountain bike
. Wider tires on lighter frames, with multiple gears proved to be a wildly successful combination for mixed terrain and truly rugged single track. Early mountain bike designs still make good mixed terrain vehicles, with slight modification. Unfortunately with current mountain bike advancements in suspension systems and other technical mountain bike features, the mountain bike of today is overkill and inefficient for mixed terrain touring. Recently a new synthesis between road bikes and mountain bikes has begun to take shape as riders look away from specialization and back towards bicycles that can handle mixed terrain travel.
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
. The recent popularity of mixed terrain touring is in part a reaction against the increasing specialization of the bike industry. Focusing on freedom of travel and efficiency over varied surfaces, mixed terrain bicycle travel has a storied past, one closely linked with warfare. By comparison, today’s mixed terrain riders are generally adventure oriented, although many police departments rely on the bicycle’s versatility. In many remote (and not so remote) parts of the world with unreliable pavement, the utility bicycle
Utility bicycle
A utility bicycle is a bicycle designed for practical transportation, as opposed to bicycles which are primarily designed for recreation and competition, such as touring bicycles, racing bicycles, sport/training bicycles, and mountain bicycles. The vast majority of bicycles can be found in the...
has become a dominant form of mixed terrain transportation. A new style of travel called adventure cycle-touring or expedition touring involves exploring these remote regions of the world on sturdy bicycles designed for the purpose.
Specialized versus all-round transportation
Mountain bikingMountain biking
Mountain biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.Mountain biking can...
has become increasingly more specialized for travel over technical dirt (hiking width) trails called single track
Single track (mountain biking)
Single track or singletrack is a narrow mountain biking trail that is approximately the width of the bike. It contrasts with double track or fire road which is wide enough for four-wheeled off-road vehicles...
, while road cycling
Road cycling
Road cycling is the most widespread form of cycling. It includes recreational, racing, and utility cycling. Road cyclists are generally expected to obey the same rules and laws as other vehicle drivers or riders and may also be vehicular cyclists....
focuses increasingly on maximizing travel over pavement. Traditional bicycle touring
Bicycle touring
Bicycle touring is cycling over long distances – prioritizing pleasure and endurance over utility or speed. Touring can range from single day 'supported' rides — e.g., rides to benefit charities — where provisions are available to riders at stops along the route, to multi-day...
is typically considered road biking with travel primarily on paved roads, often carrying heavy loads of camping gear. Rough riding, in contrast, incorporates travel on both dirt and pavement; it stresses efficient travel on any surface or topography, a greater freedom of travel, and self reliance.
Types of Mixed Terrain Bicycle Travel
Adventure Cycle-Touring or expedition touring involves bicyclists attempting extended travel in remote regions of the world. Some “use bikes to go even further off the beaten track: they want to go where buses don’t go at all and perhaps where other vehicles cannot get to either.” Adventure tourists expect poor road conditions, unpaved roads and other mixed terrain.Alpine Cycle-Touring is rough riding in the mountains. Different than pure mountain biking, in alpine touring paved mountain roads are combined with dirt roads and single track for an efficient route through tough mountain terrain. Mountain features are not always avoided and are sometimes incorporated into the route, which may require alternative bicycle hauling techniques. This type of bicycle travel has a mountaineering flair, but it is generally done as adventure cycle-touring in developed countries where services are more prevalent and bike technology is slightly different allowing for more efficiency and speedier travel.
Mixed Terrain Bicycle Racing includes Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter , and consists of many laps of a short course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and...
, a style begun in Europe in the early 1900s, racers compete on mixed terrain courses on relatively flat courses. Mountain-cross, another form of mixed terrain racing staged on mountain courses is a recent invention.
Mixed Terrain Commuting may have contributed to the reaction against bicycle specialization. As bikes become more specialized, they become less suited for general commuting. Often commuters must travel on mixed surfaces or rough pavement even in urban environments. Often safer routes can be found away from heavy traffic, encouraging alternative and varied route selection.
Snow Biking, also called icebiking
Icebiking
Cold-weather biking is the activity of cycling in winter weather with snow, ice, and slush. As in warm months, people bike in cold-weather for several reasons...
is another example of mixed terrain bicycle travel and a great example of the bicycle's flexible technology. Nearly any bike which allows medium or wide tires can be outfitted with special snow studded tires. Surly Bikes
Surly Bikes
Surly Bikes is a designer and importer of bicycles, frames, parts, and accessories based in Bloomington, Minnesota, established circa 1998. Surly is owned by and shares facilities with Quality Bicycle Products ....
and other manufactures make bikes with extra wide tires specifically designed for deep snow. Events for racing and adventure riding across the snow have been created. The Iditarod Trail Invitational is a 1100-mile race billed as the "worlds longest winter ultra race across frozen Alaska". Another form of bicycle snow travel is called Skibobbing
Skibobbing
Skibobbing is a winter sport involving a bicycle-type frame attached to skis instead of wheels. Although the original idea for a bicycle with skis was patented as early as 1892, and skibobbing had been a form of transportation in the Alps, it wasn't until 1954 that the first international race...
or ski biking which replaces wheels for skis.
Preferred bicycles
The preferred bike for mixed terrain travel in North America and Europe is called an "all-in-one" or "all-rounder". They are a synthesis between road bikes and mountain bikes. Examples of bikes that are appropriate are:- Cyclocross bikesCyclo-cross bicycleA cyclo-cross bicycle is a bicycle specifically designed for the rigors of a cyclo-cross race. Cyclo-cross bicycles roughly resemble the racing bicycles used in road racing...
that are used for on and off road racing, and monster cross bikes that accommodate mountain bike sized tires and allow for single track riding. - Brevet or RandonneurRandonneuringRandonneuring is a long-distance cycling sport with its origins in audax cycling. In randonneuring, riders attempt courses of 200 km or more, passing through predetermined "controls" every few tens of kilometers...
bikes which originated in mixed long terrain rides. This breed of bike retains much of the speed and efficiency of a road bike on pavement, while maintaining the necessary features for dirt and gravel. These unusual bikes have light frames with 700c or 650B tires and drop handlebars. - Expedition touring bikes for travel in third world countries, in contrast, compromise some speed for heavy load carrying capacity and increased durability. This has come to mean an expensive sturdy steel framed bike with 26” mountain bike sized wheels, no suspension, and either drop or flat handlebars.
- Adventure touring mountain bikesMountain bikeA mountain bike or mountain bicycle is a bicycle created for off-road cycling. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines,...
are designed to offer some of the specialized advantages of mountain bikes while offering cargo capacity for extended touring. This is often accomplished by loading the bike with ultralight backpackingUltralight backpackingUltralight backpacking is a style of backpacking that emphasizes carrying the lightest and simplest kit safely possible for a given trip. Base pack weight is reduced as much as safely possible, though reduction of the weight of...
gear (sometimes called "bikepacking"). These bikes are often employed in cross-country mixed-terrain races.
Beyond these prototypes adventure and alpine tourists have adapted a broad range of bicycles. Because of the relative obscurity of touring over adverse terrain there is a large amount of experimentation and specialized home-made equipment.
Organizations and clubs
A few organizations and clubs promote mixed terrain touring. The biggest is probably the Adventure Cycling AssociationAdventure Cycling Association
The Adventure Cycling Association is a national cycling association in the United States which provides services for cycle-tourists, publishes maps and campaigns for better cycling facilities. Its headquarters are in Missoula, Montana...
located in Missoula Montana. They are responsible for mapping the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a continuous long distance cycling route from Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA. As of 2010, the route is 2745 miles long; its length is likely to change over time as the GDMBR is continually being refined to improve it...
, the world’s longest mapped mixed terrain route. The oldest, still functioning, club dedicated to rough riding may be The Rough Stuff Fellowship of Great Britain founded in 1955. The Rough Riders of Southern California and the Colorado Rough Riders in Golden, Colorado are two American clubs dedicated to mixed terrain bicycle travel.
History
The history of mixed terrain bicycle travel begins with the bicycle itself. Early roads were rarely paved. In fact, the popularity of bicycle riding may have encouraged the paving of roads. Bicycle travel became very popular around 1885 with the development of the modern bicycle configuration which we still see in wide use today. By 1886 the United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
started experimenting with bicycle infantry
Bicycle infantry
Bicycle infantry are infantry soldiers who maneuver on battlefields using bicycles. The term dates from the late 19th century, when the "safety bicycle" became popular in Europe, the United States and Australia. Historically, bicycles lessened the need for horses, fuel and vehicle maintenance...
as a replacement for horses in mixed terrain environments. The Army's 25th Infantry Regiment unit (African American Buffalo Soldiers) stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana
Fort Missoula
Fort Missoula was established by the United States Army in 1877 on land that is now part of the city of Missoula, Montana, to protect white settlers in Western Montana from possible threats from the native American Indians, such as the Nez Perce....
was chosen for the test. These hearty riders traveled from Missoula to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho...
during one trip and from Missoula to St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
for their final trial. Much of the mixed terrain route was on unimproved roads or through roadless areas. Although they succeeded in beating the best horse travel times, the Army abandoned bicycle travel in anticipation of yet a faster new technology just being developed, the automobile . Although the U.S. military has not relied on bicycles, other militaries throughout the world, out of necessity, have used bicycles extensively for travel in mixed terrain. During the Second Boer War (1899–1901) both sides used bicycles in combat. Bike were primarily used for messenger service.
By World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the Italian Army
Italian Army
The Italian Army is the ground defence force of the Italian Armed Forces. It is all-volunteer force of active-duty personnel, numbering 108,355 in 2010. Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the Centauro tank destroyer and the Ariete tank, and among its aircraft...
developed a folding bicycle
Folding bicycle
A folding bicycle is a bicycle designed to fold into a compact form, facilitating transport and storage. When folded, the bikes can be more easily carried into buildings and workplaces or onto public transportation or more easily stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane...
that could be carried on a soldier's back for easy transport over difficult mixed terrain and alpine obstacles. The Germans, French and British also used bicycles for mixed terrain travel in WWI. Mechanized transport was still fairly limited so bicycle travel was relied upon heavily. Mechanized transport during WWII was much more prevalent, but the bicycle was still used by Japanese, German and Italian troops to some extent. The Allies supplied a limited number of paratroopers with folding bikes. British paratroopers on folding bicycles raided a German radar unit at Ste. Bruneval, France.
Up until recently (2003), the Swiss Army still had a bicycle infantry unit. The Swiss were great believers in the virtues of mixed terrain bicycle travel. " A fully equipped man can fly down the mountainside at speeds up to 50mph, and up to a distance of about 30 miles the entire troop can reach a potential battle zone faster than mechanized troops. 'We can go through the woods, we can take short-cuts,' said Jean-Pierre Leuenberger, commander of the training school near Romont. But the important point, he added, was that his men were able to fight when they got there."
Some armies around the world still use bicycles even today. In the West
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West and the Occident , is a term referring to the countries of Western Europe , the countries of the Americas, as well all countries of Northern and Central Europe, Australia and New Zealand...
, many police departments now rely on mixed terrain travel by police bicycle
Police bicycle
A Police bicycle is a land vehicle used by police departments, most commonly in the form of a mountain bicycle. They are designed to meet the requirements unique to each department....
. These cops on bikes can quickly chase down a runner, maneuver through tight areas not available to cars and yet cruise down any paved road or path. Paramedic
Paramedic
A paramedic is a healthcare professional that works in emergency medical situations. Paramedics provide advanced levels of care for medical emergencies and trauma. The majority of paramedics are based in the field in ambulances, emergency response vehicles, or in specialist mobile units such as...
and emergency medical technician
Emergency medical technician
Emergency Medical Technician or Ambulance Technician are terms used in some countries to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services...
groups also use the bicycle for ease of access where ambulance travel is difficult.
Mixed terrain bicycle travel for pleasure & commerce has seen varying degrees of interest over the years. Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter , and consists of many laps of a short course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and...
racing likely got its start when European road racers in the early 1900s began cutting through farm fields and over fences as a way to train and keep warm during the winter off season. Club riding in early 1900s Europe often included mixed terrain (called rough stuff or storm passing) as an integral part of typical routes. Early recreational cyclists would extend their biking range to include off road cycling. “Evidence of how much rough stuff was viewed as an integral part of the experience for the touring cyclist can be found in the format of the BCTC (British Cycle Tourist Competition). Run by the CTC and inaugurated in 1952 until the late 80's its aim was to find Britain's best tourist. Rough stuff riding was a key element and the organizers often went to great lengths to find awkward tracks, fords etc that would test a rider's skill.”
By the 1950s in Europe, bike clubs were formed specifically around mixed terrain and off road touring. In Great Britain, a club called Rough Stuff Fellowship was formed around mixed terrain and off road touring. “The history of the RSF goes way back to its foundation in 1955, long before anyone had ever heard of Marin County. It was formed by cyclists who wanted to get away from roads and cycle on tracks, and byways.” The Rough Stuff Fellowship is still an active club today. France also had a mixed terrain club called Velo Cross Club Parisien formed between 1951 and 1956. Not content with cyclo-cross racing of the day, around twenty French cyclists modified their 650-b bikes for mixed and off road travel.
The beach cruiser bicycle
Cruiser bicycle
Cruiser bicycles, also known as beach cruisers, combine balloon tires, upright seating posture, single-speed drivetrains, and straightforward steel construction with expressive styling...
entered the market in the early 1930s. These heavy single speed bikes sporting "balloon" tires could handle a variety of mixed terrain including moderately loose flat sandy beaches. Paper boys and couriers favored these bikes since they could handle the occasional gravel road with ease. However, as heavy single speed bikes they were not good for hilly terrain and climbing. These bikes have made a comeback in recent years for their retro look. They are still good flat lander all-rounder bikes, great for cruising the beach or urban landscape. In the late 1970s cruiser bicycles, by then called "clunkers" became the inspiration for mountain bikes. Offering cheap material for experimentation, these clunkers were slowly turned into the modern mountain bike
Mountain bike
A mountain bike or mountain bicycle is a bicycle created for off-road cycling. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines,...
. Wider tires on lighter frames, with multiple gears proved to be a wildly successful combination for mixed terrain and truly rugged single track. Early mountain bike designs still make good mixed terrain vehicles, with slight modification. Unfortunately with current mountain bike advancements in suspension systems and other technical mountain bike features, the mountain bike of today is overkill and inefficient for mixed terrain touring. Recently a new synthesis between road bikes and mountain bikes has begun to take shape as riders look away from specialization and back towards bicycles that can handle mixed terrain travel.