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 Mountain Biking and Unicycling

Mountain Biking and Unicycling
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 4 to 6
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   7.03

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    suspension, downhill, probably, sunglasses, equipment, downs, well-known, tires, shift, easily, lower, spine, armor, rider, protector, beginning
     content words:    Kris Holm, Great Wall

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Mountain Biking and Unicycling
By Colleen Messina 		  
1     You have probably heard the expression that once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget. That might be true, but two extreme sports take cycling to a whole new level. Mountain bikers and unicyclers go on rugged terrain all over the world to test their bike-riding skills.
 
2     Mountain biking takes a lot of stamina and skill. The first skill that most bikers practice might sound funny, but it's important. They practice using their pedals. The next thing they practice is how to shift gears on the bike. Lower gears are easier to pedal and are used for getting up hills. Beginning riders also should practice coasting while standing on the bike and learning how to pedal easily while standing. One last skill a beginning biker learns is how to go up and down off of a curb, which help them go over bumps and rocks. These things might sound simple, but experienced riders say that it is good to practice these skills before going on a rugged mountain trail.
 
3     Because of the rugged trails, mountain bikes are tougher than regular bikes. They have thick tires, a smaller, stronger frame, and shock absorbers. They also have more gears so that they can go up and down steep hills. Mountain bikes have handlebars that also help the rider. They have to be more durable because they go lots of places that regular bikes can't go. They go on gravel roads, rough trails, and up and down enormous hills.

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