Great photos of the early days of mountain biking

[fiamme red]

https://theradavist.com/wende-cragg-...n-bike-photos/

No rules, no regulations, no restrictions. We ventured out at every opportunity, exploring the wonders of our own backyard and beyond. Most rides were impromptu, spontaneous jaunts out our back doors, but many destination rides were of purpose and intent. As “naturalists”, some of us were foragers of wild edibles and enjoyed wildflower identification and photography. Such was the reason for the purchase of my trusty Nikkormat, a sturdy SLR designed to take abuse. Old school, these cameras were easy to use and garnered quality shots. As an amateur photographer, I took quickly to my new hobby. However, a camera plus gear, added extra poundage to an already hefty grunt. Most times, we pushed our bikes up steep inclines. Back in those days, there were no cell phones, GPS or STRAVA. We huffed and puffed our way to the top of all our local peaks. In time, the camera lens focused on these makers and shakers whose vision would forever alter the outdoor experience...

The first photo is of Charlie Kelly, known as Repack Rider on Paceline.

[ti_or_die]

That was a great read. Thanks for sharing it.

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by ti_or_die

That was a great read. Thanks for sharing it.

You're welcome. You may also enjoy listening to or reading Wende Cragg's oral history: https://millvalley.pastperfectonline...3-997361872024.

[msl819]

Flying down a mountain with no helmet and a kid sitting on the top tube - man the 70's/80's were a different time. So many fond memories as a kid, so many things I cannot believe our parents allowed us to do now that I have kids of my own. It really is amazing we lived through those years relatively unscathed!

[Red Tornado]

A lot has changed technology-wise, bit like the wide handlebars that were already being used back then. Can't believe the narrow bars I used in the late 90's! Def very cool pics!

[EB]

If you like this stuff, I strongly recommend Charlie Kelly's book Fat Tire Flyer, if you can find a copy. Unsure if it is still in print - I picked up an extra copy from Rivendell a few years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Tire-Flye.../dp/1937715167

[nighthawk]

Originally Posted by Eli Bingham

If you like this stuff, I strongly recommend Charlie Kelly's book Fat Tire Flyer, if you can find a copy. Unsure if it is still in print - I picked up an extra copy from Rivendell a few years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Tire-Flye.../dp/1937715167

Agreed. Got my copy directly from Charlie (Repack Rider).

[HenryA]

Awesome.

[Rocket]

I remember repacking my first coaster brake hub for a beach cruiser and my boss Mike telling me about the repack rides down Tam where they would burn through all of the grease in their hub on the descent and need to open up and re-lube. Fast forward a few years and I'm so thankful for having hydraulic disc brakes all the times I bombed down Tam.

[bigbill]

I was thinking about mountain bikes about an hour ago when I was doing my diligence by picking goatheads out of my tires. I started riding mountain bikes in early 1987 in the PNW. I've got disc brakes on my Coconino hardtail, so I'm pretty confident in my ability to scrub speed or stop. Back in the day of dia-compe or Suntour cantilevers, I always looked for an alternate path in case I had to steer out of something if my brakes didn't work.

Also, none of the goatheads caused a flat because - tubeless.

[Cjones]

Also recommend the movie "Klunkerz - A Film about Mountain Bikes". Wende Cragg is in it. I bought the DVD many years ago but it looks like you can watch it on Amazon:

https://youtu.be/h19n-5qIp78