Mountain Biking - Freeriding

What the heck is freeriding? I just can't seem to get a definition of it. Some think it is hype, some think it s lighter DH. Do we have any freeriders here that could shed some light on this?

I would say most people would define freeriding somewhere between cross-country and downhill plus riding obstacle, stunts, drops, etc. Bikewise it usually means a full susp. long travel bike that is lighter than a DH bike. Before the term started circulating in the bike mags, I had always used it for describing the type of riding I did, which basically is: ride every inch of the trail possible (leave no obstacle unridden), hit every drop off available, search out every launch whether it is 3 inches or 3 feet. Hammer out big cross-country loops while getting as rad as possible. Sort of like mixing cross-country mountain biking with my old BMX riding style. Then, some marketing wonks had to get into the mix. Some company even trademarked the term, K2 or Trek I believe. Anyone help me out on that one?

I share the same thoughts as RiderX regarding the style of riding. Aggressive riding, choosing the scariest line as opposed to the well traveled route. Riding over boulder instead of around...etc.

The company that copyrighted the term, "FreeRide" was Cannondale (of course), If you remember, Rocky Mountain used the term in one of their ads and C'Dale filed suit. Not to be outdone and to show that, "Hey Guys, it's just a ride", Rocky came up with the "FroRiders" and basically laughed in C'Dales face. Their ads showed the riders with fake Afro wigs on! These ads were hilarious! I couldn't wait for the following month's issue to come out to see what RM's new ad would be. To this day, the FroRiders are still being used in ads and to describe their Hardcore team.

Regardless of what you call it, just do it! (oops another copyrighted slogan).

Oh well, sit back relax and have a Coke and a smile (Dang, did it again).

L8R G8R:D

Yes, I loved the Rocky Mountain FroRider comeback! Take that C-dale. I've got a FroRider sticker on my coffee mug that is sitting on my desk.

I have to agree with a2psyklnut and riderX on this one. But I would like to add: Freeriding to me is all the above and not worrying about who came in first, what my heart rate was, my average speed, how fast I was going and all that other training "CRAP"! Its riding to ride and nothing else. And unlike marketing hype it does not matter how "big" you go, how much travel you your bike has, where you ride or what you wear.
After saying that I would like to admit:

1)I only wear baggy shorts.
2)I ride flat pedals.
3)My bike has 5 inches front and back.
4)I ride mostly urban.
5)I only drop about 5 feet or so.

Hmmm, I ride kinda like that. There are no 3 ft launches around here, but I do try to get air off of everything I can. I tend to get tied up with fitness stuff sometimes, but not so bad. Before my bike broke I was trying to take tough lines and not use the brakes...hah, I had some close calls. I can't wait to get a new fork on my bike...my butt is really starting to itch for the saddle.

Originally posted by Spic-Mick
...Its riding to ride and nothing else...

Here, Here!!! Ride your bike because it is your bike. Big air, little air, no air, spandex, baggie, tour, bmx, mtb, tandem, single, double, urban, fire road, etc, etc, etc.... it's all done riding a bike. Ain't that what it's all about!!!! Sorry I got a little excited, I think I love my bike. ;-)

I wear lycra....But I want to get some baggies, lycra gets annoying after awhile. I'm gonna try to get a to Dupont state forest in NC sometime. It was one of IMBA's epic ride destinations. I know a couple dudes who rode there and they say it is awesome.

Wade Simmons says freeriding is a corporate title, so companies can justify sponsoring people like him.

FreeRiding is just that, Free Riding. I do more Urban Free Riding than other stuff.

Originally posted by Horsefield
FreeRiding is just that, Free Riding. I do more Urban Free Riding than other stuff.
Where you from man? What do you ride?
I ride mostly Urban on a Stinky. Oh yea I live in New Orleans.

I live in Germany from Mon - Fri and back home in the UK at the weekends.

I ride a hybrid really. A Scott Tampico 2000 frame because I get on very with it (makes it sound like a person!) It has Z1 dropoffs and mavic 521's and a host of other additives!

I have been doing less and less dropoffs because my knees are starting to hurt quite a bit.