Mention biking and many people think of kids riding to the park on summer afternoons.

Mention mountain biking and images of Moab and Slickrock come to mind.

But more and more Utah Valley residents are rediscovering the enjoyment of getting on a bicycle and pedaling through gorgeous local mountain scenery.

"Every year the popularity continues to grow," said Kenny Frazier, assistant manager at the Bike Peddler in American Fork and a 10-year mountain biking veteran. "Riders are continuing to push limits, to see what they can do on their bikes."

Hard-core enthusiasts define mountain bike riding as being off-road, on unpaved single or double-track trails. From the number of fat-tire, heavy-duty bikes seen on bike racks and in pickups on area rides, it's a big-time recreation activity.

While the development of the bicycle can be traced back to the 15th century, the modern sport of mountain biking began about 35 years ago. Most sources point to cyclists in California riding down fire trails as the start of the current craze.

From that start, the sport blossomed among mainstream recreation enthusiasts. Not only is it now an Olympic sport, but it also has become much more diversified as technology has enhanced what can be done on a bike.

"There is a lot that has changed for the better in the last 10 years," Frazier said. "The bikes that are coming out are more versatile, making riding more fun and more stable."

With people throughout the area enjoying the accomplishment of reaching the top of a hard climb and the thrill of speeding down a twisting dirt trail, biking trails are now closer and in better shape than ever before.

There are also a number of ways for people to discover the fun for themselves.

"We have a group of people that get together and go ride," Frazier said. "It's great for beginners to learn what it's like, as well as getting to know others who enjoy the sport."

While the necessities for riding are relatively simple (see sidebar), the biking explosion has made it into a sport that can become expensive and addicting, like golf or skiing.

"Most people make their investment in their bike and their equipment," Frazier explained. "After that, mostly you can ride for free or just at the expense of gas. The more you spend on your equipment, the better it's going to be."

Beginning riders should make sure they get a solid bike that won't break down on them, usually made easier by the pros at the local bike shop. After picking up the other necessities, they can head out in search of trails to ride.

The ones in this area come in all lengths and at all level of difficulties. Here's a brief look at some of the best mountain biking locations Utah County has to offer:

Beginner

1. Thanksgiving Point, Lehi: The undeveloped area just off I-15 is crisscrossed with fairly simple trails. Riders can get good practice by exploring the various routes without having to worry about tough climbs.

For the most part, this is as easy as mountain biking gets.

2. Lambert Park, Alpine: This open space park at the north end of the Valley caters to mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels. It is fairly well-used, especially during the cooler times of the year. One of the most popular trails is Rodeo, a fast downhill ride the weaves back and forth through a gully.

Lambert Park provides simple rides for the beginner as well as more challenging trails for those with more experience. It's a good place for riders to push themselves to do a little better each time.

3. Sundance Ski Resort: For a small fee ($18 for a full day, $14 for a half day), Sundance will transport bikes and riders to the top of their main ski lift. From there a number of trails wind their way down to the bottom of the valley.

This provides bikers with the thrill of racing downhill without the difficult uphill ride that would be required in other locations.

4. Bonneville Shoreline Trail: This trail covers a variety of areas between Lindon and Provo. Though it has some decent climbs, it's kept up pretty well to make it easier for the beginning rider.

The best part of this ride is the great views across the Valley it provides without extreme effort. It's also close enough that many riders can reach it with minimal transportation hassles.

Intermediate

1. Blackhawk Loop Trail, Payson Canyon: This is the classic ride in Payson Canyon. It stretches from the Nebo Loop road up to the Blackhawk campground, then can be ridden back down to Santaquin Canyon Road. While this is a beautiful mountain trail, it isn't as well-known as some of its northern counterparts.

Perhaps the best time to take this trail is in the fall, when the changing leaves of the aspens make this a spectacularly scenic ride. This is a trail that requires some experience because of its up-and-down nature.

2. Tibble Fork Trail, American Fork Canyon: The ride from the top of the Alpine Loop to Tibble Fork Reservoir is considered a must-ride by many bikers in northern Utah County. With moderate climbs and some difficult decents, it's one that will test the intermediate rider.

This is a great trail in the summer because of the spectacular views of the canyon, the peace of riding between the various forests and because the mountain air keeps bikers cooler. Note: American Fork Canyon requires a $3 usage fee at the entrance.

3. Big Spring Hollow Loop, South Fork, Provo Canyon: Although this trail is an easy one to access and relatively short (3.5 miles), the elevation climb of 750 feet and the technical stretches make it a tough ride for beginners.

This is a nice ride through forest and by a stream for much of the way, with Big Springs accessible at the top of the trail. It also connects onto other trails for the rider looking for a full day on the mountain.

Advanced

1. Three Forks Loop, Diamond Fork, Spanish Fork Canyon: This is one of the classic, all-around challenge trails for the big-time biker. It requires technical ability, strength and endurance and covers a wide range of terrain.

The entire loop climbs 1,900 feet and weaves in and out between streams and gullies. This is also a great ride for the experienced rider looking for a new challenge.

2. Mill Canyon Loop, American Fork Canyon: This is the type of ride that hardened riders love for the heavy, steep climbs and the technical challenges. But the rewards are also spectacular, providing beautiful views of both American Fork Canyon and the Heber Valley.

Depending on where the rider begins, this trail can climb more than 3,300 feet in elevation and the thin mountain air can quickly take its toll on the inexperienced. This is a bragging rights trail for those who are able to complete the loop. Note: American Fork Canyon requires a $3 usage fee at the entrance.

3. Wadsworth Creek Trail, Hobble Creek Canyon: This trail is probably more of an intermediate level overall, but the crossings of the Wadsworth Creek can be very difficult. Many riders make it into a loop by coming down the Dry Fork Cutoff, although that route is far more technical.

While this trail has some nice views, many riders go for the thrilling ride back down the Wadsworth Creek Trail that make the tough uphill worth it in the end.

Trails that many riders enjoy outside of Utah County include the Wasatch Crest trail in Salt Lake, Slickrock in Moab and Gooseberry Mesa near St. George.

Many of these areas have numerous trails that fall into other skill level categories. For more biking information and other trail descriptions, go to www.utahmountainbiking.com.

Those interested in joining group rides or wanting help from the experts can call Frazier and his associates at the Bike Peddler in American Fork at 756-5014.

Sidebar

"Before You Go" Checklist

1. Helmet

Wearing a good helmet not only serves as an important safety precaution in case of a crash, it also protects your head and face from low branches.

2. Brakes

Make sure your brakes are in perfect working order, since they are vital in getting a bike down a narrow, twisting dirt trail.

3. Water

The effort involved in riding can dehydrate the body quickly. Take along a water bottle or a to replenish those fluids.

4. Attire

Wear light clothing that is comfortable and allows full movement. Although biking shorts and gloves make the ride less abrasive, they are not required to enjoy the riding.

5. Familiarity

Know what you can do on your bike. Practice techniques like making tight turns, using your legs to cushion the ride on rough terrain and changing gears in a driveway or on a road before getting on a trail.

6. Limits

Understand how far and how difficult you want your ride to be. Start with shorter, easier rides and build up to the longer, more challenging trails.

7. Weather

After heavy storms and in some mountain areas, easy trails can become slick and tricky with mud. Stretches baked in the hot summer sun and churned by riders often turn dusty. Be aware of the conditions when you start riding to avoid disaster.

8. Communicate

Mountain bikers in general are part of a tight fraternity. Talk to local bike shop pros or other bikers to find the best trails and hot spots.

9. Transportation

Know where you're going and how you'll be getting from one place to another. A long mountain descent can turn into a tough uphill if you don't have travel arrangements at the bottom.

10. Companionship

Always try to go with someone else, especially when riding in unfamiliar areas. A missed turnoff or a simple mistake can leave a rider in dire straits if he or she is alone.