There’s a lot of history and information floating around about the origins of mountain biking, some that’s recognized and some that depends on who has the best public relations firm. Mountain biking would have happened somewhere and it did.
Did it begin with the Buffalo Soldiers, a turn-of-the-century infantry who customized bicycles to carry gear over rough terrain? It was August 1896, the riders, black enlisted men and a white lieutenant, rode from Missoula, Montana, to Yellowstone and back, an arduous trip. Their mission: to test the bicycle for military use in mountainous terrain.
Source: Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
Beginners will find trails relaxing and can avoid technical sections. Intermediates will find trails to be right on, with challenging sections. Experts will find trails to be fun, with interesting obstacles. It's a great 8 miles work-out.
81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida