By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
If you ask yourself when the last time that you really enjoyed the fresh air was, can you remember?
If you are an urbanite, it is quite possible that it's been a long time.
As society has become more competitive, people have forgotten ways to truly enjoy their spare time outdoors.
Some, however, still find an escape in getting some fresh air through outdoors activity.
One of the best ways to do this is on a mountain bike.
The feeling of riding a bicycle on a flat, paved bicycle path is fun, but it doesn't compare to the feeling of going off the concrete and into Nature.
``The feeling I get while descending a mountain on a bicycle, is really fantastic and cool,'' professional mountain biker An Young-min told The Korea Times.
``It takes only 20 or 30 minutes to go down a hill, whereas climbing the mountain takes more than two or three hours.
``Just imagine descending the mountain feeling that you've conquered the mountain while breathing fresh air. It is really awesome," added An.
``In addition, your vision will definitely be shaken a lot by the speed. It thrills every rider and it is amazing.''
``When I ride, cutting through the fresh air, I feel like I get a full experience," said Kim Hee-su, a housewife around 40, told The Korea Times at OMK MTB bicycle shop. Though it was around 5 p.m. and she was sweating profusely, she showed no signs of exhaustion or distress, just happiness.
``I can say a lot about the merits of riding a bicycle. Many people think it's hard and difficult, especially for women. But it isn't," added Kim.
Before people start extreme mountain biking they often begin by riding on city streets.
Cyclists can get just about anywhere in Seoul on the city's network of bike paths and lanes. The network, which is divided into five different sections, starts south of Jamsu Bridge in Jamwon, which is now the Mecca of cycling in the city and a very impressive place for riders. An recommended Namhansanseong which is located in Hanam, west of Seoul for its mountain biking course.
``This course is pretty good for beginners to practice in a natural setting. It is not very difficult to feel some thrills. In addition it is not a very long course, taking only about three hours.?
More businessmen have begun to ride bikes to work because it's healthy and saves money. Cycling trains the whole body, making it good for maintaining health and losing weight.
``When you ride, hold the handles solidly, as this is very important for a rider's safety, and it trains your shoulders and arms. And because riding posture should be inclined to the front and bottom, sustaining the posture also will strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.''
``I think it goes without saying that it is good exercise for your legs as well,'' said An.
An said that cycling has its biggest impact on your lungs.
``Pedaling consumes a lot of energy and air, especially when riders climb the mountains first, increasing lung capacity,'' added An.