Pinkbike Poll: How Long is Your Average Mountain Bike Ride?

Jul 15, 2018 at 1:33
by Richard Cunningham  
Andrew Shandro Joe Schwartz and Aaron Bradford complete the triple crown on Vancouver s North Shore BC.
Joe Schwartz, Andrew Shandro, and Aaron Bradford push through the rain to climb and descend three of North Vancouver’s mountains - Seymour, Fromme and Cypress - all in a single day. - Sterling Lorence photo


How often do you ride your mountain bike? And when you do, how long are you out there for? Demographics are changing. People have shorter attention spans and many are time crunched. Outdoor enthusiasts are moving from longer, more leisurely forays into the backcountry to compressed, more focused activities. Climbing gyms and yoga parlors are full, and there's the e-bike thing.

DMR Dirt Wars Chicksands Bike Park


The popularity of heavier, longer-travel bikes that favor the intensity of descending above the versatility of cross-country trail riding suggests that off-road cyclists are also evolving in that direction. The pervasive trend to carry less water and fewer (if any) spares supports the notion that mountain bikers are popping out for one or two-hour laps and that the all-day weekend ride may be a luxury. Strava and Trailforks ride reports seem to support that theory.

Trippin GR5 - Geneva to Nice

That said, there is also an upsurge of cycle-specific camping gear and bicycle designs. The BC Bike Race still sells out in a month, and our friends at Epic Rides have expanded their roster of 50-mile trail races - so there must be a busload of riders out there who still put in 200-mile-plus weeks.

Szymon Godziek with his Shine and Remek Oleszkiewicz with his Wish in Palenica Bike Park. Photo by Bartek Wolinski - http wolisphoto.com. http dartmoor-bikes.com.
= Bartek Wolinski photo

So, where do you fall into this equation? How does your riding style measure up in the larger landscape of the sport? I'd expect PB members to be up there near the top. I can't be the only one who is curious....


How long is your average mountain bike ride?

Ride times include stop and go on the trail and shuttle times. Answer all that apply.


How often do you ride?

Spring through fall. Select all that apply.




Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
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157 Comments
  • 164 1
 In case anyone needs help, the conversion rate is roughly: 8 hours on MTB websites = 1 hour ride.

So quit being productive, desk jockeys! Read every damn review, watch every "Must Watch", and stare at the Photos of the Day; And you, too, can ride every single day!
  • 42 0
 We need strava for browsing. Kudos MTBrent.
  • 3 0
 If Pinkbike can track my time online it'll reveal the sad truth of the last two weeks of crunch time at work...thankfully that's not the norm.
  • 6 0
 other conversion rates include:
8 hours on pinkbike = 8 hours work
unfortunately from the perspective of your boss:
8 hours on pinkbike = 0 hours work
  • 48 14
 6 days a week, 2-4 hours per day. Your priorities are what you make them. I choose to not get married or have kids so I can do whatever the hell I want whenever I want.
  • 100 7
 Im married, have a kid, AND do whatever the hell I want...
  • 118 0
 @ninjatasic: You can tell she isn't watching you type that Smile
  • 33 5
 I married my riding partner, we don't have kids and we do whatever the hell we want. I am a lucky man because she usually wants to ride the bike parks on the weekends and she is in charge of planning weekend trips to different bike parks. Life really is great when you can share your passion with the person you love. It's sad to see some of my friends have to make deals and compromises just so they can go out 1 day on the weekend and ride.
  • 21 8
 I'm nearly 40, no kids or wife and still can't do whatever the hell I want because I prioritise my work over play. I do commute by bike every day if that counts for anything.
  • 65 8
 @DaveJube: what's sad about it? That's just the reality of family life that personal time impacts your partner and you have to work together to ensure you both get it while managing a family.

It's just personal choice and you accept that reality when you make that choice. And one tends to love their family infinitely more than mountain biking, much as I love it too.

There are plenty of condescending couples who look back at you thinking how sad you must be to never know the pleasure of having a family, which is equally wrong. It's just everyone making their choice and living their way.
  • 4 3
 @Ktron: Not on the internet they don't, haha Razz
  • 35 8
 I hope this doesn't sound sanctimonious, but I honestly feel that happiness in this life is most likely to be found in the family. As awesome as mountain biking is, choosing to prioritize it (or anything else for that matter) over having a family is selling yourself short and will leave you less happy in the long run.
  • 19 3
 I've been riding for 20 years and the most memorable rides I've had have been with my 5 year old. He's our oldest of 3 and we will have a lifetime of riding together, assuming they are interested. It is a sacrifice now, but raising a generation of mountain bikers is far more rewarding for me personally than fulfilling my own selfish goals.
  • 21 1
 @Ktron: it's sad because the people I am talking about are miserable. Family life isn't for everyone. I am far too selfish to give up my freetime for kids but I realized this and that's why we don't have kids. But I do love my nieces and nephews and love the time we spend together.
  • 2 1
 @ninjatasic: and I'll up you one kid... Wink
  • 4 1
 @LoneRiderOfTheApocalypse: Depends on the family Wink
  • 4 1
 Right with ya. Got a 2yr old takin pretty hard to the balance bike life right now.@ryan83:
  • 7 2
 I don’t ride or ski nearly as much as I used to because of my kids, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  • 3 2
 I’m married with 2 kids and i can ride whenever i want.
  • 3 1
 @TheR: That's awesome! Sometimes people have kids and don't put them first like you do. You sound like a good dad and I'm sure when they get older they will be able to ride or ski with you.
  • 3 1
 @DaveJube: I hear Ya! Nearly all my buddies, most much younger than myself are in that boat... Covering the phone with their hand as they attempt bartering with their significant other for a meager couple hours as I wait.... It really is is sad times for many..
  • 2 1
 @djm35: Ya, work is the only problem I haven't got figured out yet... I'm working on it tho.
  • 5 1
 @Ktron: Very true..... But it's still sad to me to see my buds speak to their wives as if they are asking their mother for permission... You gotta be careful with some of these women! They'll try to run your shit if you let em, and that just can't be happening. The spell bounding power of vagina is very real.. One that has taken many men away from the bicycle!
  • 1 1
 @LoneRiderOfTheApocalypse: The key is to not start said family until you have ducks In a row.. Ie. Only dating marrying a women that shares your hobby.. Not settling until you find that.. Exposing your children to the lifestyle early on in life.. Planting those seeds...
  • 2 1
 @ryan83: Hey you! Selfish is fun! Good thing we're all different.
  • 1 0
 @djm35: build a small table somewhere along your commute? when I commuted by bike I always wanted to do that!
  • 4 0
 I’m married, have 2 boys and ride and travel more than I ever did before. I pity the fools that think family and riding are mutually exclusive. There’s nothing better than shredding a local trail with the boys.
  • 3 0
 Well, I'm happy for you guys who ride more than ever with kids. Gives me hope that one day I'll be able to do so as well!

But you are the lucky/wise minority.
If you think that most people can afford either time or finance-wise to ride whenever they want you are mistaken.
  • 2 0
 @DaveJube: I'm really only doing what I've got to do. Don't get me wrong -- I love bikes and riding A LOT. Riding is fun. It's great. But it doesn't give much meaning to life. It's like a video game in a way -- you go out and get that rush. Family gives life meaning in a much more significant way. I can trade a few hours of riding for something that is, for me, a lot more fulfilling. Doesn't mean riding isn't fun, or no longer worthwhile -- it is -- but there are more important things in life. Glad I found it.
  • 1 0
 @railin: yeah, I know that's a big jump. ????. We wouldn't trade it for anything though, right??
  • 3 0
 @LoneRiderOfTheApocalypse: True. Riding with my 17 and 14 year old sons is the most fun I have ever had mountain biking! The only problem now is I can't keep up with either of them anymore! Poor old dad...
  • 1 0
 Married with a 3 year old kid. I’ve currently got 4 mountain bikes and a season pass at 2 bike parks in different states. Hell, right now the DH bike needs a rear wheel so while I wait on parts I ride the Enduro bike instead.

It’s called having your cake and eating it too.
  • 1 0
 @ryan83: Amen to this, I have a 2 year old son and am looking forward to when he really starts motoring, he says "bikey" all the time and loves tinkering on the bikes with his dad. Coincidently, my name is also Ryan, born in 1983!
  • 2 3
 @DaveJube: if your parents had the same mindset as you , you would not be on this earth enjoying yourself young man , bringing children into this world is the most rewarding if not the toughest thing any couple can do , so jump to it , get your act together and have a child , it will change your life .
  • 4 0
 @Chewy66: Its not for everybody man and Im glad about that.. I have one... If every single couple spewed out kids this world would be far to over populated more so than it already is! Balance is needed.. I have a fair few married kidless buddies over 40 and their living great lives.. They fulfill it in other ways.. Other things change their life.
  • 1 0
 @bombazine: (psst! that's what ebikes are for! Don't tell anyone)

Awaits down votes
  • 3 2
 As a happy employee, bipolar father.l, shitty husband I laugh at anyone who is not a pro yet meqsures happyness in time spent on bike.
  • 2 0
 @Chewy66: it's true if my parents were as considerate as me I wouldn't be here. I knew I wouldn't want to give up my lifestyle and devote my time to my kids like a parent should so I chose not to bring kids into my life. My parents separated when I was 8 and I was neglected for most of my childhood. I didn't have a bad life but my parents didn't have time for me and I was ignored a lot of the time. But it's OK it made me who I am. I am very happy in my life and that's important. I love kids but I just don't want the responsibility.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Time spent on the bike is just part of the measurement dude.. Other factors come Into play.. But I can tell you straight up.... None of them include a nagging wife!
  • 3 0
 @TheR: I don't think what you wrote could have been more opinionated or less sanctimonious....

To each his own: I have some great nephews and get all of the family time I want...difference is I also get to work 50-60hr a week and ride 5-6 days a week. Like others have said, I know what life style is right for me, and that has no bearing on what life style is right for the rest of you.
  • 1 0
 I ride bikes, my wife runs. My wife works, I do not. Have a 7 year old daughter and a 1 year old son. She gets up and runs before work. I stay in bed and get up before she leaves at 6 30. I take the kids to the pool or on hike/walk during the late mornings. (I carry my boy in a kid pack) When she comes home from work we spend time as a family. As it cools off in the evenings, I go ride. Weekends are balanced. We let each other do a ride or run for however long. I also like to fish so sometimes I sneak away for an overnighter and sleep in the car. It’s balanced time for sure and it took practice to get where we are at. But it works for us.
  • 2 0
 @wcjrush: exactly, it’s all about communcation between partners but the problem is like in my case where my wives hobby is kids then sitting on aofa eating shit food, drinking wine and binging series. I have nothing to offer to her. So she is mad everytime I am away or when I get tired of kids. “Do whatever you want” she says: translated - what have you done for me latelyyyyy?
  • 2 0
 @bohns1: the moment you realize neither that nothing works anymore missionary sex, Batman suit, not even making pirate Arrrrr at the oyster, is the time to just do what you want, anything can be a reason to start a fight, so it may as well be a long, great ride with friends followed by beers and weed. Then you go work out realize how 25+ yr old women notice you, how easy it is to catch their gaze and... you just don’t want to end up in the same mess again... I want to be gay. Really. I am watching pics of Yoann Barelli right now.
  • 2 0
 @DaveJube: Good for you not everyone needs a kid to be happy far to many people selfishly have a kid and get bored or angry when there not cute litttle baby’s anymore. I love my family and gave up a lot of ride time over the last four years but now my little one will soon be ready to hit the trails with me just like I did with my dad. We could go out three generations of mtbers.
  • 2 0
 @DaveJube: And that's exactly a perfect example of what I mean when stating Kids are not for everybody! Sounds like you know exactly what u want... More time to shred..
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: That's just a little too gay for me there bud! Sounds like u need a new wife.. Ain't no way in bloody hell I'd be putting up with a junk food eating wine drinking tv binger... It simply would not work.. I'd be cheating constantly.. Kids or not! Just being honest.
  • 1 0
 @rpartlan: I would if I could, my commute is urban and I carry lots of stuff around.
  • 1 1
 @nvranka: Maybe. But I'm right. Life is bigger than yourself, than going on a bike ride. We have been conditioned to see having kids as a burden, and it's scary to let go of everything being about yourself. But I'm telling you, having kids is one of the biggest joys life has to offer.

Anyway, nothing wrong with going on bike rides -- we need it. It's a worthwhile pursuit as far as recreation goes, but it's not the end-all and be-all of life.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: That is my biggest fear in finding a s/o, her not having any hobbies or interests. That's why I'm content with being single until I find someone who has a similar hobby as me. Doesn't even have to be biking. Just something outdoors or exercise based (climbing, hiking, running, camping, skiing/ snowboarding, etc.). The couples I have seen that are most miserable are the ones where both partners have no lives/ hobbies/ interests outside of their own relationship.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Hahaha....the "Do whatever you want" Statement is a trick. At first you think great, I can do whatever i want to do...but you soon realize that doing whatever you want has consequences. You soon realize that what you want to do is do the right thing. It's all part of understanding women and being able to follow the rules that are fluid and constantly changing. After being with my wife for almost 20 years I have learned how to deal and we are both very happy. The most important thing is to make sure she is happy, then everything else falls in line.
  • 1 0
 @loganflores: That's awesome! It seems like you understand that in order to have kids you have to give up a lot of things. Good parents know that their children come first. But being a good parent means raising good children which in the long run pays off when you actually enjoy spending time together as a family.
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: and that's exactly how relationships disintegrate. If you both have nothing in common you both start living separate lives and before you know it, you're getting a divorce.
I am thankful that my wife and I share the same interests in just about everything from bikes, to movies, to food, to animals and everything else we enjoy doing together. She really is likie my best friend and we share everything...including our love for hot women Wink
  • 1 0
 @delawhere: I know couples that both do MTB, few make it. That's all I can tell you. There is no one recipe in the world, there just isn't. I knew some riding girls I would have to be mad to date. Then my friend met a great girl who wasn't riding by the time they met and now she started riding. And she got good at it. My wife was biking when I met her. She was climbing doing lots of stuff, even thinking about joining mountain rescue. Well...

One of those most important things is that both for men and women it is hard to see the person you date for what he/she really is. You will always project the image of your perfect partner on her if she starts ticking the boxes. Psychological projection is extremely common and can easily overwhelm you and your partner. Especially when you are horny in environment with few potential partners. Working where I work now, with lots of very different people of many ages, I see how I made a bad choice.

Also being single these days is not a problem. When you get kids and your relationship goes starts to go off the road, and you are above a certain level of income, your partner may easily become an obstacle rather than help. You suddenly realize that if you have let's say 2 kids, you effectively end up with a third child. And you become a third child sometimes. One that will not listen, no matter what, ill sabotage you and will make sure you feel like shit. A spouse can be worse than a worst teenager (that means you can be that too). In the era of Tinder, sorry, you don't need steady relationship, and in the era of unprecedented exchange of information, kids are not necessary for you to share your "genome". A professor shares more of his genom by teaching people than by making kids.

It's good if your spouse does ANYTHING. Any absorbing hobby is good. In this way you can exchange favors. Selfless love... you can go fk yourself with that. I realized that the only thing men and women are good at doing together is sex and romance. Getting in love is amazing, I fkng love it. But that's where I'd draw the line. A great emotional coctail, coming in someone. All great. The rest, I have no good example other than very few friends of mine. I am a selfish a*shole too but well...
  • 2 0
 @DaveJube: only falls in line until the next time they are not happy! Haha
  • 1 0
 @DaveJube: the problem is that many realize that they have nothing in common after it's too late.
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: Hahaha....how right you are!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Also true. At first they get together and go on dates and have a great time just being with each other...but then that wears off and they realize they don't have anything in common and they start looking elsewhere.
  • 1 0
 @DaveJube: I’d be fine with that if we weren’t living in culture worshipping monogamy and staying together until death tears us apart. And some women love to go on about “patriarchy” oh well after you are married, the sex bit is matriarchal as fk. From evolutionary perspective it is perfectly natural for men to try to screw as many women as possible. From womens perspective it is desireable to find a steady partner that will protect family and provide for it. So, which model are we incorporating in most cases? I witnessed a friend going out with a random dude on the disco, she got loaded and in the last moment bailed out. She started crying,I almost cheated on my boyfriend!!! I have to call him! I said eeeee why?! I may be the only one but I have nothing against my wife going for 2 week holidays with some other dude. As long as she comes back, stays with us, manages her affair as an affair not relationship and dude won’t be coming around our apartment. If she wants to leave with him, be my guest. But I demand certain level of commitment. Same from my side, why on Earth would I want to be with another girl? Dates, presents, misunderstandings via social media, pathetic pussy talking and dick control? Oh no, thanks for that, I’d rather not. For me marital treason is not a matter of morality, I don’t do it purely out of practica reasons. I am not horny enough to complicate my life that much
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: wow waki... I like you more now! Haha.. That's how I've felt for a long while.. In the end, we are all just mammals!
  • 20 2
 All you guys who have a wife and kids and still say you ride 5 days a week must have unhappy wives! Get up at 4am?? With kids I'm too tired to get up before they do! I need any sleep I can. And if I went out in the evenings then my wife would have to deal with everything and she'd be really fed up and miserable. What about kids activities? Your ride Ng comes before those then? Or is that something else the wife is doing... I don't get it.
  • 1 0
 Lots of respnders wouldn't have kids I'm sire
  • 2 0
 @russthedog: I'm specifically refering to the people who said they do and still ride.
  • 4 0
 @clarky78: live on top of a mountain, work at the bottom. That's min 6hrs riding a week. Also weekends usually riding when my boy is having a nap. After he wakes up take him to dirt jumps right next to our home. And then epic rides every second weekend. Never rode this much before i got married. Too much clubbing Wink
  • 7 2
 Why would my girlfriend be unhappy? There are people who have a partner and watch over an hour tv a day. Don't watch tv and voila, you've got over an hour of time to burn. My girlfriend and I have figured out who gets to go when. I have Monday evening (sometimes), Wednesday evening, Thursday daytime (when the kids are at school, I don't work on Thursday) and Saturday and/or Sunday very early morning as long as I'm back before she leaves for yoga. Then she has Monday evening (when I don't go) and she doesn't work on Wednesday and Friday so that's when she has for yoga during daytime. And then she leaves for yoga at nine AM on Saturday and/or Sunday (so I need to be back or at least in the garage). That said, she doesn't do yoga exclusively. But when she trades it for running she's more flexible because then she doesn't attend a class. When she is away in the evening, I can do strength training. And we still have got enough time left for each other. This is the current schedule, but we reschedule every now and then. I just rarely ride in the middle of a weekend day. That's for hanging together (also with the kids).
  • 2 0
 @vinay: cool
  • 4 0
 My kids are 20, 15, and 9 so the riding is easier when they are older. I go to sleep by 10:30 and get up at 4:30. There are days I need to sleep longer so I bike to work sometimes too. I get home by 6:45am and help with all the family stuff. I only work 6 miles away so I am usually home before my wife who works 45 miles away. I cook, clean, read to the kids, and then sit on the couch by 9pm with my wife. I fall asleep 80% of the time on the couch relaxing with my wife. On the weekends I am home by 9am and still do a majority of the cooking. The biggest thing is my wife knows I become an a-hole if I go more than 2 days without getting outside and she encourages me to ride with my friends. Family rides happen too and that just means I get to ride twice on those days.
  • 1 0
 @clarky78 Sounds like you need to take some lessons from Brett Tippie. The man that never sleeps!
  • 1 0
 @vinay: Sounds complicated! Ha
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: It works for us but I guess that's personal. Try to work out something that works for you or maybe get some coaching to help you with that.
  • 2 1
 @vinay: I'm gonna need pics of said yoga class otherwise no upvote for you!
  • 1 0
 @justincs: But it is her attending these classes, not me. I've got no pictures. Only a few times. A bit of areal yoga, a bit of acro yoga. Good fun. But she also likes the tougher ones, like Timo Pritzel does.
  • 1 0
 I'm married with two kids a 2 year old n 2 month old. I ride nearly daily. I choose to work at a bike park I ride almost every day for work or ride after work a bit. I take my daughter to ride her balance bike n I practice parking lot tricks while she kicks around. I wait till my wife and kids have plans n head to other mountains with friends maybe 1-2x a month. Oh I go to the gym 3x a week. They have babysitting so my kids get watched while we work out together. When I get those bits of chance I ride on my own time I rode harder n more serious than I did before I value my time more now. Don't have time to race like I used to though
  • 1 0
 @vinay: No coaching needed bud!i got her figured.. Took awhile, but I waited until I found the women that was just as obsessed with the hobby as iam.. One kid only and keep it simple as possible in this rat raced world... Now the issue of, how can I keep with her is still needing some figuring.
  • 1 0
 @justincs: getting excited for pics from yoga class, it’s like I will be telling my son about the girls dressing room. Son by the age of 15, the 50% of bodies there you do not want to see. By 25 it’s 60% and by 35 it gpes downhill really fast...
  • 3 0
 If you live close to a trailhead it’s very easy to get in an hour or so anytime without teeing off anyone. Remember exercise is good for health and head. Long summer days are even easier.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Girls yoga? I missread the original thread!
  • 14 2
 I have a group of guys I meet at 5:00am almost every day during the week March through October to ride road, gravel, or trails (using different bikes of course). Then on the weekends we ride at least one, if not both of the days, again at 5ish in the morning. With family, work, life it is key to make the time to ride and have others to hold you accountable.
  • 9 0
 Likewise. I'm at the trailhead at sunrise so I can smash out a few hours riding and still be home early enough to manage little ones.
  • 5 0
 I'm sorry, but how do you manage to cope with only 4 hours sleep everyday?! Unless your wife deals with the kids and you sleep by 8pm!
  • 24 0
 you lost me at 5am
  • 2 0
 @clarky78: only speaking for myself here but I am a weekend rider only (both days). Which means bed at 9pm. With 2 very little ones in bed by 7pm.
  • 7 0
 I am in the same boat. I have three little kids six and under and I just go ride at 5 am and I am back by 7:45-8:00. I usually only get out to ride twice during the week and once on Saturday. I would never change my family life for more time on the saddle. Once they get older I hope they will be out there with me.
  • 4 0
 @Mikehorn05: I run a similar program but end up riding nights rather than early mornings. Once the fam is in bed, I head out with a few other dads and do some night laps. Its cooler and has a real meditative feel to it. Riding at night or earlier morning allows me to ride and be a good dad. It seems to be paying off because my 9 year old is now on a 24" and riding trails with confidence which means more time on the bike!
  • 1 0
 @Ktron: wow!
  • 2 0
 @clarky78: Donald Trump does it!
  • 1 0
 @Mikehorn05: 3 wow! Took me until near 40 to compromise in having 1..ha
  • 11 0
 My workday starts in the afternoon, and I have trails nearby, so most of my riding is limited to Power Hours. I miss the college days of every day riding
  • 20 0
 I wish I knew of mountain biking in college.
  • 11 0
 My ride time is usually less than five minutes. I have what doctors call premature eja... sorry different forum.
  • 3 0
 Where I come from 5 mins is an epic
  • 5 0
 Married, two kids, work a lot.. 3-5 rides per week. I chose to live where I could ride from the house and that is the saving grace. My kids are also older now so I can really go whenever I have the time. July has been rough, too much work and way too hot, but other than that I get a solid 4 per week on average.
  • 4 0
 Some of it is seasonal as well. When the weather is nice I ride a couple time a week after work, in addition to my weekend rides. But right now its 110 when I leave the office (Arizona) and riding during the week isn't as easy to do.
  • 4 0
 I'm divorced so have plenty of riding time, usually 3 times per week on average and at least 1 of those days is riding with my 2 teenage sons. We just recently spent 5 days riding in Vermont, 2 days at Killington. Trust me, riding does NOT get any better than XCing & DHing with your sons! For me, it's as good as life can possibly get!
  • 3 0
 Although I love to ride, riding is a reason to get outside. I've had "rides" that have lasted hours but the reality is sometimes I'll just sit on a log or rock & just enjoy what's around me. On the survey, why only spring through fall? With the upsurge in winter riding & associated equipment some of my winter rides last as long or longer than summer rides. Whatever turns a persons crank or motivation, I'll echo panchocampbell, just get outside...& ride too.
  • 3 0
 Got my first MTB in 1984. Didn't get much riding in during the 90's, raising kids. They were grown by the time I was 50 (200Cool , which is when I became a MTB fanatic. Bide your time and enjoy your family. The trails will still be there (and even better). as well the bikes (more so even better).

As far as length: I ALWAYS enjoy the first hour of MTB. I usually enjoy the second hour of MTB. The third hour is iffy.....
  • 4 1
 Quite depressing answers having not long since had the second child! Building a new dj bike cus the pump track is a lot closer than the real trails. Hopefully that will address the issue and help keep my skills sharp.
  • 5 0
 It’s not so bad. Urban dj pump track rides with the kiddo during the work week and a big ol epic trail ride on one of the days off. Throw in a few riding vacations with the bros throughout the year. You’re going to be ok.
  • 2 0
 @scjeremy: thanks man tup
  • 1 0
 The first year after a new baby is pretty much a write-off but it gets better quickly. Pump track is a great way to stay fit and motivated!
  • 1 0
 Pump tracks are sick. Wish I had one near me they really do make you a better rider ton of fun n you can get the kids on em
  • 1 0
 @OsamaBeenRiding: first time I got a Dj bike I think I progressed more that summer than I did in the previous 5 years of trail riding. I’m lucky to have a few good dj and pump track spots close by. It’s daft of me not to have a dj bike regardless of the kids. They are immense for skill building.
  • 3 0
 I do a night ride during the week that is usually 1 to 2 hours, and then a 3 to 4 hour ride on the weekends. I take 3L of water, spares, food, etc. on every ride. Better to have it and not need it.
  • 6 1
 Marriage and a baby are killers to riding, please take this as a warning you young guns!
  • 10 0
 You've got to adapt! Get up real early so you can be at the trailhead at sunrise so you can get a few hours riding and still be home at a reasonable hour to help with kids. Make sure house chores are done so you're not leaving your partner with a kid and a messy house. It often means doing far more than your fair share but it buys you tonnes of goodwill to go on longer rides. You gotta find ways to make it happen!
  • 4 0
 @Ktron: Amen buddy! I do this also with my family. Married with two boys, 6 and 4 years old. Early morning rides are key!!!
  • 1 0
 @Ktron: Getting a Nanny is another option! Pockets gotta run deep on that one tho!
  • 3 1
 First of all, with "ride" I assume a mountainbike ride. Aside from the mountainbike, I think I already ride my bikes (heavy commuter bikes, no pedal support) about twelve to fourteen hours a week. So that's next to the BMX, MTB and MUni rides. And that's next to strength and agility training.

Of course having two kids and a job did cut into my mountainbike time and I rarely go out on longer rides. Though I think even if I could, I wouldn't. I already need to put in hours a week of steady paced (z3 zone, I think) rides in. Doing the same on my mountainbike would turn me into a diesel. I don't want that. Steady paced longer rides have already been ticked off, whatever I do next to it should be short and hard. Just to retain the balance. Most of my mountainbike rides are about an hour, a pumptrack session on the BMX usually isn't longer than 30 minutes.

And it isn't just "family and work" eating into my time. To be able to keep riding for a good couple more decades, I also put time into strength training and stretching. Doing too many long rides aren't going to help you there.
  • 2 0
 Really fortunate to have a 15 minute commute and live a block from a major trail network. I ride daily, I can squeeze it in before and or after work, then get my longer rides in early mornings on weekends. Gotta do my riding on the off hours, kids have dance, wife has plans... I mean Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond... It's all about how much time
  • 2 0
 Commute by bike (road) 4 days a week - 45 minutes each way.
2 trail rides a week of about an hour/hour-and-a-half.

Mostly seasonally dependent here in Ontario. I used to go all season, but age and health have gotten in the way. I used to trail ride 4-5 days a week, but moved further from all the trails and now it is a long haul just to get to any trails that I can do an hour of riding on.

Spend a huge portion of my waking hours thinking about biking though.
  • 2 0
 2 times in the week for 1.5-2hrs a ride and the anywhere between 3hrs and 15hrs on a weekend... Its my knees that stop me doing any more. Might get an ebike for rest days!
  • 1 0
 Nice poll, can give us insigthful perspectives. However I would add a "Where do you live (climate or country wise) since the winter/fall question doesn´t make any sense for folks that live in places that have year-round summer (like me in South America).
  • 1 0
 I have an awesome wife (and kid). When I’m grumpy - which is most of the waking day - she tells me to get out on my bike. It’s a total win/win: she gets a non-grumpy husband and I get to play on my bike. In addition to my daily commute, I get a few hours of MTB at the weekend or on one evening - I’m content.
  • 2 1
 I work in the bike industry so people think I get to ride all the time. But the reality is I work 6 days a week and with the commute it is an 11 hour day. Sometimes I get to do an after dinner ride. But when Sunday comes I usually either hit the bike parks or we do some long XC trail rides.
I was lucky enough to marry a girl who shares the same passion for bikes that I do. We don't have kids and spend most of our free time riding bikes. We both love DH bike parks and try to visit several different ones and of course hit our local park as often as we can. I am so glad that I can share this love of the sport with my partner. I have friends that are married and their significant other doesn't want anything to do with bikes. That is a real shame to see them beg and make deals just to get a free day to ride, but then they still have restrictions. (only 1 beer after the ride, then straight home. AND they are on kid duty).
  • 2 0
 How is that a raw deal? Their partner has to manage all their kids by themselves while they get personal time and it's too much to expect that when they get home they're not drunk and can manage the kids on their own so their partner can likewise get some personal time?
  • 1 4
 @Ktron: it's the mom's duty to take care of the kids Wink
  • 1 0
 Once a week- job, wife and daughter. Watch vids in between. Trade vid time with daughter. One My Little Pony for a mtn bike vid (well more like 5 for her and 1 for dad). Not too shabby considering. Always could be more riding. And as long as I’m asking I’ll take my 24 year old body too.
  • 1 0
 I've been the full spectrum. From riding every day, in every discipline. To married with young kids, almost no riding and selling all but one of my bikes. Now getting back to more riding (sometimes twice a week!) now that the kids are getting older. I also have a wife that works shift work so that adds another challenge. Bought a new bike this year and have almost been riding more so far this summer then the last 5 years combined.

Specialized Enduro Comp 29er by the way. FREERIDE LIVES AND IT'S GOT BIG WHEELS!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I ride as often as I can. I used to hit 2000 mountain miles a year but this year school and work has me at about 600 for the year so I'm over 400 miles behind. At least this time I have 2 bikes to choose from for different types of rides.
  • 1 0
 Does commuting count as every day if you have no car?
If I ride to go dig does that count?
If I session a small area does that count?
If its an epic ride or progression session on features that are at or near your limit then it's a real ride.
The rest is just bike life.
  • 1 0
 One would think that as civilization progresses (lately I feel that we are actually regressing but hopefully that is just me) people would have MORE time to take long rides as opposed to less.

I wonder what the contributing factors are? People actually earning less per hour relative inflation? People choosing social media and binge-watching (can't believe this is social acceptable behavior btw) garbage rather than getting off their ass and doing REAL activities? People sleeping more? Video games?
  • 1 0
 I'm married with a 9 years old daughter who start to ride in bike parks now.
I'm riding 3 times a week all year long.
During the week on Wednesday start my ride at 6am to be back at 8.30am. I don't work every 2 Friday so when I'm working ride from 6am to 7.30am and hen I'm not working I have a good 3h ride in the morning.
On week end I usually ride about 3h Sunday morning.
I agree about early ride in the mornings are key.
The hardest part is the night ride which last about 7 months a year here in the morning (at least at the start of the ride)
  • 1 0
 I get Out 2-4 times a week depending on the weather. I work down near my favorite trails and pass the trailhead on my way home. So it's easy to just take the bike and unwind a bit after work. My wife is usually fine with that. She gets out of work an hour after me. I try to ride at least one day a weekend too. Riding is therapy for me. No joke. I get lost in the trails and if I think too much I lose focus and crash. Damn good.
  • 4 0
 Where is the "Whenever my wife lets me" Option?
  • 1 0
 Always two hours or more. I have weekdays off so I’m able to get out for a nice long ride while the wife is at working. On weekends I’m always gone for a half day or full day due to travelling up north
  • 1 0
 I'm undisciplined and have to drive an hour to get to any good trails or ride 30-40 minutes to get to some slag heaps to get any kind of vertical aspect to ride....and I can make excuses like nobody's business.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the polls. Is there any way you could make a new "favorite complete bike brand"/"next complete bike brand purchase" poll?
  • 1 0
 I feel sorry for the guys whose riding is dictated by the season. Here in SA we get to ride year round - our trails don't look like the ones in BC though...
  • 1 1
 What about adding geography too. I used to live in North west Province which is flat and boring and a very long drive to the nearest hill! Now I live in the middle of the UK which is also quite flat with few close trails.
  • 1 0
 SA is in BC In Salmon Arm, BC, the snowmobile trails and frozen lakes are great in winter, actually most of the low down trails are good a lot of the winter too
  • 1 1
 i work for myself and manage to either bring a laptop and conference call at the trail heads or schedule secondary responsibilities around getting about two hours in at the trail. sad to see the time crunches.
  • 2 0
 when I'm not riding I'm digging when I'm not digging I'm riding cuz remember no dig no ride
  • 1 0
 "Go ride your f*ckin' bike!" - Chainsaw

Every time I'm contemplating going out (shitty weather, responsibilities, life...), I remember those wise words and get the bike out.
  • 1 0
 My new yeats resolution was to ride every day off. I only work 14 days a month, half are night shift so i can sneak arvo rides in on those days too! #ridemoreworkless
  • 1 0
 So we buy bikes for long tough rides but we ride few hours monthly... The market answer right... no need for sadomaso climbing bikes
  • 1 2
 Heres my last ride, wake at 2.30am to start riding at 4am, ride time 12+ hrs, 100 miles off road, 11000ft of elevation, top speed 36mph. Journey home in bed at 23.30hrs. Not my average ride but anything between 25miles and 50miles feels like a good day.
  • 1 0
 According to my answers vs everyone elses,I should just troll Pinkbike instead of riding...#winning
  • 1 0
 Since we had the child my bike and time to ride it has become the neglected step child
  • 1 0
 Would love to see this sort of poll for distances and vertical. And separate categories for pedal, lifts, shuttles, e bike.
  • 1 0
 I've never literally carried my bike on a lift like those guys, What? who needs X Country suffering?
  • 1 0
 These poll options are mutually exclusive and yet multiple ones can be selected so the whole poll is meaningless.
  • 1 0
 It's at least a two hour drive to get anywhere worth riding for two+ hours, don't get out nearly as often as I'd like
  • 1 0
 Trails aren't local so I do two 1 hour road rides during the week and a 2-4 hour MTB ride on Saturday.
  • 1 0
 2 kids and one on the way. I get up at 3:45am on weekdays to get my ride in before work. Just gotta make it happen.
  • 3 1
 Bring back the Dentist!
  • 1 0
 What Shandro said in Seasons applies here.
  • 1 0
 Not attention span for me, just real life and not having as much time
  • 1 0
 I'm a closet roadie. Otherwise I'd ride once a week. Fuck that.
  • 1 0
 In inches or centimetres?
  • 1 0
 Being Retired does have it's perks. Riding is one...Money isn't..lol
  • 1 0
 i could be riding... now!
  • 1 0
 All day everyday from may to October
  • 1 0
 It's often just one hour,but many times it's the best hour of the week.
  • 1 0
 work? who the hell works????
  • 1 0
 go out and ride!!!
  • 1 0
 Not enough.
  • 2 0
 Never enough.
  • 1 0
 Way longer than yours!







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