There are times when I think this is the most strenuous biking activity - and the most fun. There is no doubt that the adrenalin rush that comes from a fast downhill section is hard to beat. So long as you don't take a tumble, of course. Even if you don't go in for full-on technical mountain bike racing it can still be pretty exhilarating. And I have to say mountain bikes are pretty handy on those long day walks where there is a lengthy walk-in before the ascent. I have used one on a number of remote hills in Scotland - on bridleways, of course.
There are so many mountain bike routes to choose from, below are just a few we have tried