It’s the CX time of year! That is, cyclocross.
It’s like mtbiking only with mounting/dismounting and some running and jumping. It’s usually done on a light’n’flimsy road bike with plumper tires. But many around here use mtbikes just fine. I suppose there’s rules against fat tires some places, but not in the Kisscross series race I did.
For your inspiration, here are a couple videos showing how real crossers do it…
The 1976 US Nationals (the second annual):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb8pTe54YQk
An Old School British Roughstuff ‘Cross Race:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_Fs1QtsOY
1980’s Vintage British CX How-To (at least I think this might be it, my dang browser hardly works) … these are so smooth, and their instructor skills so calm, that it’s clear than anyone can ‘cross!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdq2cDRyi4E&p=67B6613BACA4AC8D&index=1&feature=BF
…Ya know, I have some cute CX video, too, on YouTube, under username JeffOYB, showing some smooth race leader action in the Kisscross “Death Spiral.” It’s amazing how that little guy floated thru that deep mud then ran the stairs then remounted without missing a beat.