By Aydin Akyol and Weston Kelly
Aydin’s Point: Hiking is safer, more accessible, and enjoyable than mountain biking.
In my opinion, I think hiking is better than biking because it is much safer and does not consume as much energy while still burning calories. Biking takes much more focus and skill so you are not able to enjoy the wilderness due to trying to stay on the trail. With hiking, you can stop and take in the scenery much more often, but when you are biking, you have to keep going until you get to certain points. Uphills are also a problem with hiking, let alone going up a mountain on a bike. Hiking should be something enjoyed, while biking is a physical and intellectual exercise.
Weston’s Counterpoint: Mountain biking lets you take in views and have more fun
Contrary to Aydin’s limited perspective, mountain biking does not, in fact, restrict riders from taking in views. Breaks are always an option when on a bike, and stopping at the peak of a mountain trail to get a good look at the view is one of the best parts about going on a ride. Additionally, the skill biking takes translates directly into the enjoyment one receives from the excursion. Having the ability to speed downhill and transition smoothly into a berm takes practice, yet once achieved, it is infinitely more fun than walking up and down a hill.
Weston’s Point: Biking is more rewarding than hiking
Nothing beats the feeling of a breeze cooling off the sweat dripping down your brow after an arduous uphill journey, with the knowledge that an adrenaline-filled downhill awaits. Although reaching the peak takes a lot more effort than hiking, the extra energy makes the result even more gratifying. Furthermore, the exciting ride down serves as a much more rewarding experience than a hike through a place you’ve already been up. Biking gives you a chance to take in the views on the way up and have a ton of fun on the way down/
Aydin’s Counterpoint: Hiking is just as rewarding as biking while being a safer option
With biking, the uphill struggle can be grueling and the “exciting downhill descent” is over in seconds,while hiking allows you to steadily appreciate the journey. You can only truly feel accomplished at the top once you fully experience the path that takes you there. What better way to do it than walking?