David Chan has experienced the gamut of mountain bike riding. The 40-year-old Honolulu resident enjoys the scenery and camaraderie of riding trails, and also knows the perils that can come with the activity.

"I enjoy the freedom of the outdoors, (escaping) traffic, while hanging with my friends," said Chan, who works for the U.S. Postal Service.

While taking to the trails on a bicycle can be fun, it is also tinged with danger.

"I've hit a tree and flew off my bike; tumbled down a hill and landed on rock," said Chan, describing the chain of events of one crash that did not require medical attention, but forced him to miss work for two weeks.

The difference between a bicycle and a mountain bike is that a mountain bike is built to last, John Alford, of Bike Hawai'i said. A mountain bike will have better suspension (front and rear) with knobby tires.

A mountain bike can cost from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

"If you're really serious about it and if you want your gear to last, you need to spend more," Alford said.

Alford said that he recommends entry-level bikers spend at least $500 on a bike.

Chan has been mountain biking for more than 10 years, getting out two to three times each month.

"It's a great stress reliever," he said.

Chan's friend, dentist Mitchell Tseu, 47, also gets out on the trails a couple of times each month.

Tseu says he enjoys challenging himself, while spending time with his comrades on the trails of 'Aiea Loop or on Kuli'ou'ou Ridge. "Riding is like an outlet ... like any sport, it helps relieve stress and helps one keep fit," said Tseu, who has been riding for 13 years.

Prior to mountain biking, Tseu was an avid body boarder. "I used to body board a lot until I moved from town (away from his usual surf spots) to Kapolei, where I was introduced to mountain biking," he said.

Part of the allure of mountain biking for Tseu is challenging himself on the terrain.

And with the challenge comes danger.

"I can't remember my first crash ... there have been too many to count," Tseu said. "I have bruised my ribs and broken my collarbone, which landed me at the emergency room."

Oscar A. Hernandez is a free-lance photojournalist in Honolulu. He may be contacted at oscar_photography@yahoo.com.

BUYING A BIKE AND SAFETY TIPS

"I would get a bike from a reputable dealer. You can be assured that you will get a bike that is more durable than from department or 'big box' stores. The local bike shops sell bikes that are repairable and have better parts which make mountain biking more enjoyable and safer," Mitchell Tseu said.

"For safety, the helmet is the most important equipment to protect your noggin," David Chan said.

Chan also recommends buying water bottles, gloves, spare tire/patch kit, and a cell phone in case of injury.

O'AHU TRAIL INFORMATION

Asking an employee at a local bike shop can lead to good tips, as many of the employees are mountain bikers.

A book by local mountain biker and trail conservationist, John Alford, titled "Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands - Mauka to Makai," may be purchased at your favorite book or bike shop on O'ahu, or visit www.bikehawaii.com.

The book provides detailed trail information on O'ahu, including parking information, trail maps, levels of difficulty, altitudes, and trail distances (mileage).

If interested in a guided mountain bike excursion, Bike Hawai'i provided guided tours, with full equipment support and snacks — call 734-4214.