a definition.

Mixed Mountain Bike Touring: /mɪkst ˈmaʊntɪn bʌɪˈtʊərɪŋ/ 

Traveling by mountain bike through a country on a variety of paved and off-road paths with the 
option of more aggressive riding or racing at points along the way utilising the very same bicycle.

With the advent of the modern mountain bike (MTB), more routes and possibilities have opened up for cycling tours worldwide. Previous incarnations of the MTB were not as efficient in their weight as dedicated touring bicycles, yet rigid touring bicycles were obviously lacking in suspension or design to tackle rougher terrain. At the time of writing this paragraph, even an entry level MTB is capable of doing things that could not have been attempted in 2000.

In addition, MTB trails, tours, and races have sprung up around the world along with the local riders, shops, and expertise to support them. Riding a bicycle in places like Southeast Asia is no longer seen as simply a poor person's means of travel, but as a legitimate and exciting new sport taken up by numerous local riders with great skill in a variety of disciplines.

With many MTB designs now falling into the all-mountain or trail category, it is a golden age for seeing foreign lands by such bikes on major roads between cities, on tribal trails linking more remote villages, or on dedicated single and double track carved out for pure fun. Whether riding leisurely above tea plantations or racing in a cross-country or enduro event, it's time to throw a leg over your frame and explore.

Mix it up.