Pick lines through rock gardens

Top tips for getting yourself and your bike safely through these trail traps

Rock gardens add both fun and fear to the trail. If you get them wrong, you’re in for a wild ride, but when you get them right, you can carry your flow and keep on smiling as you go. Here are our top tips for choosing the best way to negotiate them in safety and style.

01 the smooth line

This is the path of least resistance, which avoids the biggest holes and rocks. Body position is key here, so that you can adjust your direction as you go. Lean too far back and you won’t be able to steer accurately. Balance too far forward and you’ll get caught by a bump. So ind a centred position and use your eyes to guide you through, always looking ahead. Stay relaxed and keep your feet level.

02 The direct line

This is as straight as possible, regardless of the obstacles. Momentum is your friend, to help carry you over holes and rocks. Adopt a centred position on the bike, with your heels down and elbows up – you’re going to need your arms and legs to act as extra suspension to smooth out the trail. Spot your exit and aim for it. Keep relaxed so you can maintain balance.

03 Get Airborne

For experts, the smoothest way over a rock garden is often to jump the whole thing – providing it’s not too long, or at least the gnarliest section isn’t. You’ll need to have picked out a precise line and exit before attempting this. Body position is crucial – if you land into more rocks and are too far forward, you may get slammed into the handlebar.