Ultimate downhill sets
Build your descending confidence and technique with these skills sessions
SESSION 01 BALANCE DRILLS
WHAT TO DO Set up some cones or water bottles in a straight line with a few metres’ gap in between each one and practise weaving in and out of them. “You can do this in an empty car park,” suggests Lines. “Focus on leaning in. So instead of turning the handlebar when you move right, lift your left hand then push down with your right arm, so you’re not moving the bar, just shifting your weight.”
THE BENEFITS Descending at speed is, above all else, a lesson in balance and control, so this will translate directly into an enhanced downhill performance. “Ensure your body stays over the middle of the bike as you weave in and out, so you channel your weight down through the bottom bracket,” advises Lines. “It’s going to really help when cornering at speed.”
STEP IT UP Now try mixing up the position of the cones: use figure of eights patterns, curved lines and inconsistent distances to keep yourself guessing and force yourself to look further ahead. “Descending isn’t about repeating things, it’s about being adaptable to whatever is in front of you,” continues Lines. “If you get both your speed and entry points sorted, all you need to do is make micro-adjustments to adapt to the bends.”
WO R K O U T 0 2 BOX SESSIONS
WHAT TO DO Mark out a ‘box’ on a quiet downhill bend with a couple of cones or water bottles by the side of the road – one to mark the ideal entry point and another to mark the ideal exit point. “Practise coming down and sweeping around the bend, focusing on modulating your brakes so you hit the entry point at the right speed,” says Lines. “Then use your bodyweight to turn around the bend, before pushing out through the exit point.”
You can even start by doing this on the flat, at speed, in an empty car park, then progress to a downhill corner, ideally one where you can see clearly uphill and downhill for any traffic.
THE BENEFITS “This drill will help you get used to your optimal braking area, your best position on the bike, your smoothest line and your ideal speed,” says Lines. “Start with a nice wide box then try to shorten the box as you improve.” Over time you’ll start to instinctively visualise the ideal ‘box grid’ whenever you approach a downhill bend.
STEP IT UP “It’s nice to know what you’re doing wrong, so ask somebody to watch you or film you to get some feedback,” suggests Lines. “You might learn some simple things like whether your foot is in the wrong position or how much smoother you look on the drops.”
CAMBRIAN ST AT S Location Abe rdovey,S now do ni a Next date 18 September 2021 Distances 50, 100, 14 4 or 163km Price £25-37
Set to host its eighth event in 2021, the Cambrian Coast Sportive plays out like a greatest-hits compilation of southern Snowdonia. Rugged peaks, coastline views, lakes and forests are all present and correct, as is the Bwlch y Groes (aka Hellfire Pass) on the longer route options, one of the highest tarmac roads in Wales and an ascent that also features in Simon Warren’s essential 100 Greatest Cycling
Climbs guidebook.
PRE-RIDE PREP
The route itself has had some minor tweaks over the years but has always packed in a lot of climbing. The vast majority of it is between the 40km and 120km part of the 163km route. Expect long or undulating climbs where your average speed suddenly drops after a swift start. The hilly terrain is bookended by much flatter or rolling roads where it’s good to ride in a group to recover or save your energy.
THE RIGHT KIT
Bikes with 30-34t cassettes are advisable. It’s best to take a bike ready for climbing as well as a comfortable, long day in the saddle. The weather has been kind in September for past editions, but you can be high or remote on the longer routes, so base layers and a waterproof are advisable.
EVENT WEEKEND
The area is a popular tourist destination so if you want to stay locally book early or try a few miles away between Tywyn to the north or Machynlleth to the east. You can either ride to the start or parking is at registration with an overflow just a short ride on the outskirts of Aberdovey. Once you finish, treat yourself to a drink in the sailing club and sample the local fare that the organisers lay on.
THE RIDE 1
At around halfway you start Bwlch y Groes, aka Hellfire Pass.
From Dinas Mawddwy fuel up and ride efficiently for the next few miles along the undulating valley. After a short, steep switchback in tree cover you are presented with a stunning view of 3km of straight 12 to 17 per cent smooth tarmac, which steepens to a 20 per cent switchback just before the top. It’s a lung burner so don’t go too hard from the start!
THE RIDE 2
The feed stations are well spaced with plenty to choose from, but ensure you use them early on and keep fuelled for later in the ride.
THE RIDE 3
After the descent to the tip of magnificent Lake Bala you ride into the Ranges. After some short ramps and more gradual climbs, you start a fast and sinuous back road with excellent visibility ahead. The gradient is perfect to keep your speed and you’ll leave wanting for more. Don’t get carried away as next you pass through Coed y Brenin Forest and you still need your climbing legs to get back up to Cross Foxes.