BRAKING ZONES

With your body position becoming more conscious and your range of motion deliberate, it’s time to throw your braking into the equation. When you pull your brakes two major things happen: you have less grip at the tyre because your wheel is trying to slow down, and your body goes stiff in order to brace your weight against the forces being created. This second one isn’t obvious, but every time you pull the brakes your arms brace in order to hold you in the same position. This in turn will hamper your fluidity and mean that the trail feels harsh and sharp. Try and identify smooth places to brake, and if you can stay off the brakes and allow for more fluid movement in the choppy sections.