CHOPPY TRAILS

As we’ve seen with roots and rocks, getting closer to your bike is the key to maintaining control over unpredictable terrain. Choppy trails are really no different. The usual reaction to losing control over rough ground is to move further back on your bike and to pull on the brakes to slow down. Both of these things will make the trail feel rougher. Having your weight back will limit how much room you have to move, and in turn your fluidity. And pulling your brakes on will slow you down, but will also mean you have less grip, which is difficult to manage when your wheels are pinging off things. Try and slow down before the ground gets too rough, and as it gets more and more choppy, stay off the brakes and get closer to your bike. Having your wheels roll freely will improve your grip and mean that your arms don’t have to deal with braking forces and are free to track the ground.