BRAKING ZONES
GRIP POINTS
When you first look at a complicated trail there is a lot to think about. Slippy roots, exposure, tree stumps, loose rocks, cambers… The whole trail looks like it’s constantly attacking you. Slow down and look for the grip though, and suddenly the focal point of your riding becomes deliberately seeking out features, cambers and support that you can trust. These grip points are all over the place, and if you’ve practised your range of motion and bunnyhops,
Everyone knows that you shouldn’t pull the brakes on slippery things like roots, but the thing that no one ever takes time to explain is that you should do all your braking elsewhere! Finding safe braking zones on a trail will allow you to scrub speed and momentum off while you can still trust the grip, meaning that you can enjoy more control on the choppy stuff. INNES SAYS “Being conscious of where you are pulling the brakes is a huge factor in having control. I really focus on slamming my heels and letting my legs take my weight, before dropping right into my bike as I come off them so that I can be ready for the next technical section.”
“A lot of the time, braking zones and grip points have loads of crossover. Generally they are both safe areas to be applying weight into. By pushing then all you’re really doing is linking the grippy bits together by being and light in the right places.
INNES SAYS “By focusing on the grip, a rider can break down longer technical sections into a handful of grip points. This simplifies the trail, allowing you to go quicker by thinking about less, all the while remaining in control.”
“Whenever I arrive at a new trail I will always be focusing on areas on the trail that with your legs, you will feel your weight go through your suspension and into the tyres and therefore the ground underneath you. (Note: this application of downward force should be a gradual and consistent feeling and not ‘spikey’ or super-fast movements.) By keeping your heels down and modulating your braking to the point just before your tyres lock up, you will feel like you have tons of control and therefore confidence. Instead, too many riders grab the brakes, locking up their wheels up and forcing their bodies to become stiff and defensive while their bikes feel unpredictable due to the tyres not functioning as they were designed to. In turn, this means the bike’s kinematics fail to react to the terrain like all those blog posts and reviews said it would.”
I can trust and that give stability. In other words, grip points. Most technical trails are scattered with intimidating features like huge rocks, tight trees and slippery roots. For me, this is just clutter. Start training your brain and eyes to look for the grip instead of the other features on the trail and slowly all the ‘clutter’ will disappear and you’ll be presented with grip point after grip point and an amazing new experience to your riding.”
In the next issue we’re going to look at what your next event’s game plan should be. In the meantime, try and focus on your range of motion, where you are going heavy and light on the trail, noticing safe braking zones and grip points, and trying to ride smoother not faster.