Natural Progression

Time invested in perfecting your position and braking at the right time reaps dividends when the terrain gets rowdy

- Andy Barlow

Riding technically difficult terrain can be one of the biggest thrills you get out of a modern trail bike. Being right on the edge of control but somehow pulling it off is always a rewarding balancing act to master. Some riders out there seem to be able to make it look easy, so why do so many of us struggle when it gets steep and rough? And what are confident riders doing to make it look so easy?

This month we thought we’d continue the progression from our previous articles and give you some key points to focus on when riding more formidable hillsides. We’ll look at the techniques the more advanced riders use to stay in control, and equip you with a new mindset to tackle more challenging terrain.

THE COACH

ANDY BARLOW

Before joining Dirt School Andy liked to win things — races like the Scottish XC Champs and the Scottish Downhill Champs. Since 2009, though, he’s coached some of the world’s best riders with Dirt School and helped bring on the BASE MTB course at Borders College in the Tweed Valley. But what Andy really likes to do is communicate those pro techniques to everyday riders.

RANGE OF MOTION

The worst thing you can do as a mountain biker is to keep your weight back. As soon as you retreat behind the saddle you have a limited range of motion and will start getting tugged in whatever direction your bike goes. This is because your arms will be locked out and will try to pull you over the bars as soon as your front wheel slides on a root, or plunges down a drop. Instead of going back when it’s steep, get low. It’s OK to allow your hips to go behind the saddle when your bike dives at the front, but keep your head low and close to your bars and your elbows bent on the approach. That way when your bike dives — and it will — your head and body can remain neutral.

CHOPPY TERRAIN