BLACK TRAIL SKILLS
STEEP TURNS If you want to speed up or ride steep turns with more flow, you need to fight the survival instincts telling you to grab the brakes and lean back – you’ll lose grip and control. The key is to commit to a balanced body position on the bike so you can lean into the turn. It’s worth noting that all turns are different and will require technique tweaks. Outside foot level or down is a common question. For short steep turns with even a small bank to turn against, keep your feet level when you lean the bike. For longer turns where you need to use the edges of your tyres, try dropping your outside foot as you twist your hips to lean the bike to carve the turn.
HIT THEM HARDER If you want to ride steep turns faster then you’ll need to lean the bike more and make sure you’re in a good body position so you can hold your shape through the turn when forces increase.
LINE If the corner has some support or a banking, then aim to hit that to help you turn. If the corner is flat then take a wide line in order to make the turning radius shallower.
BRAKING Kill your speed before the turn so you can be off the brakes when you lean. If the turn is really steep, brake until you’re halfway in the turn before letting the front brake off first to keep grip, then let the rear off. By doing this you’ll still be able to lean.
82 MOUNTAIN BIKING SKILLS
