BLACK TRAIL SKILLS
B E N D AT THE HIPS This is the main change you should make to your position on the bike as you drop into a steep section. When the front wheel rolls over the edge of the chute, bend further forward from your hips. It may feel counterintuitive, but it’ll lower your chest, which will help you keep some bend in your arms. This will mean you’ll have better control of the front wheel. Adjust the amount you lean forward to suit the steepness of the slope.
U P R I G H T L EG S To stay stable on the bike, you need to keep your weight going through the bottom bracket. For this to happen, you have to keep your legs perpendicular to flat ground. (Picture an imaginary line heading straight up from the BB and try to follow it with your legs.) This can be tough in extremely steep chutes, but the closer you are to this position, the easier riding steep sections will become.
84 MOUNTAIN BIKING SKILLS
