Gnarly roots

Roots can be very intimidating and many riders struggle to ride them. They’re notorious for sending your wheels off line, especially when wet, and can also confuse your eyes – particularly sections like this, where there’s a lot going on. To ride roots well you need to commit to picking a line by spotting your exit point and aiming for it. You should avoid turning or braking while riding over roots, and where possible, hit them square on.

BRAKES

Cover the brakes, but avoid using them until clear of the roots – they can be the difference between sticking your line and your tyres slipping.

EYES

No matter how out of shape things get underneath you, stay focused on your exit point. Tackling roots is all about your line from A to B.

ANGLE OF ATTACK

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that if this root were wet, the tyre would slide off it. If you can’t hit roots square on, try to un-weight your bike as you hit them – or use the first root as a kicker and jump the rest!

LINE CHOICE

Instead of making direction changes on roots, look for areas where you can achieve decent grip and straight-line between them.

JUMPING ROOTS

Sometimes you’ll see a cluster of roots that’s sure to make your wheels slide out. Often, you’ll be able to pop off a lump or bump to clear them. Failing that, you may be able to bunnyhop them.

1 APPROACH Keeping your speed up, look for your take-off point – in this case the first root. As your front wheel hits it, pull up on the handlebar to bump the bike off the ground. Let the rear wheel follow.

2 PICK UP Let the bike come up underneath you by keeping your arms and legs relaxed. But stay in the attack position so you’re ready to take control the moment you land or in case you get kicked off line.

3 LAND Extend your arms and legs to push the bike into the landing, like a cat landing from a fall. Keep your eyes focused on the trail ahead. Once you’ve absorbed the impact, get back into the attack position.