Rock gardens

RED TRAIL SKILLS

PICK LINES IN ROCK GARDENS

Rock gardens add both fun and fear to the trail. If you get them wrong, you’re in for a wild ride, but when you get them right, you can carry your flow and keep on smiling as you go. Here are our top tips for choosing the best way to negotiate them in safety and style.

THE SMOOTH LINE

This is the path of least resistance, which avoids the biggest holes and rocks. Body position is key here, so that you can adjust your direction as you go. Lean too far back and you won’t be able to steer accurately. Balance too far forward and you’ll get caught by a bump. So find a centred position and use your eyes to guide you through, always looking ahead. Stay relaxed and keep your feet level.

THE DIRECT LINE

This is as straight as possible, regardless of the obstacles. Momentum is your friend, to help carry you over holes and rocks. Adopt a centred position on the bike, with your heels down and elbows up – you’re going to need your arms and legs to act as extra suspension to smooth out the trail. Spot your exit and aim for it. Keep relaxed so you can maintain balance.

GET AIRBORNE

For experts, the smoothest way over a rock garden is often to jump the whole thing – providing it’s not too long, or at least the gnarliest section isn’t. You’ll need to have picked out a precise line and exit before attempting this. Body position is crucial - if you land into more rocks and are too far forward, you may get slammed into the handlebar.

1 LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

It’s always best to inspect a rock garden before you attempt to ride it. Choose a line that suits your ability and build up to hitting it faster and faster. 2 VISION Potentially the most important tip for all mountain biking, and a necessity here. Keep your eyes looking where you want to go, not at the obstacles you’re riding over. This will help keep you balanced and on-line.

3 BODY POSITION

It’s important to find a central position on the bike and use the flex in your arms and legs to smooth out the rocks and holes as best you can. 4 FEET LEVEL Striking your pedals on rocks is asking for trouble. Keeping your feet level helps avoid the rocks and will also keep you in balance and let you move around on the bike as needed.

5 SPEED IS YOUR FRIEND

Carrying speed can help smooth a rock garden out, because your wheels won’t fall into every hole. But only go as fast as your skill level allows. Gradually build up to pushing yourself faster.

6 STAY LIGHT ON THE BIKE

In small rock gardens, you can preload your suspension just before you enter and use the rebound to help unweight the bike as you hit the rocks. Get this right and you’ll glide over the top.