Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Biking Shorts
- Bicycle Helmets
- Biking Gloves
- Biking Jersey
- Biking Shoes
- Mountain Bikes
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Step 1
Practice starting and stopping on gradual hills to become acquainted with your bike.
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Step 2
Brake primarily with your rear brake. Lightly press your brake in and out, called "fluttering," instead of slamming it down.
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Step 3
Flutter front and rear brakes in steep spots.
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Step 4
Relax. Keep your legs and arms loose as you descend to absorb the bumps smoothly.
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Step 5
Keep your weight on your pedals, not the seat. Suspend your rear end over the seat to avoid unexpected jolts.
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Step 6
Keep your weight back on steep hills.
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Step 7
Wse the momentum of your speed to fly over smaller rocks and roots once you become more comfortable.
Comments
dibear said
on 5/2/2009 When I go down really steep hills, I often find myself nearly resting my belly on the saddle. Thinking about doing that is a great method for getting your weight way back.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 your equipement have to be alway in his best state if not repair it or you have chance to get hurt.
Don't try stupid thing if it's not of your skill level or you will know how you feel when you are in a hospital bed but downhill is not so dangerous if you stay in your confort speed.
alway alway wear protective gear body armor, arm pads , legs skin guard and an helmet but I prefer full face your face is protected.
Don't try to hard and you don't get hurt.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't be afraid of rocky and root covered trails. Sliding, skidding, and bouncing at dangerous speeds is half the fun!
1. Use the front and rear brakes equally for the most effectiveness, and at the right times. Braking in a rough situation will usually make things tougher. If you see rough terrain ahead, use your brain. Brake BEFOREHAND, not on demand.
2. Always mind your center of gravity and USE your COG like a rudder on a boat. When in doubt, keep your COG 25% to the rear. You're friends will be laughing AT you, not with you, if you come over the handlebars. :)
3. Stay off the seat. Keep your feet gripped on the pedals. You don't want to be finding your footing while your crotch gets a padded pounding.
4. Keep your rear derailer out of first gear; I've twisted two derailleurs in a month by staying in first gear when it's not necessary. First gear puts the derailleur closest to the spokes and a lot of bouncing can knock the derailleur into the wheel. For those of you who don't know: When your derailleur twists up into your wheel, your wheel stops spinning. Not fun. At best, your derailleur might need some bending and adjustments. At worst, you can ruin your deralleur, break the cable mount, bend spokes, and have a long boring walk.
5. When things go wrong, find a way off your bike that won't get you mauled. Very important. Be prepared at all times to lay the bike over while jumping off. If you do it right you can go from riding to running without getting hurt.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 On descents, you should use your front and rear brakes about 50/50. All of the stopping power is in the front brake. If you use the rear brake only, you will skid. Skidding really tears up our trails (which we put hours of work into).
You can use the front brake without a face plant. It is all in body positioning. Just make sure you are off and behind the seat.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Try to stay in a lower gear. It will be easier to keep control of the bike on really steep hills.