Top 5 mountain bike riding tips

1. Relaxed body

Loose on the bike. Mountain biking is a lot more enjoyable, less daunting and more fluid when you are relaxed. It sets you up to be responsive to changes in terrain and natural obstacles. When you are tense, you are fighting the bike. Think flow, be agile and put yourself in the position where you can move around on the bike and shift your weight around.

2. Momentum

Momentum is your friend. Don’t be scared to pedal out of the corners as it gives you more control. Also don’t be scared to point the bike down those rocky descents. Easy on the brakes and let the bike roll. Mountain bikes are designed to tackle the rocks, but you need to enable them by keeping them moving. 

3. Eyes up

Eyes up, looking forward. Focus on the line you want to take. Don’t focus on the obstacle, tree or thing that you want to avoid. This includes looking around the corners and constantly scanning what’s ahead. 

4. Take the pressure off

If you are riding a new trail that you aren’t familiar with, don’t be pressured into thinking you have to ride the whole length of the trail or segment. If you come across a section or obstacle that you are unsure about, it’s ok to put the bike down and take a look at it first. If you decide you want to ride, go for it. If you decide to give it a miss and save it for next time, that’s ok.

5. Braking

Brakes are there to help you brush off speed, but if you brake too hard too quickly you could end up losing control of the bike and find yourself lying in a bush on the side of the trail. Practicse feathering the brakes and when coming into a corner, focus on doing the braking before you enter the corner, not once you are in the corner.