Follow-Up: 202 Rough Stuff
Things got wild, and how much fun was it!? Keep it simple and don't always apply advanced techniques that require correct timing.
Summary of Key Points
Never Stop Working on 'A Solid Base' Drills
Everything from the 102 A Solid Base Clinic helps with all your riding. Keep refining those drills and improving all aspects of your riding.
Stay Centred
The "chin over the stem" rule absolutely applies in rough terrain and while riding off drops.
Where Are You Going?
Good line choice for rocks and roots makes it easier to flow through without fighting the bike. Try different lines on the same section.
- Slow: balance and pick your way through
- Faster: float through in a straight line
Let the Bike Move
Letting the trail move the bike but not your body (passive bike-body separation) is essential. This allows you to stay the pilot without letting the trail be in control.
Eyes Scan Into the Future
"Scan" down the trail, identify action points, and filter out what isn't on your path. Focus on important points and what you'll do at them.
Brake with Intention
Be tactical: Choose braking zones that are straight, grippy and smooth. Be decisive: Pick where to slow down. Commit: Too much braking is less impactful than not enough.
Small Drops Are Just Bigger Bumps
Instead of thinking about "jumping" off something just because it's vertical, consider how big a drop can be and still be rolled (what your bike fits over when going slow, or about the length of your arms if you have momentum).
Your torso is what matters: Your head & torso has momentum that will carry it through the air, even as the bike falls away.
If you have questions about anything here then ask away. It is expected that to refine these skills you should join at least 1 of the follow up "Ride & Refine" sessions. We love feedback - please leave us a Facebook review.