5 Things to Practice to Improve at Mountain Biking

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5 Things to Practice to Improve at Mountain Biking
Date: 27/11/23 

Word Count and Aprox Reading Time: 536 words…… 3 mins

Whether you're a trail rookie or a seasoned rider, we all have areas where our confidence may waver. Cornering, technical descents, jumps – they're challenges that keep the ride exhilarating but can also be sources of uncertainty. The good news? You don't have to settle for mediocrity; you can actively enhance your skills with targeted drills.

Why settle for flaws when you can refine? By actively working on your weaknesses through mountain bike skill drills, you'll witness tangible improvements in your riding. It's not just about tolerating imperfections; it's about developing, refining, and embracing the reward of progress.

Accelerate Your Progress: Practice Sessions to Boost Skills

For many riders, practicing these skills means more than just completing a loop; it involves focused sessioning of tracks or sections. Pushing back up and hitting turns repeatedly builds confidence, speed, and consistency, setting the stage for progression.

Cornering Confidence: Drills to Carve the Turns

Linking Corners: Connect two corners to focus on flowing seamlessly from one to the next, refining body position and direction.

'No Pedal' Runs: Leave the pedaling aside to concentrate on smooth and fast cornering, where exit speed reigns supreme.

Flat/Off-Camber Turns: Master grip and body position on flat or off-camber corners by emphasizing foot placement and carving turns.

Stopwatch Challenge: Time yourself through corners or ruts, using video analysis to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Tackling Technical Descents: Navigate with Precision

Practice Technical Sections: Repeatedly ride a challenging section to discover the best line and improve your approach.

Braking Strategy: Focus on key braking points and experiment with changes to maintain speed through corners.

Time Trials: Time yourself through sections, experimenting with different lines to enhance your skills.

Advanced Trails: Challenge yourself with more technical trails, learning from experienced riders and studying their lines.

Conquering Jump Lines: Soar with Confidence

Inspect the Jump: Understand the takeoff size, maintain a centered position on the bike, and visualize the trajectory.

Stay Centered: Keep a ready position, avoiding leaning back, to maintain balance and achieve a natural jump arc.

Look Beyond the Landing: Focus beyond the lip of the landing to preserve your position and balance.

Practice Makes Perfect: Repeatedly practice the same jump to build confidence, gradually progressing to larger jumps.

Pump It Up: Maximizing Control and Speed

Roll with It: Lift the front wheel as you approach rises, pushing through onto downslopes for a smooth transition.

Adapt to Surroundings: Stay centered on the bike, adjusting your position to sudden downslopes for better control.

Pump It Up: Visit a pump track to enhance this skill, focusing on generating speed through natural or man-made rollers.

Mastering Technical Climbs: Climb with Confidence

Technique is Traction: Stay centered, choose an appropriate gear, and look well ahead to maintain traction.

Test Yourself on Climbs: Select challenging routes, create 'trials' sections without putting a foot down, and compete with friends for a fun and revealing experience.

Take Turns Uphill: Master turning uphill by looking ahead and through the turn, practicing in both directions for versatility.

Electrify Proceedings: Explore challenging uphill sections with e-bikes, enhancing balance and grip on steep terrain.