Sand strategy?

[indigoiis]

Hey all... the trail / fireroad I've been frequenting has patches of sand in some places - some as deep as 4-6 inches. I've been trying to spot it well in advance but can't help hitting patches occasionally. It really stinks when I hit one at the beginning of an upgrade or at the base of a downgrade.

Any tips or suggestions on keeping upright in sand?

[SheFly]

Keep you r upper body loose - do NOT try to steer through the sand. Instead, use your legs to power you through. Common thinking is to spin as fast as you can, but I've found that applying power in a harder gear and hitting the sand with speed is a better solution. FYI - this works in mud and snow as well (not that I've tried it :D), and is the technique I employ for riding sand pits in 'cross.

SheFly

[Andrea]

Don't look down- look straight ahead, and keep pedaling your tail off as if the sand isn't even there. If you slow down and try to be careful, you're likely to get bogged down and have to start hiking :D

[crazycanuck]

We have deep pea gravel on many trails Western Australia that resembles sand & requires the same technique. Just remember to go with the flow & don't break!!!

[indigoiis]

But it's scary to not look at it! LOL.
I watched my husband plow through it last night on our way home and he really did just zoom right through. I didn't. He also took some of the air out of his tires. I didn't.
He says I need more time on the mountain bike.
I feel like I lose my nerve / confidence when I hit the sand.

[SheFly]

But it's scary to not look at it! LOL.
I watched my husband plow through it last night on our way home and he really did just zoom right through. I didn't. He also took some of the air out of his tires. I didn't.
He says I need more time on the mountain bike.
I feel like I lose my nerve / confidence when I hit the sand.

You should be able to plow through the sand regardless of your tire pressure. I can do this on an MTB with 45 psi, or on a 'cross bike with 60 - 70 psi. I'm not convinced that's the answer.

Certainly speed and momentum are your friends (as with all obstacles on the MTB!). As Andrea said, look THROUGH the sand to your exit - don't look AT it. Gingerly trying to pick your way through will bog you down the fastest.

Don't worry - it takes practice! Once you get it the first time, your confidence and nerve will be boosted so that you hit it every time! Can't wait to hear about it ;).

SheFly

[Thorn]

Just a thanks for the thread...I don't mountain bike, but I do take a hybrid out in the snow. Big, thick sections fluffy snow scares me and can often dump me off the bike. I've been reading this thread, understanding what y'all are saying and now I want to go out and try it! I can't believe I'm bemoaning the fact that I'll have to wait 7 months to try out your techniques :p Thanks!

[Andrea]

7 months with no snow is a good thing!!

...but yeah, when there's some greasy mud or sand in your way, just hit your "ignore" button and pedal right through it as if it doesn't exist. If you're anything like me, you'll be like :eek: when all of a sudden you're on the other side and heading on your merry way down the trail :D