"how-to" questions

[Becky]

Experienced mountain bike ladies, I need some advice on how to handle some terrain.

I've been riding with DH and our friend K this summer, and I'm really pleased with the improvements that I'm making. The boys make me lead a lot of the time so that they don't inadvertantly lose me and, as a result, I'm getting faster and better at cornering. I told K that having him riding behind me was like having an angry mama bear behind me- I was too afraid to slow down!

On that note, there's a couple of local trails that still continue to freak me out. One is a very narrow, very steep path cut into a hillside. One false step and you're in the brush at the bottom of the hill! I can handle the gentle ascents and descents along the edge, but the steep stuff near the edge freaks me out.

The other is a series of switchbacks that wind through a gully. The switchbacks are gradual and shallow near the top, and become progressively steeper and sharper as you approach the bottom. The short steep descents are ok- it's the turning at each end without crashing into a tree that's the problem. I'm getting better at it, and able to go further along than I used to, but I still get to a point where I don't think I can make the turn without tumbling over sideways.

So.....any suggestions for how to navigate this terrain, or exercises that would help me that I could practice in the back yard? TIA!

[SheFly]

So.....any suggestions for how to navigate this terrain, or exercises that would help me that I could practice in the back yard? TIA!

I often recommend a balancing exercise to help with this - it certainly helped me, and now I can navigate the trickiest of switchbacks. It really is all about the balance.

On a grassy area, get on your bike, clip in and just practice doing a track stand for as long as you can. Often, you will need to move the front wheel, or re-shift your body weight to maintain your balance, but the trick is not to pedal, or put your foot down. How does this help?

Think about making a tight turn - you need balance, and typically, you are doing this at slow speed. I have one switchback on my local trails where I can literally stop, and steer my way around the turn using my balance.

It's also a good skill in other areas!

Good luck - sounds like you are doing really well!

SheFly

[Becky]

SheFly, I like that idea! I can definitely practice track standing at home!

[fatbottomedgurl]

I have trails that are really exposed too, so I know what you mean about the edge freaking you out. Just keep your eyes ahead and don't look down.

On switchbacks, look to the inside of your turn, don't look at the outside because that will send you off the trail. On a left hand switchback, try to start on the right side of the trail, look to the inside, use your new balancing skills and you should be able to pull it off. Opposite for a right hand turn of course.

Most people are stronger in one direction than the other. Practice extra hard in the direction that is not natural. That's where tiny circles and figure 8's in your driveway can help you.

[sundial]

Becky, I'm not an expert but I found using a wider handlebar on my mtb helps with control--even in tight turns. I also do short track stands with a little pressure on the rear brake.

[Becky]

Becky, I'm not an expert but I found using a wider handlebar on my mtb helps with control--even in tight turns. I also do short track stands with a little pressure on the rear brake.

When you say "wider", how wide do you mean? And, for comparison's sake, what width road bars do you ride? (IIRC, you're a roadie as well.) I'm using a bar that's comfortable for me, but I know that it's narrower than what many folks would use. However, any wider, and I'm hooking it on trees.

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies. It's all good stuff!