Sharp Turns

[Irulan]

what about braking? what's the most effective braking technique for sharp turns? i'm wondering about both downhill and uphill. thanks ladies!

Um, I wouldn't brake on the uphill but thats just me.

Feathering and modulation. Gently, light squeezes or pumping action.
I use the front brake more than the back to control the turn. Also, only one or two fingers on the brakes, ladies, no more is needed with discs.

Sidenote - most brake levers can be adjusted to fit women's hands. There are travel adjustment screws that will pull the levers in to fit short fingers.

as for practicing controlled sliding, please practice this only on gravel fireroads and not the trails.

(excuse me while I get out a soapbox) Skidding and sliding is very destructive to trails. It should be avoided at all costs. If you are skidding or locking up your tires, you are going too fast for conditions or out of control. It's also an indicator that you are braking too hard - let up on the brake just a bit. Unless you are on fireroads where it doesn't matter, there is no legitimate excuse for skidding or sliding while mountain biking.

/soapbox