Drops in Downhills

[madisongrrl]

There are some trails around here that have short, steep downhills with the occasional drop. I'm not talking a huge drop, just like 6-8", a couple logs piled up. I have gone down them before, very unsmoothly, but made it. I took a hard fall recently on one and now am petrified to do it. I have always been completely unstable doing it and just hope for the best. I have no problem with roots, small rocks, etc in the downhill, just the piled up logs (not up and over, it's flat up, just a drop over).

Are you comfortable riding logs when the terrain is flat? Are you comfortable descending a steep hill without log piles in your way? Make sure you are very comfortable doing these things and the log drop will be much easier.

Any recommendations on how to handle these? I feel like when I take it slow, it takes every ounce in me not to go over the handle bars. I'm too freaked out though to take it with speed.

1. Make sure you have enough tension on your clipless pedals so you won't slip out of them when you land.

2. You need to ensure you have enough speed going over the logs, but not too much speed....you don't want to be out of control. If these logs are on a steep slope, brake/slow down well before you get to the logs (not right before them). You want enough momentum so you can easily get both wheels in the air. If you don't have enough momentum, you will flip over the handle bars. Ideally, your tires should land at the same time. (disc brakes and full suspension are excellent for tackling these kinds of situations)

3. Get your weight back off your saddle and over your rear tire. How much you get your weight back will depend on the steepness of the slope. There have been times in mountain bike races where I'm descending a section and my backside is entirely hanging off my bike and my stomach is resting on my saddle. (I actually raced yesterday and someone ahead of me was descending a steep section using too much brake and didn't get her weight back. She flipped over the handle bars. It was very scary.)

What do you do? Slow, roll over and just hold your weight back? Take speed and it all balances out and it's easier? Something with the steep downhill with the drop really freaks me out. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Jenn

Again, if the steep downhill freaks you out, try to practice descending a bunch of steep hills that don't have logs. It will give you the confidence you need to do the log drop. Remember, many people who are excellent technical singletrack riders have taken years to acquire their skills (and have taken many falls in the process). If you can't get it this year, maybe you'll get it next year. Stay safe and keep at it!