Mountain Biking – Things You Should Know When Going Downhill

Riding a mountain bike can very well be a dangerous ordeal. But you cannot replace the adrenaline rush from going uphill and downhill afterwards! That feeling must come from riding with your “life on the edge”. However, one should always pay attention to the specific techniques when mountain biking, especially in jungle trails and rough terrains.

Things you should know when going downhill

You have just gotten up to the top or peak of a hill. It was hard work, but you made it nevertheless. You think you have made it. But what about going back down? It requires the same dedication and focus as when you were struggling up the hill.

For some, it might be scary. This is especially when all you can see is a steep decline in front of you. Almost anyone can panic even before riding downhill at high velocity.

Whatever it is, you must remember this single point. Keep your buttocks to the back! You have to stand up when doing this of course. Then straighten your arms and look ahead carefully. What happens when you move your rear of your body to the back is that you balance your weight. This will help keep traction on the rear wheel. At the same time, you take off the already heavily stressed front wheel as a result of going downhill. However, ignore this advice and get ready to land on your face on the ground!

Another tip is when you bump into something on your way downhill, be sure to move your body to the back. This will maintain the balance so you would not fall off the bike. Mountain bike experts call this lunging to the back.

Are there other precautions? Yes. Keep your toes pointed slightly upwards. This way, your heels will more downwards. Again, this is to maintain balance by using your feet. This will also counter any force capable of pushing you forward (and causing you to fall off the bike).

On the other hand, you will also need to maintain your cool. Other than balance, your mind must be calm. Things can get ugly in an extreme situation like going downhill. You have to make mini decisions fast and without thinking. Never ever turn the handlebar by itself alone. Instead, turn with your entire body if you have to steer. If you can, look for incoming dangers on the surface of the ground.

As a final tip, you should always let the bike roll. For example, having pressed the brake too hard and jamming the wheels from spinning is a very dangerous idea. This will result in skidding accidents.