Caught up with Mark Larson on Twitter @markericlarson and checked out his recent blog about trail riding; as it included some very useful tips I though I would spread the word here.
I tend to ride my mountain bike on the road but I do some trail riding every now and again. I can completely identify with the use of brakes when you hit a rough bit of trail because I am a complete novice! I think it takes some confidence building to understand that ‘speed is your friend’ when it comes to ropey bits of ground. When I have been out riding with Steve, I have binned it on several occasions because of hitting the brakes when I should have pedaled through. Easier said than done but then, for me, the challenge of learning a new skill and seeing improvement is a big part of why I ride.
Mark mentions about keeping your clip-less pedals loose so snapping out is easy. Very good point; it’s hilarious watching someone else trying to get out from under a bike after a spill whilst still attached to it but I’m sure there is a better reason for doing it!. I’m still not sure when to snap out a foot on the trail…I usually do it when I start to feel unsafe going downhill. Any suggestions welcome – I will become a better trail rider this year!
Anyways, hope you enjoy Mark’s blog (check out the video too):
http://www.readybikeride.blogspot.co.uk/
