Mountain Bike Handling

• Don't lock your sights on the rider in front of you. You just might end up hitting a piece of rock that the rider in front of you has managed to avoid. Look 1-2 meters ahead of you. Don't focus on your front wheel or the rear wheel of the rider in front of you. You just might miss a rock which will lead to a fall or crash.
• Shift to a light gear upon hitting an unforeseen patch of sand, water or mud. Transfer your weight more to the rear wheels by leaning back. Don't slam on the brakes for this will only cause you to loose the already little traction you have. Relax and just "spin" your way through. This will allow your front tires to glide through the soft terrain.
• Slide off the saddle as you ride down a steep bank or riding downhill. This will allow more time to react to unforeseen obstacles. Besides, it's easier to fall of the back of the bike than to fly over the handlebars when you loose control.
• Think 2-3 moves ahead. Don't focus on a single obstacle for a long time. Always be aware of the next thing you have to do.
• Always commit to a track or line. Especially going downhill, if you hesitate halfway through, you will surely fall off.
• Don't grip the handlebars too tight. This will make your upper body tense and will tire you faster. Loosen up but not too loose.
• Don't put your thumb above the handle bar. This will make it easier for you to loose grip if you hit something unexpectedly.
• Slightly bend your elbows and loosen your shoulders, but not too hunched. This will assist in absorbing the shocks that you might experience in the trial.