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MTBing Techniques

Mattbot2Mattbot2 Posts: 384
edited December 2008 in MTB beginners
Hello,

Just after new years, a mate and I are going to Woburn Sands.

http://www.woburntrails.co.uk/

He's got a Specialized Hardrock Comp 2007 and I have my BeOne Aspire 2.0 2007.

The bikes are similarly specced so they will be up to similar abuse.

As this'll be my first proper MTBing ride, I'd just like to ask if any of you have any tips. We'll be doing the XC / Singletrack trails but apparently there are a few small jumps in there aswell. I've been told that to not break anything, I need to have a good jumping technique. What is that?

Any general tips that will help the day go smoothly will help. He's a proper MTBer, has a Trek Fuel EX 6 and does most of his singletrack stuff in the alps so I don't want to look like an idiot.

Cheers,

Matt
2q2kfno.png
^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^

Posts

  • cheeheecheehee Posts: 427
    Why not ask your mate for some pointers whilst you are out with him? Or better still before you go?

    I'm sure he'll be glad to help you out mate.

    Cheehee
  • Mattbot2Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    That'll work too. Already asked him, he's showing me some techniques when he has time. Would just like a little bit extra if you know what I mean.

    Cheers,

    Matt
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Their are 'jumps' (big ramps with distance between them) and little ramps (say a foot high) with a nice smooth sloped landing. XC bikes are fine with the latter if landed smooth. Stay loose on the bike abd relaxed.
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  • Mattbot2Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    Yeah, I won't be attempting the big ramps.
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • the article donthe article don Posts: 578
    Go to youtube and search for "bikeskills". They do a good series of short, easily digestible skills videos on things like jump technique, pumping, negotiatimng rocks etc.
    Obviously practice makes perfect and all that but these are a good place to start.
    Giant Trance X 2010
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  • Mattbot2Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    iainm73 wrote:
    Go to youtube and search for "bikeskills". They do a good series of short, easily digestible skills videos on things like jump technique, pumping, negotiatimng rocks etc.
    Obviously practice makes perfect and all that but these are a good place to start.

    Wow, they're great. Cheers!
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • punctureboypunctureboy Posts: 217
    i'm pretty new to mountain biking (been going about 9 months), but i'm happy with my progress. particularly considering my confidence took a knock for a while after 2 crashes close together.
    at the moment the only thing holding me back is taking that step into jumps. i currently roll all drop offs and ramps etc. however i'm not going too get into jumping until the ground starts to firm up next spring/ summer. all it takes is the slightest twitch of either wheel on landing and your looking at a close inspection of the mud. with the ground so wet and muddy at the moment that can very easily happen.
    a major crash at your stage could put you off the sport for a while or even cause you to never ride again. just get out and learn the basic skills, and enjoy yourself.
  • BorisSpencerBorisSpencer Posts: 786
    These people run courses at Woburn Sands, I know a few people who've been out with them and they come highly recommended. Also they will show you some of the best riding Woburn has to offer.
    Northwind wrote: It's like I covered it in superglue and rode it through ebay.
  • Mattbot2Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    BorisSpencer wrote:
    These people run courses at Woburn Sands, I know a few people who've been out with them and they come highly recommended. Also they will show you some of the best riding Woburn has to offer.

    Cheers, will definitely look into that.
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
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