Top Essential Tips for Mountain Bike Racing

Are you a mountain biker? Have you thought about testing your skills in the race? Mountain biking is fun. You can get more fit too. Most bikers enjoy riding on trails before they want to try racing. Mountain bike racing is not an easy deal. It takes endurance and strength. It needs you to sit on the saddle for the day with more than 30 minutes of flat-out riding. Maintaining the skill, focus and strength are essential to winning the race. A little of planning is important too. More than winning, taking part is important. Let’s check out six important factors that will help you endure and take part in a mountain bike race and do better.

Top Essential Tips for Mountain Bike Racing

The important start

A powerful and clean start gives a good lead. A good practice sprint before the race gives your muscle a good training. Feel calm before you start. A calm mind will help you focus better on the race. If you are starting on a steep path, make sure to start on a low gear. Get enough practice to help you change rapidly from a low gear to a higher gear. You can pick up speed in this way. Try to master the power pedal position. It will help to sustain the weight as you race off. Also, choose the best line before you start. The start line can easily get jumbled at the start.

Choose the line

A good line will help in maintaining the speed in the race. Always keep your head up as you ride. As you look forward, you will be able to make a choice about the path you take a make a good decision. You can also plan first. The higher you look, the lower your speed feels to you Never stare at the rocks or roots in your path. On a race, gazing is a distraction to avoid. You would lose your focus. Make your turns bigger and wider. It gives more space to go faster.

Maintain a flow

Minimize heavy braking for a better speed in the race. Try to keep an average speed as you go. Pump through the rough sections as it will give more speed and safety than pedaling. On slopes, drive down. Always stick to the narrow speed range. Going too slow or too fast is dangerous. A calm mind is a must to keep a steady speed. If you feel tensed or nervous, it will show in your ride. Also, do not concentrate on the hard sections of the trail.

Practice Switchbacks

Switchbacks will help to race ahead of others. A zig-zag way can give you a wide entry. Always make sure the front wheel is rolling throughout the trip. Do not watch the front wheel as you may miss the exit. Keep yourself safe as you do switchbacks. Do not over brake or lock up the front wheel as you ride. It is dangerous if you do not have a practice. Try it only if you have already practiced on trials before the real race.

Stay low

Staying low helps in maintaining balance. It also gives a better control as you ride. Control your feet as you ride the cycle. Extend your arms and legs to be ready to absorb the impact of staying low. Keep your speed level on a consistent level. As you move down, your body weight pushes forward. Help yourself to land smoothly as you riding tips. Always keep your eyes focused on the path and keep your head up.

Cornering technique

Another easy way to lead in the mountain bike race is cornering. Cornering will help in taking the lead in any race. Cover the brake as you corner. Learn to lean as you ride. It is a must for cornering. Turning your hips to the exit will make the bike lean under your body. Also, try to match your gear according to the terrain and path. Both cornering and switchback are good only if you have practiced them earlier. Do not attempt it for the first time in the race. It is dangerous to try it without antecedent practice.

Bottom Line

Never miss the fun of a mountain bike race. Practicing several times before the real race can help you be more confident about winning the race. A clear mind without any negative thoughts is a must. Always stay focused on the race. It will help in making it a mission possible to you Stay loose and carefree. Check your speed level too. Maintaining an average speed ensures a safe race. Choose the line according to your skill. A higher one for your skill can prove dangerous to you A line that is fast for one rider may not be the same for you Choose wisely to have a lot of fun. You are sure to win!