EB riding Tip: Feeling the trail...

Ever wonder how some riders seem to flow down the trail so easily? They make riding look effortless while others remind us just how much effort is involved. Our friends at Endless Biking have offered up some insights to help you smooth things out on the trail.

Keeping it simple...

In a 'Neutral' stance or riding position, you should find yourself standing in a fairly relaxed and balanced position with arms and legs slightly bent and with pedals level and equally weighted. Ideally your feet should be shoulder-width apart while your shoulders should be just about over the bars. A finger should rest on each brake lever while eyes scan the trail ahead.

From this position, body movement is natural in all directions and you should feel pretty balanced and comfortable. If it isn't comfortable take some deep breaths and relax until you feel loose - you'll need to be supple to adapt to changing trail conditions.

From the Neutral position it's an easy transition to a Ready stance; with your legs and arms loaded and able to explode or move in any direction like a cat. This movement between the Neutral and Ready position is key and it is very important to understand the difference between the two. Neutral position is fine for cruising down a gentle grade while Ready is the preferred stance while approaching an obstacle.

Think of the body as being full-suspension...

Kelli Sherbinin showing the potential range of motion of the bike (top)

Once we begin to get comfortable moving back and forth between Neutral and Ready positions we will be able to ride relaxed and loose (Neutral) or briefly loaded up to explode (Ready). The easier this transition of states becomes the easier the trails will become as you begin to relate to the trail with body, bike and mind.

Riding loose will make it possible to absorb all kinds of bumps and changes to the terrain. The overall range of motion that these riding states cover makes it possible to ride over almost anything and really start to work the trail....which is where the style begins.

If you look at the position of your arms and legs when you are totally loaded or crouched on your bike and then watch how far you can extend upwards as you stand tall enough to absorb a solid landing, you will notice how much 'travel' your body has to absorb bumps and hits. You'll find that we have the ability to extend or absorb about a foot in either direction from the Neutral or relaxed position, allowing us to load up/explode or reach out/absorb within a range of almost two feet. These two feet give us the ability to navigate trail features with aplomb.

You'll be able to reach out and place your tires on roll-downs, absorb any impacts and be ready to react to the next move on the trail. You can suck up roots, logs and rocks by allowing the bike to come up to you as you go up one side and then by extending your arms and legs as you ride down the backside of the obstacle.

This range of motion explains why some riders are able to excel with smaller bikes on technical trails and terrain. They are able to read the terrain and to find other ways to absorb the bumps and really smooth things out.

This awareness will get you more involved in riding your bike and allow you to start anticipate the terrain better with each ride. This awareness will continue to evolve as you develop a smooth and flowing style like Cedric Gracia, Anne Caro or Dave Watson.

Smooth is fluid, smooth is fast, smooth doesn't cost as much money or hurt as much and best of all smooth is fun. Stay loose, stay fluid, breathe and allow yourself to become at one with the trail. Your riding will hit the next level if you do.

Kelli Sherbinin showing the potential range of motion of the bike (bottom)