Obstacles come in many forms. Roots, rocks, and other obstructions compounded with an occasional rise can often lead to ugly crashes. Sometimes, you’ll even be riding a great piece of trail and suddenly come to a stop because you didn’t get enough speed to tackle what was in front of you. Here are a few tips on how to handle these minor irritations and improve your technique.

1) Momentum is Your Friend

I can’t tell you how many months I just didn’t understand the concept of momentum. I would see a root 20 feet ahead on a sharp rise and simply shift into an “easier” gear. Once I actually got to the relatively simple obstacle, I would hit it and stop flat, usually causing my riding partner to crash into my tail. That’s really embarrassing, and unlike a really grueling crash, you can’t boast about it later. The rule of thumb is this: go fast enough so that you don’t have to pedal for the last 2 feet before whatever you’re trying to ride over. You don’t necessarily have stop pedaling at all; the key is gaining enough momentum so that you don’t really have to. This also helps on slippery, sideways roots that like to kill your traction. Momentum will allow you to fly over these guys with speed to spare.

2) No Brakes

This one is simple. Though brakes are the novice rider’s best friend, it’s important to keep your hands away from them when approaching a minor obstacle. After awhile, this will become natural, and you’ll learn to appreciate your speed more than the temporary “safe” feeling you get when braking too much.

3) Be in the Ready Position

It’s so easy to get into a comfortable position at 20mph and forget the world around you. However, trails are an ever changing network of quick, speedy downhills, painful uphills, and messy technical challenges. The key to maintaining your balance no matter what approaches is to be in the “ready” position when anticipating an upcoming hurdle. It’s not too hard to master; basically this position consists of keeping your arms and knees flexed, crankarms horizontal, and butt hovering over your seat.

4) Lighten the Front

It’s impossible to hop a log if you’re leaning forward. The trick is simply to unweight the front wheel enough so that it doesn’t stick to whatever you’re trying to ride over. The only thing you have to remember here is that you don’t want to lean back too much or you will lose control of the front wheel. Keep your grip firm and ride straight. Putting too much weight over the tail will cause your wheel to wobble.