Know Your Sport: Mountain Biking – Riding Skills

To ride a mountain bike is easy. All you really need to do is to push the pedals and balance, add a bit of steering and braking when required and off you go.
It requires no more skill than what was required when you first straddled a bicycle and launched yourself into a life-long adventure down your driveway and local street.
The above may well be true if you limit your riding to solid, black top or paved surfaces and never wonder about the magic of the trails and natural ways that hide just beyond the edge of urban civilisation. Should you be eager to explore the wonder of natural surface trails, gravel roads, cattle tracks, “voetpaadjies”, single track and the occasional stretch of urban jungle, however, you may need to work on your bike handling skills.
Arguably, the most important skill requires the engagement of an “organ” mostly protected by your helmet. Yes, your brain.
The way you think about your ride, the pre-ride vision, the excitement and eagerness to explore new ways of riding and your willingness to try new routes over unfamiliar terrain will really determine your ride and ultimately your skill level. Train your brain.
Once you enter the “trail less travelled”, the ability to observe and interpret sights and sounds becomes a much valued and required skill.
Every natural surface has a story to tell to those riders willing to observe. Surely, a well compacted and smooth trail in a savannah valley bottom is very different to a gnarly “rocks and roots” pathway zig-zagging through the shadows of old growth forest. High altitude rock-covered mountain paths speak louder than lazy winding rides on a sandy beach.
Wet and dry conditions can change the character of a trail overnight.
Look up and listen should be your mantra for each and every ride whether competing or riding for pleasure.
Ok, now you can go and develop some of those other technical riding skills like manuals, wheelies and bunny hops.