Bull in a china shop, or stealth trail ninja? Whichever you are, try being the other.
Flow. The term that most accurately describes the slightly intangible concept of riding a bike as efficiently as possible. Even the smoothest of trails has imperfections; changes in gradient, corners and apexes.
Throw into that rocks, roots, changes in traction and the multiples of those variables; it’s a testament to human brain power that we’re able to process these, make a line choice and control our weight, balance and power output to adapt to what we’re riding over. Flow is, after all, one of things that makes mountain biking such an involving activity.
Learning to ride isn’t instinctive; it isn’t like learning to walk. It’s not something we have been left hardwired to do after generations of evolution. Instead it requires true learning, and probably an element of teaching, even if that’s simply observing others. At some stage in your riding life, you’ve gone through a transition; from being someone who is able to ride a bike, to being a bike rider.
‘Huh?’ I hear you say. ‘What’s the difference?’
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So here is a suggestion. Next time you’re out with your usual group of riding mates, follow the person who appears less confident. Watch them pick the safest, smoothest line through terrain you would otherwise attack head-on. The achievements of others can be a huge influence. I’m inspired by tales of endurance and hard-won experiences. I’m in awe of displays of skill on YouTube and Vimeo; the slow-motion edits of perfectly-executed cornering; of unnecessary – alright, cliched – but oh so fun, so stylish whips.
All of this expands the boundary of what I think might be theoretically possible for my own riding every day. I push that bit harder or further on my next ride, train harder for the next race; drop my knee an inch further, force myself to look further down the trail. This doesn’t mean that I can, or want to, reach the extremes of possibility that others can and do – but if I can bring a few percent of that into my riding, it can only be a good thing.
Right?
Words by Tom Hill.
the phrase ‘to get droppered’ must be due an entry into the mountain bike lexicon soon.. do you mean I’m not the only one with a 27.2mm steel seat-tube..and therefore nee dropper like (as we Gordie’s say)?
I just picked up a 2nd hand 27.2 X-Fusion HiLo for my 2003 Orange Patriot. They do exist, and they are well worth the expense!