Everything to help you ride stronger and better.
Of all riding skills, braking probably gets the least attention. But it sure is useful. And, dare I say, it’s HOT!
Here’s a preview from MMBSii. It shows some decent braking technique — and it shows how little space a decent braker needs to slow down.
Last night Nick Simcik and I did a little ride/shoot on my new little trail. The conditions were steep, loose and very raw. We got a few shots for MMBSii, and we both learned something about the fine art of bike cornering.
While certain people are in Australia racing the MTB Worlds, and the luckiest of them are rocking the nearby Pump Track Worlds, some of us are stuck at home working too much.
Yesterday was one of those days, and I settled for figure-eight time trials in my driveway.
Sad. But fun in a bike nerd sort of way.
If you want to hang out with lots of women (platonically), go to band camp or become a bike coach.
Last week I did a fun clinic with 20 women from the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance.
Lee,
As I have said in previous e-mail; you book has been a great help to me and other, lent it out to many riding buddies. I am looking forward to ii. Any chance on an advanced copy?????
My question is weight % on corning / turns. As I have read and been working on most of the season is dropping the outside pedal and placing weight on it and at the same time placing weight and pulling on the handle bar, opposite to pedal side. Should I be distributing my weight similar to downhill skiing turns 80 / 20 rule (80% down on pedal and 20% on handle bar??????). I have noticed that if you do to much on the bar it actually tips you funny and also puts more weight down on the front tire, giving me to much traction.
Would this also apply for either hardtail for full suspension?
Any help would be great. I am always looking forward to your tips and advice.
Rob
Lee,
On my p57 of my copy of MMBS is a pair of illustrations: “loading a turn” and “light between turns.” What do you recommend for drills for this? I am slow when the trail gets twisty-turny, so the statement: “technical single track will never be the same” really gets my attention.
I already rock this: leelikesbikes.com/cornering-drilling-the-basics and I struggle with leelikesbikes.com/how-to-pump-a-flat-surface.html, in which you appear to be a self licking ice cream cone.
Also, do I rock these drills with the big bike? the all mountain bike? the DJ bike? the BMX bike? or the road bike (it’s all about performance!)?
Thanks,
-Jim
Hi Lee,
I am 33 & mom of five in Show Low, AZ. I have been biking for almost 3 years now. There are some awesome trails up here but I feel like I’ve hit a wall. I really want to be able to improve on some of my mtb skills but feel like I’m almost limited in the small town I live in. There are no coaches here. I just purchased your book and I am also looking into the strength training program that James Willson offers. Outside of this can you give me any other suggestions?
I am completely addicted to this sport and want to take my biking to the next level! I have the bruises and scars to prove it 🙂 Any advice you have would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Aly
Just got back from an XC ride with regional legend and all-around nice guy “Fast” Jon Watt. What a treat to ride at my own pace or — even better — a hair faster than my own pace.
Until today, our friend/rival Will at LateApex4Life held the record for 100 laps of Lyons pump. The jerk actually texted me right after his ride: “Will McDonald, June 27, 100 laps on Lyons pump track, 31:59.2”
OK Tough Guy, it’s ON!
Hi Lee, I’d like to start off by commending you on your book and website. It’s not common that you can become substantially better at a sport by merely reading up on it but thanks to you, it’s happened to me. Currently, however, I’ve been running into some difficulties that I’m hoping you can help remedy.
Hey Lee…got the book and I’m practicing skills. The flatland cornering is coming along great. Next is ledges like the one Ron is going up @ Lyons. Just wondering what some technique tips would be and what to practice first in the parking lot to get up ledges like that…wheelies, manuals, bunny hops?
Peace, love and unity and take care of the wife & twins
Dan
Lee,
I’m a 40 year old father of a two-week-old girl. I haven’t been on a dirt jump / pump track since I was 14. Now that you’ve built the new Lyons funhouse, I’m thinking about a steel P.1 for sale in Boulder. It’s $500 and in good shape. I think you know the bloak selling it.
1) Should I drop the $500 (in light of my recent fatherhood/life changes)?
2) Why?
Thanks (for your advice and for your work in Lyons!)
Dave