Mountain biking on a trail full of challenging features can feel exhilarating and intimidating all at once. Among these features, berms are one of the most thrilling to ride. A berm is a banked turn on a trail, designed to help riders maintain speed and momentum while cornering. Professional mountain bike riders make it look easy, but mastering the art of riding a berm takes practice and technique.
In this article, we’ll share tips and techniques that will help you master the art of riding a berm on a mountain bike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, understanding the physics of a berm and how to approach it can make a significant difference in your riding experience. So, if you’re ready to take your mountain biking skills up a notch, let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basic Technique of Berm Riding
Berm riding is one of the essential skills that every mountain biker should master. A berm is a banked turn or corner that can help to maintain speed and control on a mountain bike ride. Getting the basics right is crucial for this technique, as it can boost confidence and enable you to tackle more advanced trails.
Understanding the basic technique of berm riding requires you to approach the turn with the right amount of speed. It would be best if you go a bit faster into a berm than you think you need to. You can then use the banked surface of the berm to your advantage by leaning your bike into the turn. Proper placement of your body weight, eyes, and arms combined with the correct timing of braking and pedaling will allow you to maintain speed and control through the turn. Through regular practice and experimentation, you can become an expert in berm riding and enjoy all the thrills that mountain biking has to offer.
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Techniques and Tips to Improve Berm Riding Skills
The key to mastering berm riding skills is to understand the technique and apply it consistently. The first technique is to approach the berm with a good speed and in a balanced position. Ensure that the body weight is shifted to the outside pedal and the inside hand is dropped low. This helps in maintaining a low center of gravity and offers better control on the bike.
It’s important to look through the berm and not at the ground in front of the bike. This helps in maintaining the required line throughout the turn. Additionally, keep the outside elbow up and initiate the turn with the hips. Lastly, exit the berm in the right gear and maintain the momentum for a smooth and efficient ride. With these tips, you can easily master the art of riding a berm on a mountain bike, and enjoy the thrill and excitement it offers.
Anticipating the Berm: How to Approach Sharp Turns
Anticipating a berm is crucial in order to approach sharp turns with confidence and control. As you approach the turn, make sure to slow down and shift your weight to the outside pedal. This will help you maintain balance throughout the turn and keep your bike stable.
Before you enter the berm, it’s important to read the trail and assess the angle of the turn. This will help you decide your entry speed and trajectory. Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the turn, rather than just the immediate section in front of you. This will help you maintain your momentum and guide your bike smoothly through the berm. With practice, you will be able to anticipate berms with ease and ride them with confidence.
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Mastering Speed Control for a Smooth Ride
When riding a berm on a mountain bike, speed control plays a crucial role in achieving a smooth ride. Berm riding requires you to carry a certain amount of speed through the turn, but too much speed can lead to losing traction and sliding out. To avoid this, you must learn the art of speed control.
One effective way to control speed is through the use of your body position. By leaning your body weight towards the inside of the berm, you can slow down your speed without touching the brakes. Similarly, shifting your weight towards the outside can help you carry more speed through the berm. Additionally, you can use your brakes gently to maintain the desired speed throughout the turn. Mastering speed control can help you ride berms with confidence and precision, resulting in an enjoyable and smooth ride.
Maintaining Balance and Body Positioning on a Berm
Maintaining balance and proper body positioning is crucial when riding a berm. The key to riding a berm is to enter it at the appropriate speed and maintain that speed throughout the turn. To do so, you need to find the perfect balance between your weight distribution and the bike’s handling.
When you approach the berm, keep your elbows and knees bent, and your weight centred over the bike. Lean your upper body towards the inside of the turn while pushing the bike away from you. Keep your pedals level and apply pressure on the outside pedal to generate traction and maintain balance. Remember to look through the turn to where you want to go rather than directly in front of you. With proper balance and positioning, you can confidently and smoothly ride the berm, enhancing your mountain biking experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Riding Berms
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Riding Berms
Mountain biking enthusiasts will often identify berms as a highlight of their rides, enabling them to gain traction on the turns and speed up along the way. Although berms can be fun, they are not always easy to navigate. Following are some of the common mistakes you should avoid when riding berms:
Firstly, many riders make the mistake of looking down while riding around a berm. This can cause them to lose their balance and control, leading to accidents. To avoid this, it is always advisable to look ahead towards the exit of the berm, rather than focusing on the ground.
Secondly, riders may hit the berm at the wrong speed. Going in too fast or too slow can affect your ability to ride it effectively. To overcome this, it is recommended for you to adjust your speed before entering the berm, so you can successfully complete the turn.
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Preparing for Advanced Berm Riding Challenges
As you gain more experience and confidence riding berms, it’s essential to keep pushing yourself to new challenges. One way to do this is by seeking out more advanced berms with steeper angles, sharper turns, or larger jumps. This will help you continue to build your skills and improve your bike handling abilities.
Another way to prepare for advanced berm riding challenges is to work on your physical fitness and mental focus. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Additionally, practice visualization techniques to help you mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. By building up your strength, endurance, and mental toughness, you’ll be better equipped to tackle even the toughest berms on the trail.
The Conclusion
Mastering the art of riding a berm on a mountain bike is no easy feat. But with practice and patience, it can be conquered. Keep in mind the tips we shared here, such as proper body positioning, speed control, and looking ahead. Remember that it takes time to build confidence and skill, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t come easily at first.
In conclusion, riding a berm is a fun and thrilling aspect of mountain biking. By following the techniques we’ve outlined here and practicing regularly, you can successfully navigate berms and take your riding to the next level. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, don’t be afraid to hit the trails and try out your new berm-riding skills!