Tips & tricks for mountain bikers
In Ischgl, it’s also all about learning new skills. Consequently, you will have to dismount your bike less often. Pro trainers at the bike schools will help you achieve this feeling of success.
Those who are active on the terrain are familiar with the situation: An obstacle, such as a tree trunk or a rock, is blocking the path. The usual reaction is to dismount, lift your bike and continue riding. But the obstacle can be overcome without dismounting. To do so, you need some experience on the bike and the necessary technique. The Ischgl Bike Academy and Silvretta Bike Academy bike schools will be happy to help you with this. Bike pros have already revealed some of the most important tips and tricks here.
Maintaining balance
To master technically challenging sections of single trails, you need balance. To adjust your centre of gravity, simply push the bike to the left or right in standing position. Only your arms should be moving. Keep your upper body still. You can put some pressure on the saddle with your thigh to maintain balance.
Overcoming an obstacle at low speed
Ride directly toward the obstacle. The motion begins at a distance that corresponds to the height of the obstacle. First generate propulsion by stepping on the pedal; this makes it easier to lift the handlebars. Pull the front wheel ahead of the obstacle and level out the pedals again. Quickly shift your weight forward and push down with your feet. In one single motion, shift your body weight to the back again and then upward. This will cause the back wheel to lift off the ground. The front wheel will simply roll down off the obstacle. Next place the back wheel on the obstacle. Then, you can continue riding on the trail.
Waves & doubles
Pressure and release are important when it comes to bumps along the route. Ensure that the bike is always in contact with the ground. When starting, bend your arms and legs as shock absorption, break this position at the crest of the wave and until the wave trough has again reached its apex. This is how to keep the bike on the ground. You can achieve this faster with double waves using the “surfing” technique. Shift your body weight backward on wave 1, lift the front wheel and go into the wave through with legs outstretched. At the right moment, shortly after the top of the hill, touch down with the front wheel on wave 2 and keep your knees bent for spring suspension.
Too much theory? Then take a shot at these or other skills in practice – by taking a guided bike tour or a riding technique course in Ischgl. Book online here.
