- Two Time Dual Slalom National Champion
- Two Time North American Dual Slalom Champion
- 1st World Cup Finals Vail, CO
- 1st ESPN Extreme Games Dual Slalom
- Member of United States National Mountain Bike Team
Pre-turn setup: To initiate a successful turn, a good pre-turn setup is a must. Always riding with my head up, and looking 20 to 30 feet ahead, as opposed to staring at my front wheel, I choose the smoothest and most firm looking terrain. On a well ridden trail or a downhill course, these can be found on the outer or inner most 6 inches. Optimally, I like to take the inside smooth track. But, before the turn, I will setup on the outer portion of the track, where people haven't been braking and creating washboards. If needed, I will apply the brakes gently, trying to avoid skidding. I will then slice the turn, guiding my bike from the outer side of the track to the inner side at the apex of the turn. An easy way to remember bike location through the turn is "outside-inside-outside." I always try to minimize the arc during the "outside-inside-outside."
Braking: I try not to use my brakes while turning. To increase my efficiency and control through the turn, I brake before. Braking gently before the turn will eliminate locked-up brakes. Locked-up brakes decrease control and momentum out of the turn. I make a conscious decision, saying to myself, "OK, now I've slowed enough." I then release the brake, put my weight toward my outside pedal, and make the turn. I can really carve turns this way. I can even get away with some braking in a corner if traction is good. If I must, I use only the rear brake. If the back wheel slides, riders can usually stay up, but if the front goes, it's time to party with the ground. A lot of people slide through turns with too much braking, but it's not the fastest and most controlled way to corner. If the corner isn't that sharp, just pedal through it, being careful not to high-end the crank during your down-stroke. If I'm on rocks, loose ruts, or an unstable surface, I often let go of the brakes until I can get to a place where I can apply them. This means that sometimes I have to go faster than I like. Letting go of the brakes in order to get back on a good line is one of the hardest technical handling skills to learn.
Body Position is critical in all turns, especially on higher speed turns. I lean my bike into the turn and angle my body in the opposite direction so my weight is more over the tires. At the same time, my outside leg is pressing down on the pedal. All this helps maintain traction in loose dirt. If you lean to the inside, your tires will slide.
All for now. We'll see you soon with another bike handling skill.
--Jimmy
© Copyright, TJ Frisbee Bicycles