• 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

I often joke with fellow cyclists that they're polluting the air with dust, or wearing they're tires and brakes out too quickly. With these smart remarks, I'm trying to remind them to ride with their head up and monitor their speed into turns or technical sections. By looking ahead to identify a critical section (tight turn or rocky terrain), I can avoid locking up my brakes. Prior to entering a critical section, I will slow to a controllable speed. I can then flow through the section smoothly (without polluting the air with dust)! If I had approached a turn with balls to the walls speed and slammed on the brakes at the last second, I would have lost all of my momentum during and out of the turn. By controlling my speed beforehand, I'm able to ride through and exit the turn without losing my momentum. I continually stress the point that my tires keep rolling. As I've discussed in past articles, rolling tires considerably increases control of the bike and traction on the trail. Instead of all out reckless speed and then halting by gripping my brakes at the last minute I continually have my tires rolling at a calculated and manageable speed. Planning ahead and braking prior to a critical section can help retain speed but one of the most difficult skills associated with retaining speed is to keep my tires from losing traction.

Brace yourself.... I'm going to let you in on one of the biggest tips that helped lead me to success. The answer to defying gravity and achieving unbelievable amounts of "stick-tion" (traction) is body position. By keeping my weight over the tires and in line with the cranks, I can stay in control and avoid sliding. A simple rule to remember that will help avoid sliding in a turn is: if the rear wheel slides then the body position is too far forward and if the front wheel slides then the body position is too far back. If each tire does not have enough weight over it then sliding will occur. If sliding occurs then you obviously lose speed and control. This rule may sound simple, and it is, but you must be in control and continually aware of yourself on your bike in order to remember the importance of your body position. Being aware of yourself on your bike also means being in your own comfort zone.

The comfort zone is the speed at which an individual is riding in control and within his abilities. By riding in the comfort zone, I'm able to plan ahead and make calculated decisions. If you ride outside your comfort zone, then everything I've talked about control and smoothness is unattainable! Riding outside of the comfort zone is very dangerous and ultimately slower. By riding inside my comfort zone, I'm able to recognize obstacles, break in advance, maintain my momentum, and see the sunrise the next morning.

To read about these smooth riding tips is easy, but applying them is difficult. So get outside and practice! By planning ahead and finding a good neutral body position that you feel comfortable with you will most likely be riding in your comfort zone and ultimately bring your enjoyment of riding to a new level.

Until Next Time,
Jimmy 

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