We all want to attack those downhills with confidence. If your body position and mindset are in the right place, you’ll no longer dread that scary descent, but actually look forward to it. Here’s how the pros do it:
The further you look down the trail, the slower your perception of your speed will be. So keep your head up and try to look all the way to the bottom of the section if possible. If it’s very technical, you can glance down occasionally to within 6 feet of your front wheel, but continue to keep your head up and only move your eyes. This will prevent the “tunnel effect”, which makes you “reactive”, not “proactive”.
Always keep your shoulders and arms relaxed and don’t squeeze the grips. I even instruct people to “flap their arms like a chicken” before they hit that nasty steep to mentally relax.
If you have disc brakes, try to use only one finger on each hand when braking. Always stand on your pedals (level, at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock) for better balance, lower center of gravity, and more suspension.
Try to keep your body supple, and pump your arms with the terrain; straightening in compressions and retracting on rises.
Corners on the downhills should be treated the same as usual, but if it’s very steep, then its okay to drag the brakes slightly. Don’t worry if you go off your line a little. Be flexible and let the bike rattle about beneath you. If you’re looking ahead at the best line, you’ll get there eventually.
In general, the faster you go the more stable you’ll be. A rotating wheel is a stable one. If you must slow, feather both brakes gradually (skids are for kids!). Once you get comfortable on the descents, you’ll realize how much fun they really are.
