DIRT RIDING CORE TECHNIQUE - BODY POSITION
11 min · Free lesson · written lesson, video in production
After this lesson you can stand correctly on the pegs so the bike moves under you in rough terrain instead of throwing you around.
The Technique
- Stand for anything rough. Standing puts your weight through the pegs, low on the bike, and lets it pitch and buck beneath you.
- Foot position: mid-foot over the pegs as the default, so your ankles last all day and the brake and shifter are a quick slide away.
- Knees bent and gripping the bike. Your legs hold you on; your hands only steer.
- Elbows up and wide, head over the bars, eyes well ahead.
- Neutral vs attack: neutral is relaxed and tall for cruising; attack drops the chest, pushes hips back, and loads the pegs for the rough stuff.
- Loose hands. A light grip is what prevents arm pump, and arm pump is what ends days.
- Sit for smooth going and tight corners where you want front grip. Make the stand-sit transition smooth and constant.
Common Mistakes
Sitting through the rough and getting bucked. Fix: if the bars are moving, you are standing.
- Stiff, straight legs. Fix: exaggerate the knee bend until the bike stops kicking you.
- Death grip. Fix: squeeze with your knees, flutter your fingers on smooth sections to check.
The Drill
A paddock, walked first for holes and hidden logs. Ride standing figure-eights at walking pace, then ride a straight line standing as slowly as you can without dabbing. Finish with 20 smooth sit-stand transitions.
Full gear every session: helmet, goggles, boots above the ankle, body armour, gloves. Walk any practice area before riding it.
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