Mountain Biking - Need help on descending hairpin turns

These are always tricky for me. I can make these switchback turns going uphill, by going to the outside of the turn before actually making the turn. But taking these turns going downhill is a toughy. I can't seem to apply the same principle as going uphill. I usually have to clip one foot out and kind of turn my way through it. My fear is that I'll go right over the edge (and believe me there are some drop offs!)

Any advice?

Oh, yeah, miscellaneous question:

Does yielding to hikers actually mean stop your bike, or just approach cautiously? Should they get off the trail or should the biker?

Hi,
I have been both a hiker and a mtn biker. My feeling is you play it safe. I have seen hikers jump around apparently surprised; and that would not be good at speed. Actually saw a jogger hear a cyclist a couple weeks ago, and thought he would run across the road to miss her. Not smart, she was cooking
right along. I was nearly abreast of them, so any impact could have sent her flying at me. This weeks RBR newsletter has a page on hairpin turns. I found it worth reading, think you might enjoy it, too... http://roadbikerider.com/manage-my-account.php

Its in your mind. It is the same principle you just have to do it. Go to the outside and turn. The only time this doesn't work is on really technical downhills where there are obstacles in your path, then you may have to modify your line, but this take practice.

Either that or do a rear wheel pivot. Lock your front brake, lift rear wheel until straight and then continue on your way. While not as fast it does feel safer usually.

Make sure you brake before you start the turn. This will allow you to lean/turn the bike easier and reduce its tendency to want to straigten up. It will also give your tires more traction while turning. Approach on the outside and turn down into the switchback. Put your weight on your outside foot. This will force the tires into the surface, giving you traction and a more secure feeling. If this doesn't work for you, you can try what Maelstrom suggested: Slow down and pull hard on the front brake and loft the rear wheel into the air. Swing the rear wheel around in the air until you are facing in the proper direction to continue riding. Not only is it not as hard as it might sound, but it is a cool way to look like you know what you are doing and impress other riders.
:D

-Moab

I got to work on that, I cant loft and swing the back end around like that even on flat ground in the middle of the lawn.

Originally posted by moabrider47
Put your weight on your outside foot. This will force the tires into the surface, giving you traction and a more secure feeling.

This is the bit of advice that helped me a while back. If you've ever been/are a skier, treat biking the same way. Outside pedal at 6 o'clock, and push down on it to transfer weight. It'll stop the bike from wanting to topple over to the inside of the turn as you lean, and give you a heckuva lot more confidence. I can now get myself around really tight turns that I used to stop on only a couple of months ago!

You just need to leeeean a bit:D

I love watching the pros turn. I am getting better and my lean is down but I still don't put my body down with the bike...

Originally posted by Maelstrom
I love watching the pros turn. I am getting better and my lean is down but I still don't put my body down with the bike...

Giving too much credit to the pro riders....another side effect of hunger. I recommend Snickers, packed with peanuts, caramel and chocolate.

Mael...they only lean like that because their going fast! Anybody can do it! lol:D

Even after spending more than half my life mountain biking, I still can get into some of those extreme leans. When I attempt something like that, I always seem to float up and wash out no matter how fast I'm going.

the fact that they also have a berm to power into has nothing to do with it whatsoever...LOL

Any problems you're having w/ turining while going Downhill are all in your mind if you can make them going up.

The main thing is to look far ahead of the actual turn. Your bike will follow your eyes. Some novice riders will get over the back wheel and feather the break to take it slow. Simply lower your head and shoulders and stick your butt in the air so you sort of resemble a flying squirrel, and remember to stay loose. This is the most stable position you can be on a bike....then just roll through it while continuing to look ahead. The faster you go through it, the less of an obstacle it will be.

Shannon,,
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.

So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.

Originally posted by jcivic00
the fact that they also have a berm to power into has nothing to do with it whatsoever...LOL

Its still a principle in turning. You would be surprised how much you can lean without a berm.

Thanks everyone. We'll see how it goes tonight. This trail I'm doing tonight has plenty of hairpin turns to practice on.

Originally posted by TimB
Shannon,,
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.

So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.

I bet you're slow.

I don't use the technique because it is slow, but it gives control and builds confidence which is the object of the exercise??

Originally posted by TimB
I don't use the technique because it is slow, but it gives control and builds confidence which is the object of the exercise??

was that a question?:confused:

...which is the object of the exercise??

Statement requiring your view / opinion to understand your point of view.