We’ve said a lot in our 8 previous writeups about body position, braking and cornering technique as well as being stable and balanced on the bike. Our next topic is more trail feature related. Around 90% of trails I’ve ever ridden have had a roll-down somewhere along the trail.  So, what is an roll-down and how do we ride it?

In short, it’s a feature on an trail that drops from one level to a lower (rollable) level. What do we mean by rollable…?  When trying to figure out if a feature is rollable or not, you need to stand alongside your bike with the cranks horizontal and walk next to your bike through the feature. When rolling your bike from the higher level (the entry point) to the lower level of the feature, your bike needs to be able to roll without your chainring touching the lip (the part where the actual upper level ‘stops’). If there is a gap of at least 4cm, you’re good to go!

Now, let’s take a look at the execution or rather steps to follow to safely navigate through the feature:

Four words = four steps: SLOW. LOW. PEEK. POKE.

 SLOW – You need to come in at a speed that’ll allow you to keep your tyre(s) on the ground at all times. More advanced riders will come in at a higher speed and end up riding it as an drop-off.

LOW – Being low on the bike, as always, allows you to be stable, well balanced and, most importantly low enough to execute the last step.

PEEK – Peeking refers to the rider scanning the trail. Not just the actual feature (roll down) but also which line of entry is best and also what comes after the feature. 

POKE – Looking back at Step 2 (staying low), when your front wheel rolls over the lip and starts dropping towards the lower section of the roll down, the rider will almost “allow” the front wheel to roll out from underneath him / her by means of a poking or punching action with their arms (see image). This will ensure maximum ground contact as well as allowing the rider’s body to follow (back towards the handlebar) into the ready position (as before the roll down). This will ensure that the rider is ready for the next part of the trail or feature, should there be another.

 Keep this in mind on your next ride. More often than not, without really noticing it, riders tend to push themselves back on their bikes when they find a feature intimidating. This takes (much needed weight off the front wheel). When riding a roll down, this push back action will create a whiplash movement, potentially sending the rider over the bars. Always stay low and embrace this feature with confidence and momentum. Start by practising this on small roll-downs and progress to bigger ones until you’re comfortable!

If you want to improve your skills under the guidance of a professional, contact Markus van Niekerk on 071 6062341.