5 Top Tips for descending confidently!
Descending can be an absolute blast, fun and exciting. However, it’s only enjoyable when you feel safe, in control, and not concerned that you will crash. The best way to gain confidence to descend is to practice and take it easy. The explosion of the popularity of ebikes means that people are getting to places on their ebikes that they would never have been able to before. With this also comes danger as the easy part is going uphill. A lot of people assume that as they can ride a bike, they will be able to descend a mountain; however, this is not always the case. Descending can prove tricky and also a little dangerous if you are not sure how to do it safely.
These are my 5 top tips to improve your descending:
1. Brakes
Please use your front brake. Yes, I said use your front brake and here is why: Your front brake has the most stopping power and should be used the most. You will not go head over the handlebars if you pull on the front brake gently. The back brake can tend to skid, especially if the surface is gravel. What I do is alternate between the front and back brakes, but the majority of the time use the front.
The brakes on an ebike are usually disc, similar to those in cars. This means there is a round metal disc front and back. There are brake pads on either side of those which close onto it when you brake. Since these discs are metal, they can heat up at high speeds.
On long steep descents, the brakes get too hot and could stop working as well as they do on the flat. They can start to squeal, and the braking effect is reduced. If this happens, stop and wait a few minutes for the brakes to cool down. Whatever you do, never touch the disc brakes when they are hot; this could give you a nasty burn.
If you have concerns that your brakes are not functioning as they should, or they are constantly screeching downhill, go to a local bike shop and ask them to have a look. This will also give you confidence when descending, knowing that your brakes are operating properly.
2. Hands & shoulders
Squeezing the brake levers for a long time can take its toll, and you can end up with sore hands and shoulders. This can mean you are not feeling as strong as you should when descending.
Take a break, as this will relieve the pressure on your hands and shoulders. I find that bringing my shoulders to my ears and releasing them helps with the tightness. Shaking my hands and rotating my wrists helps with numbness due to the increased pressure on the handlebars. I do this a few times when I stop on a long descent.
When it is very warm or in the rain, your hands might become slippery, and it would also be an excellent time to take a break to dry them off.
3. Bike handling
Remaining relaxed while descending is crucial. This is easier said than done, but if you can relax, you can descend more smoothly and speedily. When there are corners, look in the direction you are turning, this helps to bring you around the turn smoothly.
As I mentioned, use both the front and rear brakes. I know many people are frightened to use the front brake, but it will definitely give you more stopping power. Don’t continually pull on the brake lever; instead, brake and release, brake and release and so on; this will prevent them from heating up too much.
Always use the brakes smoothly, don’t jam them on and remember to brake quickly before coming into a turn. The secret is to start turning at a comfortable speed, so you don’t need to brake during the turn, or leastways a minimal amount.
Keep your eyes on the road, and don’t get distracted by the scenery or what is around you. If you want to look, then stop and then look.
4. Descending on gravel paths
When going downhill on gravel paths, maintaining control is vital. Keep your speed in check, as excessive speed increases the chances of losing control and possibly crashing.
Focus on the path ahead and scan for any obstacles or loose gravel. Use your brakes sparingly and gradually to avoid skidding. Keep your feet level and pointed straight forward to maintain balance. Keep your elbows and knees loose and slightly bent to act as a shock absorber.
5. Trial but no error!
The more you go downhill, the better your bike handling skills will become, and you will relax more, knowing you can control your bike comfortably. This will give you the confidence to try more routes and open up that new world. So, try, try and try again.
Downhill feels great, especially if you are confident, but make sure you are confident for the right reasons and not reckless.
Finally, always remember to make that noise you made as a kid. Otherwise, it’s a wasted downhill. Whhhhhheeeeeeee.
