Oregon, like many areas in the U.S., is choked full of singletrack. It's everywhere but it's also demanding, exciting and ever changing. It's the most sought after type of trail for mountain bikers--one smooth track curving and whipping through trees, open meadows or ridgelines. Singletrack is no easy feat, however, but with a little bit of knowledge, two working wheels and a dash of courage, you'll be nailing it in no time.

All singletrack riding, steep or mellow, can make unite you with your bike, picking sweet lines and cruising smoothly across everything that lies in your path. But you'll never reach that euphoric state with your bike unless you look where you're going. More importantly, look exactly where you want to go and don't, even for a second, look where you don't want to go. Disaster will surely strike. It's the golden rule that you will go where you're looking. Try it.

While cruising through open meadows, on buff smooth trails, move subtly with your bike, gently leaning with your body, into the turns, and trusting your bike will be there. Part of gaining your two-wheeled chariot's trust lies in your eyes. Focus at least 10-15 feet ahead, (this will vary depending on terrain), and pick the path of least resistance. Carefully steer your bike away from obstacles: roots, rocks and rodents. If you look at those obstacles, you will hit them because your wheels inevitably follow your gaze.

Although mountain bikes are made to take a beating, they, like you, prefer a smooth ride. Hitting everything in your path will lead to some serious bike maintenance. Looking ahead will also help you avoid bike and body carnage. Once you begin looking ahead and anticipating these obstacles, they won't catch you off guard and you'll be ready for anything.

As you are sweeping downhill through this buff singletrack, be tenuous--no sudden movements. Feel your bike underneath you and try to move with it, slow and subtle. Lean with your bike, feel your body in a plane with it. Use your legs to pressure those sharper turns, bending the inside knee, lifting your pedal and entire leg and angle it into the turn, allowing your upper body to follow. The super smooth and less technical trails are a great place to practice this tactic. Try to cruise without pedaling, moving into the turns with your whole body and increase your speed as you become more comfortable. I've found that correct body positioning makes me more solid on my bike, so I'm able to nail sharp turns.

Looking ahead on uphills is equally important. Your bike will have more resistance going uphill and hitting a rock or stump will rob your momentum and may force you off the trail or off your bike. Remember, avoiding these hazards with your eyes is the key to a smooth ride. On the steeper climbs, throw your thumbs over the bars, alongside your fingers. This will enable you to pull back on your bike evenly. Avoid pulling up on the handlebars too much–this will send you reeling backwards off your bike. An even pull also helps smooth out your steering, avoiding jerking motions of the handlebars. These jerky motions could send you hurling, especially on burmed trails. Taking the wrong line or steering erratically will suck your front tire into the ruts.

Uphill singletrack is also the place to grab a gear, and learn to spin. Keeping your legs moving at a higher rate of speed will save your legs, lungs and knees. Grinding bigger gears will suck the life out of your legs early on. As your fitness level increases so will your ability to ride the burly gears. You'll still have energy when the downhill comes, and then you can crank those bigger gears for more speed.

Singletrack riding is one of the best adrenaline rushes out there and the more you improve your technique, the bigger the rush, the more fun you'll have. So look ahead, concentrate on subtle movements and grab a gear! Ride on…

Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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