1. Regular bike check
When trail riding, you should be able to rely on your bike. A regular check-up is therefore essential. There are numerous checklists on the internet that can be used for this purpose. It is particularly important that all bolts are tightened, the brakes are working properly and there is sufficient brake padding. In addition, the damping should be adjusted to the rider's weight and the right bike should be selected for the right terrain. Suspension travel and a dropper seat post provide comfort and safety on the trails.
2. Stable basic position
A good and stable basic position is the starting point for all trail riding. A riding technique course is recommended in order to learn the correct position and to gain an insight into other basics of riding technique. Based on the course, you can then continue to practise and improve your riding technique. Important points of the basic position are
- Central position over the bike, centre of gravity over the bottom bracket
- Stable stance, weight evenly distributed on both pedals, pedals at the same height
- Legs and arms slightly bent to compensate for obstacles
3. do not overestimate yourself
It is particularly important not to overestimate yourself in order to maintain the fun and not take any risks. Beginners should initially stick to easy flow trails or practice trails until they have mastered them and only then slowly approach more difficult terrain. The best place to gain your first trail experience is on the Fun Trail in Biberwier or the Mühlwald Trail in Bichlbach. The Skill Area on the Grubigstein or the Velosolutions pump track in Lermoos are also recommended for practising.
However, even advanced riders should bear in mind that the body is not equally fit every day and that work stress, for example, can have an impact on performance. It is therefore advisable to always start with something easy first and only tackle more difficult trails when you feel good. It's important to accept the day's form and not take any unnecessary risks - otherwise it's no fun 😊 You should also have a certain basic level of endurance when riding downhill - this can be more strenuous than you might expect. Advanced riders can let off steam in the Grubigstein region. There are several trail options here with varying degrees of difficulty and a particular highlight due to the beautiful view: the Blindseetrail (but be careful: the Blindseetrail has a high degree of difficulty).
4. anticipatory riding style
In addition to a stable basic position, the right gaze is just as essential when trail riding. It is important to always look forwards to the desired line and not to focus on the obstacles. The faster you ride, the further forwards you should look. This helps you to react to obstacles at an early stage and create a smoother riding style. This also allows the brakes to be used in a more controlled manner. The aim is not to use the brakes abruptly and not to let the wheels lock up, but to adjust the speed to the trail and obstacles in a measured manner. By riding with foresight, you can also select the gear accordingly and, for example, downshift early on short uphill sections to maintain the flow of the ride.
5. cornering technique
The subject of cornering technique is very complex and here too it is advisable to attend a course to learn the correct technique. This also makes sense for experienced bikers who have never attended a riding technique course or want to refresh their riding technique - there will certainly be some points that you were not aware of before.
Generally speaking, the right gaze is also crucial here. When cornering, you should already be looking back towards the exit of the bend. In wide bends, the outside pedal can be moved downwards and the weight shifted here. This allows you to tilt the bike into the bend and still keep your body centred. In tight corners or berms, the legs can also remain parallel and the weight can be shifted by balancing the hips. As already mentioned, however, the subject is so complex that it is best learnt in a course. There are several bike schools in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena where you can book a course. This means that techniques can be learnt directly on site and then practised independently.
With these tips, you can create a good foundation for safe trail riding. We wish you lots of fun on the trails of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena!
