General > Riding Tips & Tricks

Wet, snoty, slick, steep muddy downhills

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Torch654:
I am finding new challenges in riding in the northwest and this is the biggest one so far. I am riding down hills so slick there is not enough traction to go up them at all.

what I have found so far,

1 find a rut! you can use the brakes far more aggressively because the bike will not swap ends in a rut.

2 the back brake will get you in trouble more quickly than the front ( Wail being careful not to let the front slide to much of course).

3 hold the clutch so the K5 wont spin out on a surge.

4 moderate both brakes at the same time to control your speed.

I am still getting my feet wet again, pun intended. Anything wrong or in addtion to these things?

Timbowe:
In these situations I hang way back over the rear guard. Put as much weight on the rear wheel as possible and just dab at the brakes which ever one (front or back) you need at the time like Torch says. Problem is when you catch up to a slower rider...... As far as the ruts go< I try to stay clear of them as much as possible. Its is good to be able to change you'r line when required to find a bit better traction. Alot of the time grass or unbroken soil can offer a little more control and grip to a good sharp edged tire.

Torch654:
THAT WAS YOU! hehe

Timbowe:
Probabaly! The geriatric on the dirty ol 500.

KXcam22:
We have lots of snotty downhills where I ride.  Two things I alwasy keep in mind are:
1. Always, always, stand up for balance, using both brakes to control the slide of each end. If you sit you are generally headed for trouble. Don't worry too much about the front sliding as long as you can get the rear to slide the same or faster.
2. Don't get too focused on going slow or trying to maintain the same speed. Instead, maintain balance, control your speed as much as you can but let your speed increase as necessary (let er roll as I say!).

Downhills like that are always tricky (but hugely fun). Cam.

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