Riding off-camber trails: How to handle a section with a slippery slope
When you are riding singletrack, you’ll eventually run into a stretch that is sloped the wrong way.
by Chad Grochowina
When you are riding singletrack, you’ll eventually run into a stretch that is sloped the wrong way. Unlike a berm, this unco-operative bit of geography, this off-camber section, will make handling a bit more challenging. Some off-camber sections are short, simple stretches of terrain that require little change in your riding position. However, off-camber parts are often combined with steep trails, rocks, logs and loose gravel. You’ll need to develop your skills to handle the nastiest slopes, but a few fundamental skills are the building blocks for riding over off-kilter ground.
The first skill needed for handling any off-camber stretch of trail is braking control. As with negotiating a fast corner or flowing through a series of berms, riding an off-camber section requires maximum traction for your bike to hold its line. A slower speed translates into more traction. Slow down before you enter the section. You want to have enough speed to keep you moving down the trail smoothly without having to pedal very much.
While braking smoothly and attaining the proper speed can help control the bike, your position on the machine can improve traction. By raising yourself slightly out of your saddle, you drop your centre of gravity. Also, by keeping your weight centred between the front and rear wheels, your tires are able to dig their side knobs into the dirt. This positioning keeps the bike on the trail. By keeping your outside pedal in the 6 o’clock position and pushing down on it, you achieve a decent, neutral position for the the best possible traction and grip. Also, by pushing the outside handlebar grip slightly, you help the bike not only to steer and remain on the trail, but you force the side knobs on your front tire to really dig in.
“There’s the adage of ‘only stare at the rock if you want to smash into it.’ A similar principle applies with off-camber trail.”
A co-operative bit of off-camber trail will reward your diligent braking and positioning by letting you coast through. But, you’ll definitely encounter sections that require a bit of pedalling. Depending on the severity of the incline or different trail features, such as rocks and roots, you will also have watch the orientation of your crankarms to avoid hitting them or your feet. Ratcheting the pedals is an efficient way to maintain enough speed and avoid striking a pedal.
Lastly, remember that most fundamental of mountain biking skills: shift your gaze and focus as far down the trail as possible. There’s the adage of “only stare at the rock if you want to smash into it.” A similar principle applies with off-camber trail. Look beyond the tricky section or toward its exit. Your body will remain more loose and agile, which further helps your bike react naturally to the terrain beneath.
