How to Ride Off-Camber
by
Kat Sweet
(Former professional downhill mountain biker and X-Games ski competitor )
When you ride more difficult mountain bike trails, you'll start to come across off-camber sections. Off camber describes any section where the outside edge of the trailbed is lower than the inside edge. These are particularly tricky because the angle of the slope is falling away from your wheels.
The same skills that are used in cornering can be applied to off-camber sections of trails. Focus on braking, line choice, lean and pedal position.
Off-Camber Technique
Braking
It's important to do all braking before you hit the off-camber section. Traction is already limited so any tap on the brakes while riding the off-camber terrain is likely to send your wheels sliding out from under you.
Find your line
Picking a good line can set you up for success. Whether the section is straight, or you're hitting a corner, you usually want to stay high. The terrain is naturally going to push you low so start as high as you can.
Staying high also helps you deal with the roots that often come with off-camber sections. Try to hit roots straight on, otherwise, the roots may grab your tire and send it sliding.
In corners, try to make your turn early and hit the off-camber section straight on.
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