Mud presents one of the most difficult terrain types, especially combined with hills, rocks, logs, or roots. Avoid any sudden or quick movements, and as in sand, use momentum as your friend. You may want to lower air pressure in your tires for increased traction. Serious mud can accumulate on your bike and add 5-10 pounds in a hurry, as well as prevent your wheels from rolling and turning properly. With heavy mud accumulation, your front tire may not want to rotate at all, but tend to skid and slide without the wheel moving! Steady pedal pressure and strength are required, and try to avoid the brakes if possible. Hit any obstacles as close to a 90 degree angle as possible, and keep your weight centered between the wheels. Ride light, be balanced, centered, and ready to slide out. There will be times when your bike will slide out from under you, and it is a question of how fast you can recover as to whether or not you will fall. The Wrecking Crew has found that a stick can be somewhat useful in removing built up mud from the tires, frame, and brake areas if you have the time to stop and do this! Going uphill, you may wish to select a slightly higher gear and do not stand up. Build up momentum before going into these uphill sections. Another problem is that shifting may be difficult, as mud may coat the drivetrain. It may be beneficial to use the middle, and not the small, chainring. Also consider that if it is that muddy, maybe you should not even be riding on the trail, as you may do some serious trail damage. It is also a good idea to give your bike a thorough cleaning before the mud dries and cakes up on your bike. next tip  Video Action Sports Kamikaze 10 Year Anniversary Video Description All the racing action, including ten years of crashes and spills, in one video. Watch the granddaddy of all mountain bike events, the Kamikaze Downhill held at Mammoth Mountain California. Featuring not only the pros, but the pros of tomorrow, as the beginner and sport class hilariously navigate a course dug through the deep snowdrifts of the mother of all winters, the winter of 1995. Plus, a look at our sport as it's changed over the years, from the proposed mass start of the Kamikaze in 1995 to the hightech carnival of 1985. Over 80 minutes of the wildest, funniest and craziest mountain bike race ever held |
