Off-road riding, especially enduro riding, is an exciting experience that tests physical and mental abilities. Today we want to focus on some simple tips on how to improve your enduro technique. Having a better technique not only makes every outing more fun but also increases safety, thus reducing the risk of injury. So let’s see how you can hone your skills to enjoy every ride to the full.
1. Maintain the correct position during enduro riding
This is the real key in enduro riding. In fact, your riding position is crucial for optimal control of the bike over rough terrain. Correct posture allows you to react quickly to sudden changes in the terrain and helps you distribute your weight better on the bike. Therefore, try to ride as upright as possible, with your feet firmly on the footpegs. As complicated as it may seem, especially in the most difficult sections, it is the correct way for your legs to absorb shocks and keep your balance on the bike. In fact, otherwise, by not unloading the movements of the bike onto the legs, it becomes almost impossible to stay on the saddle and the risk of falling becomes high.
The knees should be kept slightly bent and close to the tank. Imagine yourself squeezing the tank; this will give you even greater stability. Your elbows must be high and your arms relaxed in order to be able to handle the handlebars and react quickly to the shocks that the lower wheel can generate.
2. Control your acceleration and braking
This is another important aspect of off-road riding as grip can change quickly. Excessively hard acceleration can result in loss of traction. Conversely, inappropriate braking can cause your bike to skid, causing you to lose control. So try to be gentle with the throttle, gradually increasing power, especially in slippery sections such as mud and sand. Use both brakes, front and rear, in moderation. Especially on steep descents, avoid using the front brake too much as you risk locking the wheel, which often leads to ruinous crashes. In corners, anticipate braking the moment before entering, instead keeping the bike in traction during the turn. In this bike, you will have more stability.
3. Use your body weight to your advantage
Get moving. Don’t stand still. Shifting your body weight correctly is crucial for overcoming natural obstacles such as roots, rocks, mud or challenging climbs. Learn to balance your body especially when tackling more technical sections. When going uphill, shift your weight forward, move your chest towards the handlebars, thus increasing the weight on the front, to prevent the front wheel from rising. This is of course if you don’t want it to rise. There are techniques used especially by experienced riders that involve lightening the front wheel even when climbing, to overcome particularly challenging obstacles. Downhill, on the other hand, the same principle applies to everyone: shift your weight back to maintain stability and not overload the front wheel. When facing the turns, shift your weight towards the inside of the turn, the bike is leaning but the body remains straight to maximise traction.
4. Learn how to read the terrain
One of the secrets to becoming a good enduro rider is being able to ‘read’ the terrain. Each surface requires a specific riding technique and if you can recognise the terrain conditions, you will be able to adapt your riding and face challenges better. For example in mud, maintain a constant speed and avoid braking abruptly. The weight will move forward to improve front-end traction. On sand you must leave the bike free to move under you, again without sudden braking, try to assume a speed that allows you to float on the surface. Finally on the rocks it becomes vital to keep your weight on the footpegs and look for the best path to avoid high steps or sections that are too slippery.
5. Physical and mental preparation
We talked about this in the previous article but it is worth repeating. Enduro riding can be challenging. Good physical and mental preparation will help you maintain your concentration and finish your enduro tour with peace of mind. So watch your physical training, which must be based on endurance (read here) strength and flexibility. Targeted exercises for the legs, back and arms are good, as are cardio exercises to increase endurance. As far as mental concentration is concerned, stay focused on the path in front of you. In fact, the bike tends to go where you look, try it to believe it. If you stare at an obstacle, even if it is the only one within a few metres, you have a very good chance of crashing into it. If, on the other hand, you concentrate on the route you want to take, the bike will follow you.
Finally, here are a few more considerations: constant practice is essential to hone skills. You can’t go out on a tour twice a year and expect to improve. Also consider enduro riding courses. There are plenty of good ones, taught by real experts who can correct any posture or riding errors. You will see that improving your enduro riding technique will allow you to fully enjoy the day and make you have more fun. Try practising even just one of the points we have described on your next ride and you will immediately see a marked improvement in your performance. No matter what your riding level, unless you are a professional rider, we believe there is always room for improvement.
If you would like to train with us, we look forward to seeing you in Croatia with our Enduro Experience Croatia guides.