I. What is Berm Riding?
Berm riding is a popular technique used in mountain biking and BMX riding where riders utilize the banked turns of a berm to maintain speed and control through a corner. Berms are essentially sloped corners or turns that are built up with dirt or other materials to create a smooth, curved surface. By riding along the edge of the berm, riders can use the natural shape of the turn to their advantage, allowing them to carry more speed through the corner and exit with momentum.
II. How to Approach a Berm
Approaching a berm correctly is crucial to successfully navigating the turn and maintaining speed. As you approach the berm, it’s important to look ahead and choose your line through the corner. You’ll want to enter the berm with enough speed to carry you through the turn, but not so fast that you lose control.
As you enter the berm, aim to ride high on the banked surface, near the top edge of the turn. This will allow you to use the berm’s shape to your advantage, helping you maintain speed and control through the corner. Keep your weight centered over your bike and look through the turn towards the exit.
III. Body Positioning in Berm Riding
Proper body positioning is key to successful berm riding. As you enter the berm, lean your bike into the turn while keeping your body upright. This will help you maintain traction and control through the corner. Keep your outside foot down and your inside knee bent, allowing you to shift your weight and adjust your balance as needed.
As you exit the berm, straighten your bike and shift your weight back to center to regain speed and control. By maintaining a balanced and centered body position throughout the turn, you’ll be able to navigate the berm smoothly and efficiently.
IV. Techniques for Maintaining Speed in Berms
To maintain speed through a berm, it’s important to carry momentum into the turn and use the berm’s shape to your advantage. As you enter the berm, focus on pumping your bike through the turn by shifting your weight up and down on the bike. This will help you generate speed and maintain traction as you navigate the corner.
Additionally, try to avoid braking in the middle of the berm, as this can cause you to lose momentum and control. Instead, focus on looking ahead and carrying your speed through the turn by using the berm’s banking to your advantage.
V. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Berm Riding
There are several common mistakes that riders make when navigating berms. One of the most common mistakes is entering the berm too fast or too slow, which can lead to loss of control and potential crashes. It’s important to approach the berm at the right speed to maintain control and momentum through the turn.
Another common mistake is leaning too far into the berm, which can cause you to lose traction and slide out. To avoid this, focus on keeping your body upright and leaning your bike into the turn instead. By maintaining a balanced and centered body position, you’ll be able to navigate the berm smoothly and efficiently.
VI. Tips for Improving Berm Riding Skills
To improve your berm riding skills, practice is key. Find a local trail or BMX track with berms and spend time riding through them to get a feel for the technique. Focus on looking ahead, choosing your line, and maintaining proper body positioning as you navigate the turns.
Additionally, consider taking a skills clinic or lesson with a professional coach to learn more advanced techniques and tips for berm riding. By honing your skills and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to navigate berms with confidence and speed, enhancing your overall riding experience.