"Balance is perhaps the most fundamental skill in mountain biking," says Hans. "Learning it is essential for low-speed technical situations." Here are a few basic exercises you should be able to do.

Steps:
1. Locate an extremely slight slope, point the nose of your bike downhill, and roll along as slowly as possible.

2. Find a long painted line on a flat surface, and slowly trace the line with your tires.

3. Practice a figure eight, rolling in a continually tighter and slower formation.

4. Pedal carefully along the length of a low curb or beam.


Tips:
"The trick is to concentrate on where you want to go, not where you don't," advises Hans. "If you look over the edge of a drop, you'll end up there. It helps me if I look three to five feet ahead of where I am."

Lessons

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