Bike Skills Club and Bike Park Development Coaching Downhill Braking

Downhill Braking

Written by stumpy_dan July 04, 2011 836 0Add

Session goals

Riders are able to ride downhill through a slalom changing direction quickly and effectively and then brake safely when descending and without skidding

Coaching points

• Start slowly and increase speed when more confident (set a rhythm)

• Apply brakes evenly to control speed. Don’t snatch brakes

• Shift weight backwards, but don't extend arms fully

• Avoid braking too hard with the front brake as could go over the handlebars

• (Think about how many fingers should you brake with?)

Preparation

Volunteers and Assistant Coach: Using markers, mark out two courses down a hill down a hill a starting point marker then a slalom course followed by a braking marker.. Then place an end final stop marker another couple of bike lengths on. Then to help riders know the direction to return place a return cone a couple bike lengths further on again.

Main content

1) Coach: Introduces session, lines everybody up by the side of the course (but out the way of it) and together practice walking with bike in a straight line down the hill. Volunteer and Assistant Coach: Spreads folk out evenly and safely and walks with group keeping kids spaced out. Coach walking along with all spaced outs sends instruction to brake with font brake and then with back. Turn round and repeat.

2) Coach Explains proper braking technique (see coaching points above)

Assistant Coach: Demonstrates. Volunteer – Re-iterates points

3) Coach splits into two mixed ability groups (other led by Assistant coach)

4) Riders start at the top weaving through slalom and have to ride until they reach the brake line. They should then come to a stop without skidding before they get to the stop line. Volunteer: Control flow of kids at start line (not to set off until last kid is on their return path)

To make it easier make the distance to the stop line longer and conversely harder make the distance shorter.

Also to make it more difficult, the coach can move the cones that indicate the brake line from time to time so kids don’t know in advance where exactly it will be but only as they approach it

To make it into a game make it into a relay with each rider having three second wait penalty every time they skid, stop before the box, or overshoot the stop line. Volunteer controls start line and judges if two at brake line

Safety considerations (during session)

Make sure the ground is not too wet and slippy or too steep to encourage advancement. Also ensure there is a long enough run off area. Ensure all riders are comfortable with the conditions and check that all kids ride within a speed that they are comfortable.