Sometimes, when the going gets rough the best thing you can do is avoid it all together. We're not talking about taking a detour, we're talking about clearing the obstacle by taking to the air. Gapping trail obstacles, whether they're rock gardens, piles of roots, or gap jumps, can be the safest way to ride a section... once you've learned the technique, of course.
While it might seem extreme, the best way to ride roots and rock gardens is often by jumping the sections clean or by skimming across the top like a motocross rider.
Riding roots and rocks can be intimidating, especially when they’re wet or off-camber, but the more you shy away from them the more likely you are to slide out. So, as with any move, you must be the boss of the bike and attack the trail. That said, the correct technique is essential if you don’t want a big dentist’s bill.
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On a rooty or rocky section, a good rider won’t try too hard to pick out a line; they’ll just check out the entry and exit points and choose a straight line between them. This lessens the chances of the bike wandering about and controlling a bike in a straight line is safer and easier than when it’s weaving from side to side.
A step-by-step guide to gapping trail obstacles
1. Approach
As you’re pelting along the trail towards the rocks, you should have already spotted the take-off subconsciously. Now you need to decide whether you’re going to commit or scrub speed off. Past this point of no return, if you haven't scrubbed your speed you’ll be going too fast to stop. The take-off is approaching quickly, so you should already have spotted the rough area for touchdown.
2. Take off
3. Levelling out
4. Spot the landing
5. Touchdown
Gap basics
Tech and prep
Back to basics
Where to learn
Be in control
Developing your skills
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