To be a successful mountain biker, it’s not enough to just have speed and fitness. You must also possess a certain degree of technical riding ability and bike handling skills. Carrying speed through technical sections, climbing steep switchbacks, and navigating roots and rocks are part of most every off-road ride.

For super steep, technical descents, you may want to drop your saddle 2 or 3 inches. This lowers your center of gravity, giving you more room to bounce around. Keep your pedals parallel to the ground. The front pedal should be slightly higher so that it doesn't catch on small rocks or logs. Stay focused.