Corner roots

• Keep the front wheel off the roots if possible — steer round them or pick up your wheel and hop over.
• Move your weight back and do not touch the brakes.
• Stay loose on the bike. It’s more than likely the rear wheel will slide, but it’s no big deal; it’ll find grip again as it reaches dirt.

Uphill climb

• Roll into the section slowly, plot your route and drop your saddle a little to keep low.
• Move onto the nose of the saddle or even stand up to get more power.
• Feel for that balance point between keeping rear-wheel traction and the front wheel grounded.
• Apply the power smoothly, but back off whenever the rear wheel touches a root.

Straight shooter

• Aim for the smoothest line you can see, and pick the front wheel up and over the first few roots.
• Keep your weight back on the rear wheel in case the front wheel deflects.
• Stay off the brakes if at all possible — only use the rear if you really have to.

Off camber

• Pick the line you want to take — the higher, less-ridden line tends to be grippier.
• Keep your feet level so you can weight and unweight the bike with ease. Move your weight back slightly.
• Keep your feet on the pedals; as soon as you remove your inside foot, you’re asking
  to slide out.
• Do not touch the brakes! Momentum is your friend so keep your speed up.

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