Recover Speed After Braking Too Early on a Descent
I’ll explain how to regain flow after braking too early on a descent, including when to release the brakes, reset your position, and leave speed alone for safety.
Read articleIndependent field notes
Suspension of Disbelief
Suspension of Disbelief is a practical and entertaining guide to recreational mountain biking. It covers riding techniques, bike setup, suspension, maintenance, safety, essential gear, trail etiquette, and the lessons learned from climbs, descents, and the occasional unplanned dismount.
Jake HollowayHey there I'm Jake. I'm a mountain biker who enjoys technical challenges, long climbs, fast descents, and the satisfaction of keeping a well-used bike running smoothly. I write practical guides about riding skills, suspension setup, maintenance, safety, gear, and the lessons learned from occasionally choosing the wrong line.
Recent articles
View archiveHow to Recover Momentum After a Failed Technical Climb
Technical climbs often fail because line choice, momentum, body position, and frustration compound at once. I’ll explain how to reset each piece, select a better restart, and continue without turning one mistake into trail damage or a longer delay.
Read articleRecover From a Bad Gear Choice on a Technical Climb
I’ll clarify what to do when the gear you chose makes a technical climb harder instead of easier, from easing off and resetting your cadence to deciding when a controlled stop is the safest option.
Read articleRecover Gracefully When You Miss a Switchback Climbing Line
Stopping cleanly costs less energy than forcing a bad line and stalling halfway through. I’ll explain how to brake, reset, and restart after drifting wide or losing momentum on a climbing switchback without turning a small mistake into a crash.
Read articleRecognize When a Trail Is Too Wind-Damaged to Ride
I’ll clarify how to tell ordinary post-storm debris from dangerous wind damage, when to turn around, and how to report hazards without worsening the trail or putting anyone at risk.
Read articleRecognize a Mountain Bike Concussion and Stop Riding
A hard crash can require more than a helmet check, even when you feel fine at first. I’ll explain the warning signs to watch for, the safest immediate steps, and when a mountain bike concussion needs urgent medical evaluation.
Read articleHow to Recognize a Trail Hazard Hidden by Tall Grass
I’ll explain how to read tall grass for clues about hidden rocks, holes, erosion, and trail edges, then show you how to adjust speed, braking, and line choice before an apparently smooth section catches you out.
Read articleRecognize Heat Illness Risk During a Mountain Bike Ride
Hot, humid trails can turn an ordinary climb into a heat-management problem, especially when warning signs are easy to dismiss. I’ll explain how to spot escalating illness, make sensible hydration and cooling decisions, support riding partners, and recognize when the safest choice is to stop.
Read articleRebound Damping Explained Without the Mystery
Rebound that’s too fast can make a bike feel nervous, while rebound that’s too slow can pack down through repeated bumps. I’ll explain the symptoms, the few adjustments that matter, and a simple way to find a controlled setting.
Read articleHow to Progress From Easy Trails to Technical Terrain
Technical terrain rewards steady control more than bold commitments, while easier trails build the skills that make progression repeatable. I’ll help you choose readiness markers and take the next step without turning every feature into a test.
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