Autumn is here. The trails are wetter, roots and rocks seem to be everywhere, and the ground that once provided grip and stability is now sloppy and loose. With all…
Andy Barlow
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How to ride wet roots and slippery trails on a mountain bike
When the rains come and the trails are slick with mud and strewn with wet roots, it’s worth spending some time zoning in on your wet weather technique. Slippery trails…
Common mistakes road cyclists make when switching to mountain bikes
Ex-pro road rider James McCallum learns to take the rough with the smooth by controlling his body position.
How to ride faster without taking more risks
Let’s look at a game plan that will allow you to carry speed and set quicker times without exposing you to more risk.
How to maximise stability when push comes to shove on singletrack
If the secret in going fast is being a confident rider, then the secret to confidence is control.
How to find your flow when mountain biking
Andy Barlow from Dirt School shows us how to get there, with some some deliberate techniques and skills to focus on. Follow his expert advice to effortlessly trickle down your…
Hone your trail-riding by getting specific and setting targets
With summer just round the corner and dry trails on the horizon again, make the best possible use of your time by setting some deliberate goals and making good progress.
How to get your mind and body back up to speed post-lockdown
As restrictions start to lift we're all looking forward to being able to ride our bikes a little further from our homes and visit some of our favourite riding spots…
How to manual a mountain bike
What looks at first like the wheelie's cooler cousin is in fact one of mtb's foundational skills - read this guide to learn how to manual a mountain bike.
How to bunny hop a mountain bike
Learning how to bunny hop and quickly create lift will allow you to smooth out trails by using obstacles to your advantage, as well as impressing mates.
How to choose the best line
How to plan ahead on the trails and pick the savviest lines. Ride smarter.
Mountain bikes have changed but outdated advice lives on
We reassess yesterday’s received wisdom to make sure it works for you on the trails today.
The five most frequently asked questions to a MTB skills coach
What are the most frequently asked questions on a skills day? We asked Dirt School’s Andy Barlow.
MTB history lesson: how DH racing technique has changed since the 90s
Taking a look at how mountain bike technique has evolved over decades, from the sat-down pedalling style of the 90s to the stable upper body of today.
How to get down steep stuff
Don’t be intimidated by steep trails; learn the skills to handle even the gnarliest of tracks with control and confidence.
12 ways to get faster on your mountain bike
Keeping it low-key by selecting the right line and timing your attack will boost your control and leave the showboaters for dead.
More bike skills you can practice in your garden
Spending time learning how to play on your bike will mean that, once you're out on the trails, you have better familiarity and more control.
Why track stands are useful and how to do them
It takes time, humility and lot of determination to really get your head around track stands, but the satisfaction of finally getting them is addictive.
Do you need to re-learn how to ride on a modern mountain bike?
To exploit today’s amazing mountain bikes, and adapt to seemingly ever more challenging terrain, new skills and techniques have to be developed.
Wheelies, back hops and cutties are fun but also improve your trailcraft
Wheelies, back hops and cutties are fun but will also improve your trailcraft, so stop being self-conscious and upgrade your skills by relearning how to play.