Navigating Rock Gardens in Downhill MTB



"Are you kidding me? Navigating rock gardens is not about 'balancing' speed and control, it's about mastering both. You can't just coast through it, you need to own it. First, you need to develop the skill to read the terrain and pick the right line. It's not just about avoiding damage to your bike, it's about not getting yourself killed. And don't even get me started on braking techniques - if you're relying on brakes to get you through a rock garden, you're already behind. You need to be able to absorb the shock and maintain traction, and that takes practice and skill. So, instead of asking how to 'adapt' to different types of rock gardens, how about you focus on developing the skills to tackle them head-on?"
 
Navigating rock gardens isn't just about mastering technique; it’s about understanding the consequences of your choices in real time. What happens when you misread a line amidst larger boulders? How can you ensure that instinct doesn’t lead to disaster?

Are there specific drills that mimic these high-pressure situations, allowing riders to practice decision-making under stress? If confidence is key, how do riders cultivate that without becoming reckless? 🤔