Riding wet roots can sometimes seem like the mountain bike equivalent of Russian roulette — you feel like it’s not a matter of if, but when, you’re going to hit the deck. Fortunately, good line choice, commitment and proper technique will help you clean them rubber side down.
1. Vision
Choose a straight line and aim your front wheel so it’s perpendicular to the biggest roots (i.e. hits them head on).
Try to avoid large diagonal roots, which will direct your tyres off the trail.
2. Momentum
Once you’re happy with your basic technique, try hitting root sections a touch faster.
Slowing down may help your confidence but it’s a bad idea because it means your tyres will be in contact with the slippery roots for longer.
3. Head up
Have confidence in your line choice and speed, then get your chin up and look over the roots at the trail ahead to help your balance.
4. Pressure control
Ride root sections more smoothly by unweighting your wheels individually as they hit large roots.
Do this by popping very small manuals and rear wheel lifts.
5. Balance
From a perfectly balanced body position it’s easier to recover a slip and your suspension will work better.
Support your weight with your legs, get your heels down and don’t hang back off your handlebar or lean back.
Stay loose and relaxed, otherwise you’ll ping off the roots rather than absorb them.
Advanced
Tyre pressure
On wet, sloppy trails, your average speed is generally lower than in the dry. Drop your pressures by 1-2psi so your tyres can deform more and therefore grip better in the wet conditions.
Bunnyhop
At high speeds you can bunnyhop to clear root sections. Use the first root to boost your front wheel into the air, then follow with your back wheel.
Just make sure you land clear of the roots on a good surface.