In the world of mountain biking, riders often encounter various trail features that challenge their skills and enhance the thrill of the sport. One of the most common and exciting trail features is the “berm.” Berms are essential for maintaining momentum and flow through corners while riding, making them a key element in both beginner and advanced mountain biking trails. But what exactly is a berm, and why is it so crucial to the mountain biking experience?
This article delves into the intricacies of berms in mountain biking, exploring their definition, purpose, construction, and how riders can use them effectively to improve their trail riding experience.
Understanding the Berm: Definition and Purpose
A berm is essentially a banked, sloped turn or corner that is built into a mountain biking trail. These raised, angled sections of the trail are constructed to help riders maintain speed and control while navigating sharp or flowing turns. Unlike a flat corner, which requires riders to brake and slow down, berms allow mountain bikers to ride through turns with greater ease, minimizing the need for braking and helping maintain forward momentum.
Key Benefits of Berms
- Improved Speed and Flow: Berms allow riders to carry speed through corners without losing momentum, providing a smooth and fast trail-riding experience.
- Enhanced Control: With the angled slope, riders have better traction and control, allowing them to lean into turns more aggressively.
- Safer Cornering: By guiding riders around turns, berms reduce the risk of slipping or skidding, especially in sharp or technical sections.
- Fun Factor: Berms add an exciting element to trails, allowing riders to enjoy the sensation of banking through corners at high speeds.
How Berms Differ from Flat Corners
Flat corners, as the name suggests, are not angled or banked, requiring riders to rely solely on tire grip and body positioning to make the turn. In contrast, berms offer a structured surface that assists the rider in maintaining their line through a corner. This not only makes it easier to take sharper turns but also reduces the need for hard braking, which can disrupt the flow of the ride.
Types of Berms in Mountain Biking
There are different types of berms, each offering a unique experience depending on the trail’s design and rider’s skill level. Understanding the various types of berms can help riders anticipate how to approach them and maximize their effectiveness.
Natural Berms
Natural berms are formed through repeated use of a trail, where riders naturally carve out a groove in the terrain. These berms are often found in areas with soft soil, sand, or loose gravel, where the ground can easily be shaped by rider traffic over time. While natural berms provide a more organic riding experience, they can be less predictable in terms of shape and consistency.
Built Berms
Built berms are intentionally designed and constructed by trail builders to improve the flow of a trail. These berms are carefully shaped using dirt, gravel, or other materials, and are often reinforced with rocks or wooden structures to maintain their shape. Built berms are generally more consistent and reliable than natural berms, offering a smoother ride and more precise control.
Large Berms
Large berms are often found on flow trails or downhill sections, where riders are expected to carry more speed. These berms have a steeper slope and larger radius, allowing riders to lean into the turn with more confidence and speed. Large berms can be exhilarating, as they allow riders to feel the force of the turn while maintaining control.
Tight Berms
Tight berms are used in more technical sections of a trail, where quick and sharp turns are necessary. These berms require precise handling and control, as they demand faster reactions and more body positioning adjustments. Tight berms often appear on advanced or expert-level trails.
Wooden Berms
Wooden berms, also known as “wall rides,” are constructed from wooden planks and are often featured in bike parks or more advanced trails. These berms allow riders to bank up onto vertical walls, creating an extreme riding experience. Wooden berms require a high level of skill and confidence, as the margin for error is smaller compared to dirt berms.
How to Ride a Berm Properly
Successfully riding a berm requires understanding the correct technique, which can make a significant difference in maintaining speed, control, and flow. Here are key steps for navigating berms efficiently:
Line Selection
The first step to riding a berm is selecting the right line. Riders should aim to enter the berm wide, cutting across the corner at an angle that allows them to exit on the opposite side while carrying as much speed as possible. Avoid cutting too sharply into the berm, as this can lead to losing traction or over-correcting.
Body Position
Your body position is crucial for staying balanced while riding through a berm. Shift your body weight toward the outside of the bike and lean the bike into the berm. Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the berm and maintain a low center of gravity to stay stable throughout the turn. Your inside pedal should be up, and your outside pedal should be pressed down for maximum traction.
Braking Control
Braking should be minimized when approaching a berm. Riders should complete most of their braking before entering the berm, as braking during the turn can disrupt balance and reduce traction. Focus on smooth, controlled movements to maintain flow.
Momentum and Flow
Berms are designed to help riders maintain momentum, so use the slope of the berm to your advantage. As you lean into the turn, let the berm guide your bike, and trust the angle to keep you on track. If executed properly, you’ll carry your speed through the corner and exit without losing momentum.
Common Mistakes When Riding Berms
Riding berms effectively takes practice, and there are common mistakes that riders should avoid to improve their technique.
Entering Too Slow
Approaching a berm with insufficient speed can cause the rider to lose flow and traction. Riders should aim to enter the berm with enough momentum to carry them through the turn without needing to pedal.
Poor Body Position
Failing to lean into the berm or keeping an upright body position can lead to losing control or skidding out of the berm. Riders should always maintain a low, aggressive stance and shift their body weight accordingly.
Over-Braking
Braking during the turn disrupts the natural flow of riding a berm. Riders who brake too hard while in the berm can cause their tires to lose traction, leading to skidding or crashing. It’s best to slow down before entering the berm and avoid braking while turning.
Not Trusting the Berm
Riders new to berms may feel hesitant and avoid fully committing to the turn. However, berms are designed to help riders, so trusting the berm’s structure and leaning into the turn is essential for successful navigation.
Berm Construction and Design
Berms are carefully designed to enhance the trail experience, and understanding how they are constructed can provide insight into their function.
Materials Used in Berms
Berms are typically made from packed dirt, gravel, or sand, but some trails also feature reinforced berms made from concrete, wood, or stone. The choice of material depends on the terrain and weather conditions, with more durable materials used in areas with heavy rain or erosion.
Shape and Size
The shape and size of a berm vary depending on the trail’s intended flow and difficulty. Larger berms with a wide radius are often used in downhill or flow trails to accommodate higher speeds, while tighter, steeper berms are found in technical sections. The curvature of the berm should provide enough slope to maintain speed while keeping the rider on track.
Berm Placement on Trails
Trail builders strategically place berms in areas where riders would otherwise lose momentum, such as sharp corners or hairpin turns. Berms can also be used to enhance the trail’s natural flow, encouraging riders to maintain their speed and rhythm throughout the ride.
See also: What to Wear Mountain Biking in Fall
Conclusion
Berms play a critical role in mountain biking, providing riders with the ability to maintain speed, control, and flow through corners. Whether you’re a beginner learning to navigate your first berm or an experienced rider looking to master advanced techniques, understanding how to ride berms effectively can enhance your mountain biking experience. With practice and the right technique, berms become an exciting and rewarding feature of any trail.
FAQs：
Why are berms important in mountain biking?
Berms are important because they help riders maintain speed and control while cornering, reducing the need for excessive braking and enhancing the overall flow of the ride.
Can beginners ride berms?
Yes, beginners can ride berms. In fact, berms can make cornering easier for new riders by providing additional support and reducing the likelihood of skidding or losing control.
How do I improve my berm-riding skills?
To improve your berm-riding skills, practice entering the berm with the correct speed, focus on body positioning, and maintain a smooth line through the turn. Gradually build confidence by riding different types of berms.
What is the difference between a berm and a jump?
A berm is a banked turn that helps riders navigate corners, while a jump is a trail feature designed to launch riders into the air. Both require different techniques and skills to navigate properly.
How are berms maintained on mountain biking trails?
Berms are maintained by trail builders and volunteers who regularly check for erosion, damage, and wear. They may reinforce the berm with new dirt or materials to keep it stable and safe for riders.
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