:: Trail Skills Information::
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Website updates

Featuring a comprehensive list of setup tips, tool recommendations and riding techniques for the average trail-rider. While KTM’s are featured all these tips and setups crossover (with your bikes owners manual) to other brands. 
You’ll find out that KTM’s are sorted for trail use, ease of maintenance and adjustment. These factors add up to good reasons for KTM ownership. 
This site is a great refresher for returning riders, newcomers and even competitors. We acknowledge the help of Chris Birch who provided a lot of input at the Trailskills courses and a lot of the info this site is based on those courses. Thanks Chris.

A lot of information is (will be) available here for people to access anytime. If it helps you ride more safely and have a better time that’s great. If you do get the opportunity to attend a trailskills course in your area, take it. Real life demo’s and coaching will see you improve quickly. 

Spend time on the bike and try to ride with someone, coach yourself and try new stuff, start small and get used to something then move on up... Remember what was said if you have been to a Trailskills course, coach each other, look ahead and keep your elbows up!

Let’s start right here with a basic curriculum:
(Planned to be links to pages containing images, notes and video)
rider setup: riding gear, attidude (or attitude!) things to do when waiting for your mates to catch up
bike setup: levers, brake & gear, tyres, suspension
basic seated position: Hips over foot pegs. arms, elbows hand in one plane, head up
basic standing position: Boots vertical. Arms in one plane. Slight bend in knees & hips. Head up. Hold bike at ankle height, knees used if really bumpy & rough.
seated flat turns: Well forward to make front bite, elbows up, looking where you want to go, head up
standing flat turns: as above but standing
flat braking: boots vertical, straighten arms to move body weight back, bum just off seat, brake hard front 80% rear 20%. Practice braking
hill braking
hill recovery
hill climbs
hill descents
other obstacles: ruts, logs, rocks...
river crossings (various depths and scenario’s)
pick the hot line: look ahead not at your wheel, use trail features to launch over stuff.
tools to carry: front & rear wheel removal, tyre/tube repairs, chain adjustment/repairs, spokes, levers etc
tyre changes: tubed and mousse. Small bites are key, routines essential.
suspension setups: softest third of range is a good start. Spring rate correct for your weight.
air filter maintenance
practice routines: the static balance. The stop and move off smoothly in 2nd gear. The wheely pop. Hill recovery practice. Rut riding (make an 8 and ride it). Braking front & rear brake slides, clutch out. front brake skid, front brake wheely (stoppy) rear brake skid.
 
  1. You’ve come to the right place for rider improvement and training.

  2. Learn the foundation skills to ride faster, safer and more confidently.

  3. Racers can benefit from focussed training and coaching.

  4. One on one coaching available, please enquire.


MNZ qualified coach Joe Forsyth

Training :: One to one and groups

Training and Coaching  

    With industry certification and training and as an MNZ coach so you can be assured of qualified help and assistance along the way. You'll benefit from coaching and time to learn as safety, riding and setup tips are passed on and practised.


Trailskills days and Skillbuilder weekend rides are a feature of the calendar and designed to help old and young riders improve riding skills. Though not aimed at competition the lessons offered will benefit everyone competitor and recreational rider alike.


Bike setup, body position and riding skills are key facets covered and we also cover basic maintenance and ongoing maintenance procedures including tyre changing, filters (both air and oil) as well as many tips and tricks as time allows.


These popular events are timed to take advantage of school holiday times and Trailskills course are usually pre-Christmas. Keep in touch on this site for more info as it happens...

 
TrailSkills 
:: off-road riding skills ::

land:: 03 448 7997 | cell:: 0274 35 25 95 | email:: info@trailskills.co.nz | web:: http://www.trailskills.co.nz