Downhill Bike Racing - Brent Lott

The fans of mountain biking are well known as thrill-seekers, and although most of us enjoy the beautiful landscapes that stand in their way, adrenaline is something this sport offers in spades.

The first bike my parents got me, back when I was a kid, made me fell in love with them. Since I was often losing and misplacing stuff, my parents painted my name, Brent Lott, on the side of the bike, and I still have it to this day!

Ever since then I’ve been exploring new and different ways of using the bike, and as soon as I found out about downhill racing, the idea instantly became attractive to me. It soon turned into my favorite hobby, and I dedicated most of my spare time to it.

Seeing how this type of racing has experienced a significant increase in popularity in recent years, I wanted to share some general guidelines on how to get people started with this wonderful hobby.

What’s Downhill Bike Racing Like?

Downhill racing originated in the 70s in its initial form, when people used modified bikes called “klunkers”, which were less than ideal for the task. Then later in the 90s, the sport, along with the bikes used in it, became much more refined. More advanced suspension and different tire designs started to emerge, and mountain bikes became their own separate category.

The Enduro variant of the sport mostly refers to mountain bike racing of a specific format, and it developed as an combination of cross-country and downhill racing. It is a perfect mix since it combines the technical aspects of the descent while maintaining its focus on the trail.

This sport is, in fact, a race against the clock where we calculate the times of the descents while discounting the climbing time. Whoever completes the course in the shortest possible time is qualified as a winner. In general, about 80% of the time is spent racing downhill while 20% is reserved for uphill climbs.

This discipline was born as a more structured version of friendly competition that usually takes places during bike rides. Since several friends cycling in a group like to surpass each other, time their runs, and improvise competitions between them. In these races, the objective is relatively simple: spending quality time on a bike with your friends. As a bonus, thrills and adventures are guaranteed!

The races take place over the course of 1 to 2 days. Competitors start from a common starting point at a specific time. The goal is to arrive at certain checkpoints in as little time as possible, and those who miss the timers are penalized in some way.

General Advice

There are many things to keep in mind during downhill racing, both regarding your bike and your body posture. It’s vital that you are familiar with your bike before delving into downhill racing, as it is generally much more difficult than regular cycling. If you’re competing with more experienced riders, don’t hesitate to seek advice from them, especially regarding the specific track and checkpoints.

When the race begins, always look ahead. The terrain should be your only focus so that you can react quickly and avoid potential accidents. As for the posture, your elbows should be open, knees should be bent slightly and you should form a semi-standing position.

The idea is to to be able to absorb the inevitable impact during the descent, so don’t keep your joints locked. The more experienced you get, the easier reading the terrain will become, so don’t worry if the ride feels overwhelming at first.

Anticipating bumps and holes ahead of you is the key for success in downhill racing, as the nature of the races demands that you react before encountering the obstacle. This is why reading the terrain is so important, you have to compensate for the impact before it happens in order to minimize the chance of losing control over your bike.

Try to envision an imaginary vertical line that exists between you and the bike, and shift your body to maintain that line when the bike strays away from it.

What Equipment Do You Need?

To be ready to indulge in downhill bike racing, you must be adequately prepared. It’s best to have some sort of protective clothing to absorb the fall if it comes to that. You should also never race without a bike specifically designed for such terrain and speed, with enough maneuverability for you to have control over it.

In terms of criteria, there are several aspects to watch for on a bike. The bike frame material can have a noticeable impact on the riding experience. An aluminium or carbon frame is light enough for easy control. When in doubt about the appropriate equipment, it is best to seek the advice of an expert, since this sport can be pretty dangerous for those ill-equipped.

Finally, safety is an aspect that should not be overlooked so that your enduro bike adventures go smoothly. To protect your head, a helmet with included jaw protection, full-face type or one with removable covers must be included. Aside from the helmet, goggles, elbow and knee pads and gloves should also be kept on throughout the race. Regardless of how good you are, prevention is better than cure!

This mostly covers the essentials you’ll need if you plan on starting your downhill racing journey. With the right equipment, a little practice and a good dose of bravery, you have everything in need to be a great racer!

Neighbors always ask me, Brent Lott, why are you still taking part in those races at your age, aren’t you afraid of losing control? The answer is pretty simple. No other activity I’ve ever attempted could offer such unforgettable experiences, filled with thrills and excitement, and the eventual feeling of triumph after completing the race. This is why I haven’t given up on downhill racing even now, as a grandfather, and I hope to inspire anyone interested in this amazing hobby to give it a try, it might become your favorite as well.