If there’s one key foundation skill we see most riders get confidence dialled in, it’s the correct feel and use of REAR & FRONT brake control off-road.

• When to use it.
• How to use it.
• How to practise it.
• How to gauge whether you are nailing it!

 
REAR brake control and feel is vital in off-road terrain such as off-camber turns, trail braking, downhills, skidding (intentionally) and slow technical riding like full lock turns & hill starts.
FRONT brake feel and control is vital in key in terrain when you need to stop quickly on slippery surfaces, steep down hills, corregations and across errosion ruts.
 
A great simple & effective drill we use on most courses help feel out your machines capability shows up some interesting points often over looked:
On a gravel road, in a standing riding position, riding along in 1st gear, get some momentum and then apply the rear brake on its own before riding away again. Do this a few times without coming to a complete stop. This technique works best without the clutch a few times and the introduce to clutch to see what your feel different through the brake pedal & how the bike responds. It is also a great way to learn about your bikes "Personality" too - is it predictable, does it stall easy, do you feel ABS or does the rear wheel skid?

With Rear brake feel and clutch control - keep practicing this technique to stop and balance statically for a moment and ride away without touching the ground or stalling. Practice making slow riding a breeze & skids fun!
 
Front brake awareness and control – well cover in more detail in the next email.