Manoeuvre no. 1: Don't get off!
The manual impulse is the number one safety manoeuvre, regardless of whether it's a hollow, a stick, leaves or a stream - if you can lift the front, you prevent the front wheel from getting stuck.
1. build up tension
Approach the terrain to be overcome with momentum and a straight line. Your legs and arms are bent and your eyes are focussed on the obstacle.
2. front up!
Initiate the manual impulse just before the stream: Dynamically stretch your legs and arms backwards and upwards. The result: the centre of gravity moves backwards and the front wheel lifts off.
3. continue
The bigger the puddle or the more uncertain the surface, the longer the front wheel should be in the air. One finger is on the rear brake during the entire action and engages as required. A nice side effect: your shoes stay dry.
The most common mistakes:
- Missing manual impulse
- Wrong timing
- Lack of determination
Ines' tip
Practise the manual movement in the car park. Remember: Bend and then stretch backwards/upwards dynamically and explosively
Manoeuvre no. 2: Crack the stairs
Whether travelling up or down a steep slope - the technique is the same.
1. approach
Ride straight down the stairs. My legs and arms are slightly bent so that I can react immediately to the bumps. Here I grip the top link for more height at the front. My index fingers rest on the brake levers. The crank position is horizontal.
2nd departure
Don't get scared now and hold on tight. Stay on course and keep the handlebars straight. Use the brakes in a measured manner depending on the situation. Buffer the impacts with your legs and arms - stay centred on the bike. Your eyes are already focussed on the exit.
The most common mistakes:
- Body position too rear-heavy
- Fear! Consequence: Loss of control
Ines' tip
This manoeuvre requires more determination than riding technique. Start with short descents down the stairs.
Manoeuvre no. 3: Search the line
Gravel tyres are becoming more potent, but the risk of flats increases enormously on rough terrain. Two lines, two thoughts from the expert.
1. supple
Yes, you can also turn off onto trails with gravel bikes, but this root descent is a bit risky. Danger of flats! The green line avoids thick roots and is therefore smoother. My first choice!
2. fast & risky
On a mountain bike, I would choose the red line because it's faster. On a gravel bike, I have to hold on tightly to the line and hope I don't hit anything. If I risk it anyway, I ride in a single line and cross the roots at a 90-degree angle if possible.
The most common mistakes:
- Taxation
- Lack of determination
- Body position too rear-heavy
Ines' tip
Regardless of the line, make sure your body is in a central position. Then it's time to hold on tight! Here I grip the top link - for more comfort.
Manoeuvre no. 4: Jump over it!
In the pig hop, you lift off with both wheels at the same time to overcome obstacles.
1. approach
Approach the obstacle as straight as possible. Your body is bent low over the frame and your eyes are focussed on the obstacle. The crank position is horizontal. Now it's all about the right timing.
2. hop
Now release the tension built up in your body. To do this, the bent body position moves centrally and impulsively from bottom to top. As a result, you lift off with both wheels at the same time. It's easier with clipless pedals.
3. go on!
If the timing is right, both wheels lift off briefly and overcome the obstacle. Legs and arms cushion the landing - then: Apply the brakes and keep going!
The most common mistakes:
- Wrong timing
- Unbalanced pull-off
- Indecision
Ines' tip
The pig hop only works with a lot of speed, because the wheels are only in the air for a short time. Timing is everything!
Manoeuvre no. 5: Scratch the curve!
There are few manoeuvres you have to perform more often on tour than cornering. This is how you scrape the bend on loose gravel.
Exterior
Racers know that the motto for bends is: outside - inside - outside. So approach the bend on the outside before turning inwards. Adjust your speed now and assess the surface for traction. Look ahead. The looser the gravel, the less traction.
Inside
Lean the bike gently into the bend and stay upright yourself. Apply pressure to the front wheel. The outer heel presses down. Result: more traction! The saddle presses on the inner thigh and provides guidance. Now you need a sure instinct. Your eyes are already focussed on the exit of the bend.
Exterior
After the bend, you sensitively straighten the wheel again. The index fingers remain on the brakes throughout the entire manoeuvre and apply the brakes as the situation demands - naturally in a controlled manner. The top handlebar grip enables a more comfortable position.
The most common mistakes:
- Too rear-heavy - loss of control
- Underground misjudged
- No upright body position
Ines' tip
If you overdo the cornering, the tyres will smear. Therefore, take it slowly and gain experience.
Manoeuvre no. 6: Pull behind
Who hasn't experienced this? You heave the front wheel over the kerb, but the rear wheel hits the edge. And bang, you've got yourself a flat tyre. How to do it without the risk of a snakebite!
1. front high
For small edges, you can simply lift the front wheel onto the step with your arm. If the step is higher, the mini-manual impulse is necessary. Important on the approach: The legs are slightly bent.
2. move to
You have already conquered the step with the front wheel, now the rear has to join in before it hits the edge. The impulse comes from the legs, they impulsively go into extension. Result: The rear becomes light and follows the front wheel. Note: The faster the riding speed, the trickier the timing.
3. step in
If the timing is right, you have lifted the rear wheel onto the step in time. Now you can start pedalling again. Note: On uphill steps, you need a little speed so that you don't run out of momentum. The crank position remains horizontal during the entire action.
The most common mistakes:
- Missing impulse
- Wrong timing
Ines' tip
Practise the manoeuvre in the car park. Practise on a step that is as round and deep as possible - ideally on level ground.
Who is Ines Thoma?
The professional biker from the Allgäu region rode the Enduro World Cup at the top level for a long time. She discovered her love of gravel in 2019. In addition to racing, Ines organises gravel events and has a Book "Allgäu Gravel" published and gives riding technique courses.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
