I have been teaching my kids about cycling and I decided to make a list of tips/tricks for kids and adults:

1. On trails with lots of small bumps go fast and you will ride on the top of the bumps....to make it smoother.

2. On a descent that turns into a climb, with a V shape trail. You need to lift your front wheel before you reach the bottom of the V to begin climbing.

3. When riding and you see a big rock which you are unable to avoid, lift your butt up off the saddle ( the amount of lift should be the height of the rock or more )

4. While going down a steep descent put your butt behind the saddle, so that your center of gravity goes farther back. It will keep you and your bike from flipping over an obstacle.

5. Use your thighs to put pressure on the saddle to smooth your turns.

6. Ride the cleanest path at all times. Normally the middle of the trail is good, but if it gets rough there is always a cleaner path on the outside.

7. To ride over a fallen tree/log use your chainring to dig into the log while pedaling to get over it.

8. At high speeds you can get close to horizontal on the bike and stay up.....it's fun.

9. Use your momentum, it will allow you to do things you would never imagine.

10. While jumping keep your front wheel up, land with your rear.

11. make sure to use the front brake with 75% of the force and 25% with the rear.

12. Pull back on bar ends during climbs, this will dig your rear wheel into the ground and allow you to ride climb faster by creating more friction.

13. Never stand on a steep climb. Your weight gives traction to the rear wheel, as soon as you stand up the wheel will spin freely and you will fall over.