Riding over a dropoff can be a daunting task, however once you have dropped your first couple there will be no stopping you. This is a skill you have got to learn as it makes the riding experience a whole lot better. Most dropoffs require confidence, timing, balance and proper speed. Start on small dropoffs first where you can master the basics without damaging yourself. Remember to land on the wheel rear first, or at least both together and have enough speed. A dropoff on level ground is easier than a downhill one... Progress to bigger dropoffs one step at a time. Relax. If you get tense you will have trouble... Follow some of these basic tips,and you will soon find that you will be hammering round your favourite trails executing dropoffs without even thinking about them.

1) Make sure you have a clear landing as you don't want to end up in the jaggy nettles.

2) Keep the pedals horizontal and your weight centered or slightly back

3) Pull up slightly on the front wheel just before the drop.

4) Keep up speed after landing ****Do not stop dead*** Doh!

5) Practice riding the same dropoff again & again....work you way up to bigger ones .

6) Do NOT allow your weight to shift forward, or land on the front wheel.

Tackling downhill sections.

Nothing beats the adrenaline rush from hammering downhill sections as fast as you can. These simple rules may help when riding downhill. They will certainly help boost your confidence and make the experience altogether safer.

1) Drop your saddle a little to allow you to get your weight back over the rear wheel when needed. Keep your weight back on the bike, and maybe even off the end of the saddle.

2) Keep a firm grip on the handlebars, and your elbows low. Get a solid stance on your pedals, and a good grip on them with your shoes. If using SPD's I find its best to clip on foot in (Stronger foot) Then rest the other foot on the pedal thus allowing you do drop a foot quickly if need be.Try to keep your pedals and crank arms even and parallel to the ground. Get off the saddle and crouch down for low center of gravity.

3) Concentrate and scan the terrain well ahead.Know whats coming and how to deal with it before its too late.

4) Don't ride faster than you can handle. Control your speed by covering the brakes a little. Some challenging areas are best handled with some speed, however be careful of applying the front brake and either locking it up or skidding out on a bend.

5) If you gotta go down, go off the back or side of the bike, and not the front!! Protective gear is a must. Helmet and gloves as a bare minimum. If you want to be more serious then invest in proper downhilling gear (body armour/full face helmet).