Skidding is a technique where you approach a corner on a bike at a high speed and move around the turn as your back tire loses traction.To skid around a corner, lean into the turn as you go around it and shift your body weight forward.If you get the hang of it, you can use the technique to improve your speed and ride private downhill trails with ease.
Step 1: Quickly turn.
The quicker you get to the turn, the easier it will be to get your back tire to skid.If you ride downhill you can pick up speed.
Step 2: You should lean in the direction of the turn.
Your body and bike are at a 45 degree angle from the ground if you shift your body weight in the direction you are turning.As you go around the corner of the turn, keep leaning.If you are taking a left turn, lean your body to the left.
Step 3: As you go around the turn, shift your weight to the right.
Lean over your handlebars to shift your weight.The load on your back tire will be lightened by this.You should feel your back tire skidding as you go around the turn.If you need help getting the tire to break loose, press the rear brake.
Step 4: If you extend your foot out, it will be hovering over the ground.
Your inside foot is closest to the inside corner of the turn.As you go around the turn, keep your foot above the ground.If you take a right turn, your right foot would be your inside foot.Plant your inside foot on the ground if you feel like you are skidding out of control or your bike is going to spin out.
Step 5: Once you complete the turn, upright your bike and body.
After skidding, this will help your tire regain traction.Pull your body weight up if you want to bring yourself upright on your bike.
Step 6: Practice skidding at slower speeds first.
Skidding is easier when you go faster, but higher speeds can increase your chances of wiping out.When you first start, approach turns slowly and work on leaning into the turn.Go into the turn slowly once you get the motions down.
Step 7: Skidding in a gravel parking lot can help you practice on a trail.
You can use cones or markers to tell you where to go in the parking lot.If you can get your back tire to skid as you go around the turn, that will be great.You won't have to worry about damaging the trail if you practice in a parking lot.
Step 8: Round turns when you start.
Thin, sharp turns give you less room for error and less time to skid, so they're not the best to practice on.You have more time to work on your form when you look at turns that are round and wide.
Step 9: Stay persistent.
It can take a lot of practice to get down a skidding bike.If you keep spinning out or your back tire isn't skidding outward, try adjusting how much you're leaning in and shifting your weight forward.If you want to see what your form looks like, you can ask someone to film you.Continue practicing and eventually you will get there.