How To

Practicing Multiple Lines - Pro Secrets - Dirt Rider Magazine

April 17, 2009

Riding
When at an open track day, some bozos think they're racing, others are just looking for fun and many racers who want to improve are actually practicing. It doesn't matter whether you're preparing for MX or off-road racing, if you ride the exact same lines all day, you are riding, not practicing. On race day, if you aren't right with the leaders at the start, you have to get up there. That won't happen riding the same line as the guy in front of you!This 180-degree turn at Piru MX Park has a short whoop section before it and a double out of it. Basically, there are three main lines you could attempt in traffic. Bobby Bonds explains when and how he'd use them in a race.

"Obviously, the inside is the shortest line, so if you don't slow down too much, it will always be faster and you can protect your position with this line as well. I made this inside line, and it cut so tight it was hard for other riders to get there, so it didn't get as rough. You just need to make sure you're straight early since you have the shortest run at the following jump. On the practice track with slower riders, there are fewer riders in the way using the inside."

"The middle is the line that the majority of riders were using. If you're just riding for fun, it is easiest to clear the jump from this line, so ride here. If you're practicing to increase your skills or prepare for racing, then ride this line long enough to get comfortable, then change up and learn other lines."

"Here, the outside line got pushed out by scared riders who wanted maximum run-up for the following jump. I might hit this line once or twice a day. I'd want to try it in case the other lines were full, but this line is so far out, it would take too much time on race day."