What Are Berms Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking is a great way to stay active and experience the outdoors, and berms are an important part of the sport. Berms are man-made mounds of dirt or other material, usually located at the bottom of a hill or a flat section of trail. They provide a smooth transition from one direction to another, allowing riders to maintain speed and control while cornering.

Berms are usually constructed on one side of the trail, so they are most commonly encountered when turning onto a new trail segment or changing direction within an existing one. Riders may also encounter them when descending steep hills as they can help reduce speed by providing grip and traction on the downhill side. Berms can also be used to help create jumps and other features on trails.

A berm’s shape depends on its intended use. For example, if it is designed to provide grip and traction while cornering, it will usually be formed with a banked curve that encourages riders to lean into the turn instead of sliding out. If it is used as a jump feature, it may have more of an arch shape so that riders can get enough air time before landing again.

Berms are very important for mountain biking because they help maintain momentum and control while cornering or descending steep hills. They also help create jumps and other features that make trails more interesting for riders. As such, berms should be maintained regularly in order to keep them in good condition for use by mountain bikers.

In conclusion, berms are essential for mountain biking as they provide grip and traction while cornering or descending steep hills, as well as helping create jumps and other features that make trails more interesting for riders. Proper maintenance is key in order to ensure that berms remain safe and effective for all types of mountain bikers.

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Samantha Mckinney