Many riders are afraid to use the front brake. Obviously, how the brake is applied has a lot to do with this type of crash. In most cases, it wasn't the front brake as much as the placement of body mass when the brake was applied. Top riders are very at home with their front and rear brakes, and can stay behind the bars and keep their weight from being thrown forward through even the steepest descents. The Mountain Bike School guides are trained to quickly address a rider's overall posture and tension level and freedom on the bike.
Most inexperienced riders tend to be tense, tight, and immobile on the bike.
By sitting on the seat, they place their weight firmly on the top of an awkward, and unpredictable rolling object. Unfortunately most new riders like to stay firmly attached to the seat which seriously limits safety comfort and ability 3. The platform is our shorthand for equal weight on the feet, and body completely free of the seat. It also refers to level pedals, which is an essential idea for any serious descending or obstacle riding. Our guides set up activities to promote a stronger more reliable platform as well as train the rider to jump quickly to the platform.