Technical sections can be the most exhilarating part of mountain biking - or the most intimidating. If you’ve ever found yourself looking down a rocky descent, steep switchbacks, or scary jumps and thought, “I’m not sure I can do this,” you’re not alone. Overcoming fear on technical trails is something many riders face, no matter their experience level. But it is totally possible to build confidence and master those challenging sections with the right mindset and approach.
Here are some of the tips I’ve used to overcome fear on technical sections. This advice has helped me progress over the years and feel more at ease when the trail gets tough. I hope they can help you too!
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Build Up Gradually
Tackling technical sections takes gradual progress. It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t come together immediately, but it's all about the small steps. Personally, I like to ride within my comfort zone at first and then slowly push it a little further, bit by bit. It’s a steady process, and you’ll start to notice improvements without the pressure of trying to tackle everything at once.
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The Chimp Paradox
One of the best pieces of psychology advice I’ve ever received was from my past coach: name your chimp. Your ‘chimp’ is that voice inside your head—the anxious voice that starts talking when you approach a technical section, telling you that you can’t do it, or that it’s too hard.
"When that happens, name the voice, and talk to your chimp. Put it back in its box."
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Follow Someone Else
If you’re feeling unsure, follow someone who’s more confident through a technical section. Riding behind someone can help you maintain speed and confidence while taking the pressure off navigating the line choices and monitoring the speed. Plus, it’s a great way to see how others approach the obstacles, which can give you new insights into your own riding style.
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Look Where You Want to Go
Wherever you are looking, you will end up heading straight for it. Instead, focus where you want to go…Your bike follows where your eyes go, so keep them on the path forward.
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Walk the Lines
Before you ride a challenging section, take a moment to walk it. Walking the line means you can check out the trail, find the best route, and assess any technical sections. It took me ages to find the perfect line down one section of the Borrowdale Bash, and I still look at it sometimes now! It’s a great way to build your confidence and help you visualise the way down.
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Learn to Stop and Judge
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pause. Trust your instincts and learn to judge the trail for yourself. Relying on others can be helpful, but ultimately, you’ll need to trust your own judgment about what you think is rideable and what isn’t.
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Go with How You Feel on the Day
Every ride is different, and that’s okay. Some days I feel like I can conquer the world, and other days, even the smallest obstacles will feel tough. Don’t push too hard if you’re not feeling it. The key is to adapt to how you feel in the moment—some days, it’s about riding with confidence; other days, it’s about taking things a little easier.
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Smooth is Fast
Finding a smoother, easier line can sometimes actually be the faster way!
The great thing about fear is that it can be managed and overcome. Fear is a natural part of mountain biking - especially when it comes to technical sections. By focusing on gradual progress, mental techniques, and taking your time, you can make those intimidating technical sections feel a lot more manageable.
So, what helps you push through fear on technical sections? Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments or on social media—we’d love to hear your insights and experiences too.
