What does it mean to 'feel the trail'?
It’s one thing to look at a trail and another to ride it. But what does it mean when riders talk about ‘feeling’ it?
Words: Dr Kath Bicknell | Photos: Jack Fletcher
Key to understanding the expression of 'feeling the trail' is thinking about riding as a series of incredible sensory processes that integrate in real time with our current observations, past experiences and future predictions. What?! Let me explain.
On one level, ‘feeling the trail’ means making sense of the bodily feedback we get as our bikes pass over different terrain. How harsh are those rocky steps? How much force is coming through my wrists? What does a section of roots feel like at different speed? How does that change if I alter my tyre or suspension pressure? What does the feedback I’m getting through my body tell me about how to ride more smoothly or safely?
Beyond simply ‘feeling the trail’, where things get really interesting is when we use information from our sensory processes to fine tune how we ride in relation to a goal. This could be riding faster, not feeling overwhelmed by some technical features, or just having an excellent day out: these are the feelings of satisfaction, joy and excitement we hope a trail will deliver.
Our past experiences on similar terrain provide us with expectations on how things ‘should feel’ if we’re riding well. When our bodily sensations don’t match these expectations, we can use this information to adjust how we approach that same section of trail on repeat attempts.
Did that drop feel harsh on the wrists? Maybe push the bike forward more next time. Was that line around the corner hard to control at speed? Maybe try a wider line or this other entry point. No idea how to troubleshoot a particular problem? Ask other riders for their thoughts and marvel at the way someone else’s experiences help to shape and direct your own.
From a philosophical standpoint, feeling the trail is an incredibly sophisticated example of how we carry moments from our unique histories into the right now and the what next. It’s also a great example of how important our mental processes are when riding skilfully, whether that’s through observing, reflecting and adjusting in a given moment, or trouble-shooting how to ride something better on the next attempt.
Related to feeling the trail is something riders often talk about as ‘getting a feel’ for a trail. This process is similar to the first, but points to how riders seek to learn the logic of a trail network, or a particular riding location. Getting a feel for a trail system more broadly allows us to make better predictions about how to ride as-yet-unseen sections at speed.
Getting a feel for a trail is something that’s especially relevant when riding a new trail network for the first time, say on holidays or before a race. It’s also an important process when riding a familiar trail for the first time in a while or after a big weather event.
These are times when information from one trail, or part of a trail, help with setting expectations for future sections: How damp is it? How dusty? How rutted, grippy, or steep? How well maintained? How well signed? What level of technicality does two downward arrows refer to in this location? How far after the sign do the technical features usually arrive? In short, what can you trust? What should you stay more cautious about until you’ve had a better look?
READ: What happens when you scan a trail?
Getting a feel for a trail doesn’t enable you to predict everything you might pass over next, but it is a fascinating process to unpack. It reduces some of the variables we might scan for when riding in a new place, and leaves us with more capacity to notice and respond to others.
Take a moment to notice what you notice next time you ride. What information do you pick up from the feel and condition of one section of trail that shapes the way you approach and enjoy the next? Celebrate those brain-based efficiency gains and congratulate yourself for how clever those processes really are.
Learn more about using your mind to get more out of your time on the bike from Kath Bicknell at intelligentaction.cc / [insta:] @Intelligent_Action
