How to Rail a Berm

Berms are tilted embankments on mountain bike trails that allow bikers to take sharp corners at high speeds with minimal loss of traction. Inertia pushes the bike tires into the berm preventing slide outs, allowing the rider to lean harder into the turn. If the rider enters the turn with too little speed, the tires will sit too low on the embankment to provide additional traction. At a sufficient speed and proper posture, however, the tires will ride high on the berm, known as "railing."

Things You'll Need

  • Mountain Bike
  • Helmet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the berm down the trail and plan your path. Use the grooved track where other riders have ridden through the turn to guide your own turn. Note the height and the slope of the embankment. The higher and steeper the berm, the harder you can lean.

    • 2

      Stand up on the pedals, keeping them level. Keep your knees and arms slightly bent, and your elbows up. Take your fingers off of the brake levers and grasp the bar only.

    • 3

      Enter the turn. Look toward the exit of the turn, letting your head guide your bike. If you encounter roughness in the turn put more weight on your outside pedal to dig your tires into the dirt more.

    • 4

      Exit the turn keeping your eyes focused down the path and bring your bike and body back to your vertical position.

    • 5

      Repeat the turn in order to gain the confidence to take the berm at high speeds.