it would be nice to get in some experience prior to going ( as a note , the trip was scheduled a mere two weeks after the training clinic !).
As this was her Level 1 clinic , the day opened with a discussion on bike set-up . Important points were reviewed , including proper bar / lever adjustments , tire choice , and suspension . Being a slightly shorter rider herself , Megan ’ s bike is lowered 1 ”; she admits it ’ s not ideal because she loses a bit of ground clearance and doesn ’ t recommend it unless absolutely necessary . She also doesn ’ t run bar risers , advising her students not to add a crutch for an issue that could be solved with proper technique ( i . e . adding risers because of lower back pain when standing ).
Next came the all-important talk about body positioning . She emphasized the importance of keeping what she refers to as “ vertical lower legs ,” not allowing your knees to go forward , but instead leaning back . She also explained the advantages to allowing the bike to move underneath you . With Quinn Wentzel present and acting as her assistant for the day , Megan acknowledged Quinn ’ s trials background ; one of the main focuses of riding trials ( in addition to clutch and throttle
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 76