Mtn riding technique question - brake?

[gregoire28]

Hello all,

I'm new to snowmobiling. just bought a '12 RMK pro 800 155 and have had it out for a few rides.

How much do you use your brake when side-hilling or riding tighter trees that require the sled to be up on edge? I don't think I used it once in the first 4 rides - but am definitely still trying to muscle the sled around more than I should rather than finesse it.

Are you on the brake regularly? Almost never? Trying to learn proper technique early on. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

 

[89sandman]

I generally use it when I need to slow down or stop

 

[toddb]

I generally use it when I need to slow down or stop

That's what the trees are for.

 

[Arctic Thunder]

Very little brake usage in deep snow. On spring snow it could be smoking hot.

Typically the use of the brake on a deep snow day is preceded with a few choice words like "holy $hit" and a panic grab of the brake, this is very rarely worth your time to grab anyway.

Thunder

 

[theultrarider]

Hello all,

I'm new to snowmobiling. just bought a '12 RMK pro 800 155 and have had it out for a few rides.

How much do you use your brake when side-hilling or riding tighter trees that require the sled to be up on edge? I don't think I used it once in the first 4 rides - but am definitely still trying to muscle the sled around more than I should rather than finesse it.

Are you on the brake regularly? Almost never? Trying to learn proper technique early on. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Counter steer, and throttle tips it up on edge. Brake will set it back down flat. Learn this and little muscle is required. Especially on a Pro. It's more about finesse and and throttle control and gently working the bars than it is brute strength.

 

[Ryan-41]

Hello all,

I'm new to snowmobiling. just bought a '12 RMK pro 800 155 and have had it out for a few rides.

How much do you use your brake when side-hilling or riding tighter trees that require the sled to be up on edge? I don't think I used it once in the first 4 rides - but am definitely still trying to muscle the sled around more than I should rather than finesse it.

Are you on the brake regularly? Almost never? Trying to learn proper technique early on. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

I constantly have a finger on the brake at all times, the brake helps a lot in steep side hills to control the sled. If you are going to fast in a side hill the brake helps to slow you down so your not out of control.

I would really reccommend picking up a copy of the schooled videos, the first three they made really talked a lot about the basics! They do a better job of explaining things!!

Hope this helps,

Ryan

 

[summ8rmk]

Ryan said it best, watch the schooled videos they help with explaining the 'hows' and 'whys'.
People don't use their brakes often enough on the steep sidehills. U would be suprised at what a little gas and brake can do for u when ur on ur side.

 

[Himark]

Good mtn snow you really do not need brake to darn often. Like stated if I grab a handful of brake it is because something bad is about to happen and its still going to happen regardless of full track stop. Heck I remember once pulling a steep climb through trees and rounded a curve to see a pal stuck and grabbed full brake but still managed to ride over his seat, hood, and windshield!

I would say the most I use it is when traversing tight trees at slower speeds and may need to slide the sled a bit at last second.

 

[colorado_matt]

I wrote a short 'riding tip' for the September Klim newsletter about using the brake. For some reason when I try opening the link to it, I am directed to a different page. So I copied the text that I submitted and pasted it below. Using the brake is extremely important and beneficial. It's one of the most helpful techniques that I teach on the mountain to my clients to help them maintain control in technical sidehilling situations. The article is breif and I am happy to attempt to answer any other questions about 'using the brake'. Included is the example photo that was included.


"RIDING TIP-using the brake

Happy fall everyone, I hope you have had a great summer. With the snow show season upon us, cold temperatures and fresh snow are right around the corner. Klim has an amazing lineup of new gear this season to keep us all comfortably warm and dry. Hopefully you are able to attend one of the shows and see the full line of gear in person. Once you've seen it all, find me and we'll talk about the new BOONDOCKERS movie, Mountain Skillz, and everything else snowmobiling related!

I am frequently asked, "Why do you always ride with a finger on the brake?" The short answer is to maintain maximum control of my sled in technical situations. As you traverse a hillside containing obstacles, it's very important to keep momentum but not move so fast that you cannot react and alter your line. Using the brake is key to remain in 100% control. I am referring to short quick taps of the brake that result in multiple actions. With a quick touch of the brake lever while sidehilling, the sled will lean into the hill, pack the snow under the track providing added traction when you apply the throttle, and allow the rider a brief moment to catch up to the sled so to say and reposition your body. You're also forcing backshift in your clutches setting up for immediate response with a blip of the throttle. In the situation pictured, I am on a fairly steep sidehill preparing to maneuver through a gap in the trees. With my pro-rmk on edge in a countersteer position, my left foot is on the right running board and my right foot is in the snow. As I approach the gap, I tap the brake to allow the front ski to dip just a bit below the upper tree and the rear of the sled to settle a few inches. Now the front bumper is pointed in the direction I want to go and I have positioned my feet forward. Just as quickly as I applied the brake, I am back on the throttle and safely squeeze through the trees in full control and ready for the next obstacle. If you have additional questions, please submit them to matt@mountainskillz.com. Ride safe and have a great winter!"

 

[Deep Powder Guy]

Braking is a No No in deep snow when you loose your track speed you loose momentum and you can end up stuck or unable to side hill.....Trees just run them over
DPG

 

[Blk88GT]

I frequently use the brake. I find it useful when turning in deep snow to kill some speed and drop the front end, allowing me to cut the corner tighter. It's useful when trying to weave in between trees

 

[snowordeath]

On my old sled I rarely used the brakes. On my first ride out on my XM, I got into the trees I found that I was using it quite frequently to control the sled. Everywhere I went I am sure that I could have managed without the brake, but the more I used it, the more I found I liked it. I know how easy the Pros are easy to manipulate so I say play with your brake the bevy time you are in the trees or even on an open side hill and see what new and amazing things you can make it do. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Oh yeah and have fun!!

 

[seth25]

I am frequently asked, "Why do you always ride with a finger on the brake?" The short answer is to maintain maximum control of my sled in technical situations. As you traverse a hillside containing obstacles, it's very important to keep momentum but not move so fast that you cannot react and alter your line. Using the brake is key to remain in 100% control. I am referring to short quick taps of the brake that result in multiple actions. With a quick touch of the brake lever while sidehilling, the sled will lean into the hill, pack the snow under the track providing added traction when you apply the throttle, and allow the rider a brief moment to catch up to the sled so to say and reposition your body. You're also forcing backshift in your clutches setting up for immediate response with a blip of the throttle. In the situation pictured, I am on a fairly steep sidehill preparing to maneuver through a gap in the trees. With my pro-rmk on edge in a countersteer position, my left foot is on the right running board and my right foot is in the snow. As I approach the gap, I tap the brake to allow the front ski to dip just a bit below the upper tree and the rear of the sled to settle a few inches. Now the front bumper is pointed in the direction I want to go and I have positioned my feet forward. Just as quickly as I applied the brake, I am back on the throttle and safely squeeze through the trees in full control and ready for the next obstacle. If you have additional questions, please submit them to matt@mountainskillz.com. Ride safe and have a great winter!"

All you need to know is right here. The key is being in complete control at all times.

 

[Deep Powder Guy]

All you need to know is right here. The key is being in complete control at all times.

Looks to me like the right ski may have hooked the tree...The trouble when your slowly creeping along through the trees with less track speed and less momentum as can be seen in the photo is the rider is mentally and physically working harder to maintain control of the sled.

DPG

 

[rmscustom]

Looks to me like the right ski may have hooked the tree...The trouble when your slowly creeping along through the trees with less track speed and less momentum as can be seen in the photo is the rider is mentally and physically working harder to maintain control of the sled.

DPG

Are you for real?

 

[Deep Powder Guy]

No big deal just looks like he could be stuck. We have all been there before

 

[mountainhorse]

Trust me... Matt is not even close to being stuck.

Finesse skills are what separate the "Jedi Masters" from the "Good Riders"..

I barely make it into the "good" category.... if at all...But I'm learning from people like Matt and Dan!!










.

 

[skibreeze]

Looks to me like the right ski may have hooked the tree...The trouble when your slowly creeping along through the trees with less track speed and less momentum as can be seen in the photo is the rider is mentally and physically working harder to maintain control of the sled.

DPG

I can assure you that you couldn't be more wrong here. I first got the opportunity to ride with Matt about 4 years ago, and I honestly thought that he was trying to kill us. I spent the entire day ping ponging off of trees as I tried to follow him. I was using speed to try to keep up, where he used finesse. I have learned an immense amount from him during the years and still am amazed at the level he rides. Any advise he gives me, I am going to try to use.

 

[XP Summit]

Seems like a lot more of the more admired riders coming out of the closet with this brake thing over the last year. The only time I ever thought I would use the brake on a side hill is that moment when you loose your edge, get over center and you are pointed down hill right towards a steep decline or tree Going to have to play with its effects on an open side hill.

Thought I remember reading or viewing someone say they use it almost as much as gas? Crazy talk there, would have never thought.

 

[summ8rmk]

when your slowly creeping along through the trees with less track speed and less momentum as can be seen in the photo is the rider is mentally and physically working harder to maintain control of the sled.

DPG

you are kinda right. anybody, including snowmobilers grandma can sidehill a sled at high speeds! even the XP and Yamahas can sidehill easily with speed.
BUT it takes a lot more skill and calculations to do it slow and in control! It takes a lot of practice and mental fitness, It's not for everyone.
I personally enjoy sidehilling slow and in control. you don't have to buy a new a-arm when u hit a tree at 5mph! and u can make lines that the high speed sidehillers can not do. so that gives me and my group different riding areas and in turn leaves all of your high speed sidehilling areas untouched(by me and my group). Now we both have untouched snow to play in all day. It's a win win!
There are a lot of different types of riding groups in snowmobiling. None are better than the other, just different. That is one of the great thing's about our sport.