If you like single track, you have situations where there is not enough
space to do a very tight corner, or you need to do a u-turn. You can also hit logs that are
extreme angles with no run-up. Pivot turns are a very handy technique. If you have a trials bike,
it will be much easier to learn the pivot turn on that first,
then transfer the technique to enduro bikes. Done properly, you can actually turn around
in less than the length of your bike. Long legs are definitely an advantage,
but you can often use the terrain to your advantage if you are short. Put a foot out
to the side and 30cm ahead of the footpeg. If you have a choice, this works better
turning left as you can cover the rear brake in case you start to flip the
bike. Release the clutch with a blip of the throttle and pull the bike into a wheelie.
You need to pull back on the bars and also in the
desired direction. Feather the clutch so the bike won't stall.
You will probably drop the bike when first learning this, so try finding a
grassy gentle uphill slope to learn on and just aim for small turns at first. As you progress,
try this in figure eights so you can do both directions well and work up to 180 degree turns.
Short legs? When in gnarly terrain, it is a huge help if you can find a rock or
bank to stand on when making your pivot turn. If you watch enduro cross races,
you'll frequently see riders using this technique when there is a 180 turn on
big rocks. You can also use small rocks an other obstacles as "kickers" - place
the front wheel against them for extra lift as you do your pivot turn.
Pivot turns over logs. Pivot turns are a great way to cross
logs when there is no run up or room to tackle them head on. Start with a small log and park
your bike parallel. Place your inside foot on top of the log a few inches in front of your footpeg.
Use the basic pivot turn technique above and make sure it is all in one
fluid motion - you will need to build up sufficient momentum for the bike to cross
the log without needing traction on the log. Wet logs or loose bark
will quickly see your rear wheel sliding along the log if you keep the throttle on!
Don't worry if the bike doesn't make it over - at least you have the front wheel over. If the
bashplate is resting on the log, pull the bike back until the rear wheel has traction. Stand
on the footpegs with your body weight to the rear, then quickly release the clutch with a
blip of the throttle to start a wheelie. As the rear wheel hits the log, throw your body weight
forward and back off the throttle to avoid wheel spin and momentum should finish the job for you.
If you are stuck on a large log or ledge, you
can use a pivot turn to get back down with minimum energy and time wasted. Pull back
on the bars till the rear wheel is firmly planted. Put one leg on the ground then
apply enough throttle and clutch to momentarily wheelie the bike and spin it off the obstacle.
The floater turn. While rarely needed,
this is an advanced trials technique that definitely looks cool if you can nail it on
your enduro bike. In an extremely tight turn, there may be a vertical face or large obstacle
that you can bounce your front wheel off in a way that will spin the bike around.