“It’s all downhill from here” has contradictory meanings. It’s the classic half-a-glass-of-water theory on the perception of points of view. For some, going downhill suggests that things are going to get worse while for others, and we include ourselves in this camp, it’s the suggestion that the difficult work is done and smooth sailing is ahead. Many riders distract themselves on long climbs knowing the reward will be a fast, fun and flowy descent. 

Descending confidently with speed is about more than just coasting downhill and for many it remains a source of apprehension. A search on how to improve descending returned an outline with over twenty tips which, at downhill speeds, is a lot to think about. One of our favorite bits of riding advice is a simple thought, “Be a boxer, don’t carry a wheelbarrow.”

To descend safely and confidently on a bike, adopt a boxer-like stance by riding forward in the handlebar drops—balanced, stable, and ready—rather than gripping the bars on the level ends like you’re carrying a wheelbarrow. Your hands are actually closer to the brake levers here plus you’ll have more power and control in squeezing them to the bar. Keep your body low and loose, look far ahead, and brake smoothly before corners, letting the bike lean beneath you while maintaining a consistent, arcing line through turns with your outside foot pressing down.