Call me a slow learner, or Rear brakes rocks!

[The Yeti]

Had another epiphany today.

Went out for a small (80 miles or so) fire road run today. I'm always trying to improve my riding (so I can impress you guys at the next rally  ), so I tried using the rear brake more than I have before.

Now, I'm sure those of you who have previous dirt bike experience know what I'm talking about: the rear brake ROCKS in the dirt!  I have NO dirt bike experience, but have read of the Holy Grail of "learning to finesse the rear brake". I finally found out what that means today.

I was kickin' the rear out diving into turns, learning more about when and where the rear will lock, and just generally really enjoying myself. 

I've always written off the rear brake as not too effective in the dirt...boy, was I wrong!!  Really good stuff.

[loingrader]

yea buddy.  lots different from pavement. 

rear brakes are about all i use in the dirt.

front brakes are about all i use on the street.

it's fun applying new techniques and having them work so damn well isn't it.

like a big light bulb coming on.

[The Yeti]

I can tell I was riding different because today the muscles in my right calf/shin are sore from working that back brake so much. 

Most of the time I used to use the rear brake off-road was just in the really loose stuff, and of course in those conditions, it's REAL easy to lock the rear, that's why I kind of discounted the effectivness of it. But, under better conditions (i.e. hardpack, dirt and small loose gravel), the rear brake is a God Send! I just love locking the rear at a tight apex and whipping the rear around with a little lock/slide/throttle! Makes me grin everytime!