someone once told me to count thrins through in 3’s.
so look ahead, say theres a dip, a serction of roots and a corner.
Then think pump, lift, brake.
The logic being 3 is an easy number of instructions to remember, and it helps learn tracks quicker. I know for a fact that it sped me up on one local run, as the more you do, the more you think about each instruction and make mental notes like rather than jsut pedal, i need 3 cranks in 7th gear.
It now starts with 3 cranks (flat bit) , pump lift pump (steep chute with some roots halfway down) , 5 cranks (straight bit).
then……
left, right crank
then……
brake, get into the rut, right.
etc etc etc
And huge tires help (2.4’s here) run low.
Keep weight verticaly over the BB
Hump the stem in corners
Fit tiny disk rotors, it saves weight and you’ll go faster.
Realise there are exceptions to rules, like cornering isnt always possible wit the outside foot down, it may even me quicker to pump it if theres enough grip with the cranks level.