Three Advanced Techniques for Roadies
By Fred
Matheny of www.RoadBikeRider.com
Got your basic riding
techniques well in hand? Now learn three advanced moves that come in handy
and raise your skills to a new level.
1. Ride No-Hands
Pro cyclists can ride no-hands
in the middle of the pack on a twisty descent. Don’t try it! Sometimes,
however, you’ll need two hands free to peel an energy bar or peel off a vest.
Here’s how:
· Pick a Place. Look for a straight stretch
of road without obstacles like potholes or side streets. Sit up and take your
hands off the bar, ready to grip again as you test your balance. When you’re
ready, sit up fully and drop your hands to your sides. Most riders find it
easier to maintain balance while pedaling smoothly than while coasting.
· Steer With Your Butt. In other words, control the
bike with the pressure of your inner thighs against the saddle. Look down the
road at least 30 feet rather than directly in front of your wheel. Relax.
· Be Careful. Riding no-hands where you
live may be illegal, and it certainly can be dangerous. Practice in an empty
parking lot or back street before taking your act on the open road. Unless
you have pro-level skills, don’t ride no-hands in a paceline until you’re last
in line.
2. Remove Arm Warmers While Riding
Now that you can ride no-hands, it’s easy to remove arm warmers
without stopping. The only problem might be losing one while stuffing them
into your jersey pocket. Here, courtesy of seven-time Tour de France rider
Ron Kiefel, is how to keep them together.
1.
Pull down warmers. Riding with one hand on the bar, pull down that arm’s
warmer to your wrist. Switch hands on the bar, then do the same with the
other warmer.
2.
Remove first warmer. Ride no-hands. With your right hand, grasp the cuff of
the left warmer and pull it off so it hangs from your right hand.
3.
Remove second warmer. Use your left hand to pull off the right warmer while
still grasping the left arm warmer in the right hand. Voila! One arm warmer
is neatly tucked in the other. Fold the resulting sausage in thirds and tuck
it in your jersey pocket.
3. Hop Over a Pothole
Ever get trapped near the curb
by a passing car or other riders—and there’s a gaping pothole right in your
path? The only escape is up and over. Here’s how pro roadies fly above
obstacles (including fallen riders).
· Assume the Position. As you approach the obstacle,
coast with crankarms horizontal. Stand on the pedals with your butt several
inches off the saddle. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your
hands and feet. Think of being like a cat—or a basketball player in a defensive
stance—ready to uncoil.
· Spring and Lift. As you reach the obstacle,
crouch rapidly by bending your knees and elbows, then spring upwards like
you’re jumping. Pull up equally with your hands and feet so the bike comes
with you.
· Time It Right. If you jump the bike too soon,
you’ll land on the obstacle you’re trying to avoid. Too late and you’ll plow
your front wheel into it.
· Practice! Lean this technique on a soft
grassy field using something soft like a rolled-up towel as an obstacle so
you won’t crash if you hit it. It’s a good idea to practice with a mountain
bike—the fat tires and sturdy wheels are less likely to be damaged in your
initial attempts at flight.
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