Next >
< Previous
Get Better Balance
By Selene Yeager
How Slow Can You Go? Pick a rough section of trail scattered with small rocks, roots and other rideable obstacles. See how slowly you can roll through without toppling over. Momentum makes balance easy. Slowing down challenges skill.
Push and Shove. Find an open grassy field where it won't hurt to fall down. Ride side by side with a friend, and alternately shove each other as you roll along. At first take turns, making your pushes obvious. When you get better, throw random "blind" shoves. The idea is to challenge your balance, not start a brawl, so keep the force reasonable.
No Hands, No Eyes. On that same open, smooth field, stand directly in line with a distant object like a tree or a pole. Pedal in the direction of that object. Take one hand off the bar, then the other. When you can hold your line, close your eyes and try it blind. Most riders naturally veer to one side or the other. Do this enough and you'll learn to counterbalance that tendency.
Originally published in Mountain Bike magazine. Copyright © Rodale, Inc. 2002
Next >
< Previous
Biking
|
