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How to Carve a Tight Turn
Simple steps to make it through close corners
By Bicycling.com
Taking tight and challenging turns is an art. A great deal of success can be had by simply swearing off the brakes in the corner and preparing to pay the price. Usually you will find that a turn is possible at a much faster speed than you believed. Out on the East Coast, trails with the cheese-maze feel are the rule, and large chunks of time are frequently lost in turns. Here are three ways to get around faster.
BASIC TIGHT TURNSApproach the turn looking as far around the corner as possible.
Keep your weight slightly back and get ready to stab the brakes. At the last moment, hit the brakes to slow you to a speed plausible for the situation. Stay off of the brakes through the turn.
Looking up, place weight on the outside leg and carve your way through the turn. Pedal when it is safe and look at the next section the same way. Try standing slightly if you can, and pump the bike around the tree as if you're skiing. Doing this will preserve momentum through the turn and works the same way a swing stays in motion.
EXPERT TIGHT TURNSIf a counter-steer line exists, it can make a tight turn seem easy--if you know what you're doing.
Plan this line: As you approach the corner, steer to the outside of the trail. Get as far to the side as the trail will allow and try to shave the inside of the turn as closely as you can. You'll then slide out of the turn at an angle that mirrors your approach. This "squaring off" of a corner can really increase your speed and maneuverability.
EXPERT FAST TIGHT TURNSIf the turn has roots and rocks, making a smooth ride unlikely, keep the front wheel light and look for the line with the least undulation. After you brake to a safe speed to enter the turn, thrust the bike forward (bringing your weight toward the rear wheel). Barely touch the rear brake and lift the front end at the same time. In the turn, carve the smoothest line with your weight distributed to favor the outside pedal. Let 'er rip and stay away from the brakes (barring any emergencies).
Originally published in Bicycling magazine. Copyright © Rodale, Inc. 2002
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