Dealing with bad surfaces

[tigerbeck]

I have a particular fear of gravel, but also when I ride on roads such as grizzly peak where there are gouges in the pavement mid-turn it really unnerves me. But particularly gravel is the question. I won't even pull over at the wall where the cool kids hang out because I am certain I will fall on my ass. When I pull over anywhere I feel like I am practically in the road because i park in the bike lane. What are some tactics for pulling into and parking on a gravel area? Its inevitable that I will be stiff trying this even though I know that doesn't help. I know I shouldn't use front brake but I did and I fell doing that. Now even on the street under normal situations I use a lot of rear brake.

Becky

 

[flying_hun]

I don't know, Beck, it seems like you're answering your own questions (and you asked a few). A stiff upper body is bad news in all the scenarios you mentioned.

The first step towards relaxing that upper body is to realize that you can't really force your bike to stay upright by being stiff. If anything, the bike will stay upright in spite of your upper body being stiff, not because of it.

Wiggle your fingers, waggle your elbows, be aware of stiffening and consciously direct yourself to relax, and to support your upper body with your core muscles rather than your arms.

When riding over uneven surfaces, such as the pavement on Redwood, keep your eyes up and looking out in front of you. Fixating on those grooves, staring at them, and stiffening up is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. By doing those things, you are creating drama where there is none. Keep looking ahead.

When pulling off pavement and on to gravel, such as to stop on the roadside, do most of your slowing on the pavement. Once on the gravel, depend more on your back brake than your front, but whichever brake you use, apply it smoothly, keeping your eyes up. You'll be fine.

Rich Oliver is having a women's camp this weekend, I think. Too bad you're not there. He'd make all this stuff easy-peasy for you. On that note, sign up for an MSF dirt bike school. One day only. They provide the bikes and gear. You'll learn a little about riding in slippery conditions that will help deal with these fears. Maybe you'll even find you like dirt bikes. Riding in dirt is a great way to become a much better rider.

 

[CaptCrash]

The Hun is right, get your most of your braking once before you leave the road surface! Also, less front brake once you're off the pavement, use the rear more, that way if it locks--well, it's the back. Once you're off the pavement becareful where you put your kickstand down! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13drTch7Et8

 

[squid vicious]

One of the keys to riding on gravel or on any loose surface is to slow down your inputs. Slower handlebar inputs, ease slower into the brakes, ease slower into the friction zone. And as mentioned above, plan ahead: get as much of your turning/stopping done as you can while you're still on the better surface.

One thing that will help you plan ahead (as well as relax and stay loose) is to simply keep your eyes up. One of the golden rules is: You go where you look. The ground is not where you want to go, right? Eyes up!