Corner Entry Speed

[Xusia]

The instructor at the ART class I took a couple years ago said that improper corner entry speed (i.e. going in too fast) was the #1 cause of single vehicle bike accidents. Based on my own observations, I would have to agree. We all now these bikes "go" twice as well as they stop, so what to do?

1. Encourage others to always ride within their means - especially newer and lesser skilled riders. "The Pace" is a great article for "riding your own ride." Ride leaders should both practice and preach that as well so slower riders know they can easily catch up if they fall behind in the corners.

2. Don't look at the speedometer. I can almost hear everyone saying "What?!?" When pushing the limits of your skill around corners, the speedometer is nothing more than a dangerous distraction. It takes your eyes off the road. Also, examine why you would want to look at it. It's usually because you want to make sure you aren't going too fast. Here's big hint: If you aren't SURE you're speed is fine, then it probably isn't. Slow down. If your speed winds up being too slow for the corner, use the throttle and rail out of it (proper street riding technique is to begin acceleration prior to corner entry anyway). Street riding is not racing and there's no reason to try and enter a corner too hot. This advice works very well when riding "The Pace."

There, I've gone out on a limb. Let the flaming begin. :lets-eat:

[v8zman]

good post,i agree

[Jane Honda]

Flaming? I dont think so! This is good advice for everyone...experienced and in-experienced. If you can find that article, feel free to paste it into a post sometime. I'm sure alot of us would enjoy the read. :thumbup:

[Xusia]

Tron has it in his tag line on a couple posts:
The Pace 1 (http://www.calhsta.org/library/pacepart1.html)
The Pace 2 (http://www.calhsta.org/library/pacepart2.html)



Flaming? I dont think so! This is good advice for everyone...experienced and in-experienced. If you can find that article, feel free to paste it into a post sometime. I'm sure alot of us would enjoy the read. :thumbup:

[Jane Honda]

ahhh....ok...Im going to read it now. thanks :thumbup:

[chadWTB]

That was a great post and I learned a lot from The Pace article. The topic is timely after last Sunday’s group ride. The four other riders in the group were considerably faster and more skilled. That wasn’t a big deal because I just stuck to my comfort/skill level and caught up with the group at the stop points.

It was the heat and the crazy downhill curves of our route that thoroughly humbled me and at the time destroyed my riding confidence. I am not sure what road we were on, maybe Crow or Wolf Creek, but wow was it ever an excellent route to test The Pace strategy. The downhill reliance on the brakes to control speed made my entry into every corner very sloppy and full of hesitation. I knew that this was not the ride to push things, so my speed or safety was never an issue but the thrill of carving up the corners seriously suffered as I timidly let go of the brakes and pushed into the turn.

I plan on heading out there again when it’s cooler so I can work on the braking to cornering transition. I think my front brakes may also be in seriously need of servicing as they’ve become a bit mushy and offer little after the initial bite.

Anyway, glad we’re talking about this kind of thing.

[Jane Honda]

I think my front brakes may also be in seriously need of servicing as they’ve become a bit mushy and offer little after the initial bite.

Anyway, glad we’re talking about this kind of thing.
Chad, this is going to sound wierd, but if your front brake is a bit mushy as you discribed, I had the same problem and someone suggested that I "Bind" my brake lever in the TIGHT braked position with a bungee cord overnight and it would stiffin it up. I did it and WOW! It really solved the problem! Just close your hand break as tight as you can and wrap it to the handlebar grip and leave it over night and it will be awesome the next morning. Don't know exactally why this works...maybe it lets the air bubbles that might be in the system out overnight, but it sure does work. Sorry, I know this was off topic, but just wanted to make the suggestion.
I did get a chance to read The Pace 1 and 2 and they were both really great reads and I would highly reccommend anyone read them!:thumbup:

[chadWTB]

Right on! I'm off to work but will tie the brake lever closed on the way out. I love these kind of suggestions, just shows the wealth of knowledge we all have and how a forum records the knowledge for everyone. I'll let you know if it helped.

[Jane Honda]

The initial post and the information was great!! :clapping: :thumbup:

When I have more time, I will read the Pace.


I am curious as to the break lever trick worked or not.

[kneedragger26]

Never heard of the bungee cord thing, but air can be a big problem in smaller brake systems. I do know that the less I can see around a corner then the more I am going to hang on the brakes. Its just expecting the unexpected. In a race track environment, there is no question what is coming up, but in a wooded section I become cautious.

What really helps me and I learned it from, Twist of the Wrist, years ago is keeping my head up in the turn and not focusing too close in front of me

[Jane Honda]

Excellant suggestion, kneedragger.. By the way, if anyone would like a copy of twist of the wrist I or II, it is in stock at Barns & Nobel in Eugene.

[dsfiss]

Good post, and good article (The Pace.) I'm very curious to see if it will have any impact on the group rides taken on bike nights.

Funny enough, I just picked up a book, "sport riding techniques", from the same guy (Nick Ienatsch). I had only just started reading it and so far I've found it very informative. (For example, as a relatively new rider I tend to think about my MSF class, and how the teachers there stressed keeping hands off the brake lever while riding - probably to inspire confidence. Well, this guy tries to encourage keeping hands ON the brake pedal to reduce response time. Both explanations probably are sound based on the rider's experience level.)

Well anyway, it wasn't until I finished reading the link to the article that I picked up the book off my coffee table and found it in there, too. So for people looking for an interesting read I'll recommend "sport riding techniques", by Nick Ienatsch.

[extrmebase]

Come on now...I'm dying to know if the bungee thing worked...My brakes are fine, but stopies are on my list so they might not be soon (I will probably never get the back tire more that six inches)

[TRON]

I gave the bungee technique a try on my VFR and it does work. Didn't realize how mushy my front brakes really were until after feeling how consistent they are now. Next is to repair the 929 (waiting for the stator and regulator/rectifier to arrive), install steel braided brake lines and apply the same bungee technique to the brakes after I finish bleeding them...

Great info!