taking corners
On the football field I love taking corners. Drill one in low and hard in the danger zone between the keeper and the defenders, hoping someone will get something onto it. Float a looping in-swinger to the back post, hoping someone will nod it in....
On the bike, cornering is not something I pay much attention to. In races I try to take minimum risk. I've seen people come down and I've been knocked over by others on tight corners like the Ishikawa Road Race. Even at a race like Ogawa, where I can pass many on the climb, only to be passed again by the risk takers on the descent, I won't be tempted.
However, cornering is an important skill and is something that will be important in Sunday's TT and road race.
Today I devoted some time to practice going through corners and tight bends. The rice fields in the Shindou ~ Nota valley is the perfect place. Quiet roads. Lots of T junctions. Little traffic. Excellent visibility. There is even a nice S – shaped chicane.
As you practice going through the corners, things you often hear said but rarely pay much attention too, come to mind:
- brake before the corner
- take the corner wide
- choose a line and stick to it
- look through the corner
- more stable in the drops
- choose a lighter gear to drive out of the corner
In Sunday's road race I expect the bunch to become strung out snake like through the corners. As you exit the corner, you have to sprint to keep contact. Out of the saddle and shifting through the gears.
Hopefully I can ride in the safest place near the front. I won't take risks, but I don't want to be dropped either.
Monday's training: cornering technique (48 km, 30 kmph)
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Andy,
Interesting blog. But who are you calling "risk-takers"? It is all relative. Depends on your level of skill. Everytime you get on the bike (and line up for a road race) you are taking a risk. Motor-pacing seems very risky to me. And riding those scary tunnels in Tokyo-Itoigawa also scares me just thinking about it!
Take good care, and ride within your limits!
Yes, Andrew I guess being a good descender or crit-racer doesn’t make you a risk taker. If you have the technical advantage, use it!
We are lucky to live in these parts where the roads are good and the traffic sparse. I hate the roads from Tokyo to Itoigawa and would never dream of riding them if not for the race. Think of all the beautiful old passes that must exist above those tunnels!
Sure motorpacing has its risks but I would think it’s safer than riding in traffic alone.
Of cousre the safest riding is in pairs on quiet country roads. Looking forward to our next ride together!