By Fred Matheny for
www.RoadBikeRider.com
Got your basic riding
techniques well in hand? Now learn three advanced
moves that come in handy and raise your skills to a
new level.
1. Ride No-Hands
Pro cyclists can ride
no-hands in the middle of the pack on a twisty
descent. Don’t try it! Sometimes, however, you’ll
need two hands free to peel an energy bar or peel
off a vest. Here’s how:
-
Pick a Place.
Look for a straight stretch of road without
obstacles like potholes or side streets. Sit up
and take your hands off the bar, ready to grip
again as you test your balance. When you’re
ready, sit up fully and drop your hands to your
sides. Most riders find it easier to maintain
balance while pedaling smoothly than while
coasting.
-
Be Careful.
Riding no-hands where you live may be illegal,
and it certainly can be dangerous. Practice in
an empty parking lot or back street before
taking your act on the open road. Unless you
have pro-level skills, don’t ride no-hands in a
paceline until you’re last in line.
2. Remove Arm Warmers
While Riding
Now that you can ride
no-hands, it’s easy to remove arm warmers without
stopping. The only problem might be losing one while
stuffing them into your jersey pocket. Here,
courtesy of seven-time Tour de France rider Ron
Kiefel, is how to keep them together.
1. Pull down
warmers. Riding with one hand on the bar, pull
down that arm’s warmer to your wrist. Switch
hands on the bar, then do the same with the
other warmer.
2. Remove first
warmer. Ride no-hands. With your right hand,
grasp the cuff of the left warmer and pull it
off so it hangs from your right hand.
3. Remove second
warmer. Use your left hand to pull off the right
warmer while still grasping the left arm warmer
in the right hand. Voila! One arm warmer is
neatly tucked in the other. Fold the resulting
sausage in thirds and tuck it in your jersey
pocket.
3. Hop Over a Pothole
Ever get trapped near
the curb by a passing car or other riders—and
there’s a gaping pothole right in your path? The
only escape is up and over. Here’s how pro roadies
fly above obstacles (including fallen riders).
-
Assume the
Position. As you approach the obstacle,
coast with crankarms horizontal. Stand on the
pedals with your butt several inches off the
saddle. Your weight should be evenly distributed
between your hands and feet. Think of being like
a cat—or a basketball player in a defensive
stance—ready to uncoil.
-
Spring and
Lift. As you reach the obstacle, crouch
rapidly by bending your knees and elbows, then
spring upwards like you’re jumping. Pull up
equally with your hands and feet so the bike
comes with you.
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