Reply To: And a question about gravel and oil
August 23, 2010 at 2:27 pm
#28262
CBBaron
Participant
The biggest thing on any loose surface (gravel, dirt, bridge grates, grooved pavement, etc.) is to hang loose and mostly let the bike do its thing. The problem is a new rider tends to stiffen up or grab too much brake causing a skid. Stay loose and “go with the flow”.
Same for slick patches in corners (gravel, oil, wet leaves). Leave yourself margin when entering a corner and most of these obstables will just cause you to slide off your line a little before getting traction again. Once you do the bike will correct itself and it will just be a quick puckering experience. If you are on the edge ofcourse then this doesn’t apply.
Craig