Faster road riding is all about taking better control and reading the road more effectively. It isn’t about going flat-out and killing yourself. It’s observing the road well ahead, interpreting what you see quickly, and being prepared for what is about to come, while avoiding the pitfalls of being short-sighted or, worse still, guessing what lies ahead in between massive heaves on the throttle.
The shape of the world before your eyes is the same no matter what speed you do; all you have to do is learn to take it in with clarity and precision. Road furniture, signs, road markings, other traffic, the line of buildings, and the shape of hedges and trees, should all inform your judgment. The trick is teaching yourself to ‘read’ every road as you ride it, no matter how familiar you are with it. This way, you’ll never get complacent and will remain ever-sharp. What’s more, you’ll enjoy your riding more.
Techniques to practise
QUICK LESSONS IN SPEED
This story is from the December 2021 edition of Bike SA.
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This story is from the December 2021 edition of Bike SA.
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