Cornering

 
The essentials you need to know about cornering:


Speed Control on entry

Always aim to get your braking done before a turn, as the bike will remain stable, and your exit speed will be higher. Braking while turning (just like in a car) is not advisable, as the braking force will de-stabilise the bike and cause the wheels to slide out. By setting your speed to a level your comfortable entering the turn at before you arrive, you will give yourself a chance to get the rest of your body into the right position. This in turn will make you faster through the corner, and give you the confidence to add more speed on the next go.


Outside pedal down

When cornering, it is best practise to ride with your outside pedal down (in the 6 0'clock position). This transfers the weight onto the outer edges of the tire, which weights the bike into the turn, generating more grip

Looking to the exit of the turn

Look ahead to where we want to be on the trail, as opposed to what’s directly under the wheel. This will allow you to take the corner more quickly as your brain will be focusing on the next part of the trail.

Twist your hips

Twisting your hips outwards to match your outside foot, will move your weight and body inline with the direction you want to travel in.

Cornering drill

A good practise drill for cornering is to find a series of reasonably tight corners, and spend half an hour practising the techniques in the order above. If you don't have access to woodland trails on a regular basis, then setting up two cones (or logs) approximately 5 metres apart, using them to create a figure of 8 loop will allow you to grasp the basics.