So after four races, and looking at a possible three week
hiatus from cross (largely against my will, due to scheduling conflicts), I spent some time today researching cornering techniques. I’ve
been asking some of my riding buddies for help with cornering, but they haven’t
seemed to be able to communicate with me what I need to think about. Like
learning the sand at Gloucester. Here’s what a few minutes of research turned
up – you’ll find me in the park over the next few weeks working on my skillz.
Lee Waldman writes for Cyclocross Magazine:
He explained the technique. The counter steering is created by pushing down and forward towards the outside of the turn with the part of the bar that’s on the inside. It’s completely counter-intuitive. But, it works. We started slowly; Chris setting the line and my following. Slowly but slowly, I started to understand. He peeled off, following and offering immediate feedback. About half way through our second lap I started to really feel it. The bike would fall into the corner and almost rail itself out the other side. My turns began to get tighter, I was exiting on the inside of the course rather than the outside edge. The wheels weren’t skidding! And even when they were, I was so balanced over the bike that I hardly even noticed, I just kept on pedaling. What a difference! My speed picked up as my confidence grew.
Sean Ahmadi writes that corning skills are important(!):
Take a look at a typical Cat 4 race, which is about 45 minutes long. Usually the difference between first place and 10th place is less than a minute. A technical course could have as many as 20 corners (conservative estimate) in 5 minutes. Now let’s imagine you and another rider with the same power output. Let’s say this other rider takes a corner .5-1 sec. faster than you. That adds up to 1.5-3 minutes by the end of a 45-minute race. Now if that doesn’t get your attention and make you want to jump on your bike and start doing ovals and figure eights until you’re as dizzy as me when I get off the roller coaster with my kids, I don’t know what will.
Here are some other interesting links on cornering - I'm sure there are many more. Please share if you know some!
