BASIC RIDING SKILLS - 2

Braking

The front brake has more stopping power than the rear. The rear contributes to slowing the bike and prevents flipping over the handlebars, and should also be used. Position helps maintain control, especially in emergency situations such as when a car pulls out in front of you. Slide back in the saddle to weight the rear wheel. The cranks should be horizontal, or your lead foot slightly up. On a road bike, your hands should be in the drops and the arms braced.

Both brakes should be applied at the same time. In emergency braking, you should brake harder with the front brake while you continue to brake as usual with the rear. Learn the consequences of over-braking with either brake. When the rear wheel skids, for example, it can be because it is locked up and you need to let up on the rear brake. But normally the rear wheel skids because there is too much weight being transferred forward—the rear wheel is being un-weighted—and you need to let up on the front brake. Practice braking under safe and controlled circumstances and you'll feel more confident braking in emergencies.

Dogs

When chased or attacked by a dog while riding:

• Do not take your feet out of the pedals. This gives dogs an attractive target.
• Not pedaling may lessen the legs as a target. Alternatively, sprinting may remove you as a target!
• Riding in a straight line usually works best. This is especially important when traffic is present.
• Barking and biting dogs are territorial. They will usually leave you alone as soon as you are past their owner's property line.
• Many of the most vicious dogs are trained. A firm, sharp command like "Sit!" may get them to do just that. Alternatively, in as loud and deep a voice as you can, sounding as humanly dominant as possible, shouting something like "Get out of here! Get! Get!" will stop many dogs in their tracks while you continue to pedal briskly away.
• Some riders squirt liquid from their water bottle or threaten dogs with their frame pump. For most of us, it is probably best to keep control of the bike with both hands on the bars and get out of their "territory" as quickly as possible.

Obstacles

Avoiding obstacles by riding safely around them is always the preferred course of action. Small obstacles such as small potholes, branches, or cattle grates can be ridden over. With your cranks horizontal, hands in the drops if you have them, lift your rear end slightly off the saddle. Much less force will be transmitted to damage the bicycle or jar you. Try to avoid ridges and slots that are aligned with your direction of travel (I call them “tire biters”). If you can't avoid them, try to ride perpendicularly across them, as traffic allows.

Crossing Railroad Tracks

Tracks perpendicular to the roadway can often be safely crossed. Try to cross diagonal tracks by riding perpendicularly across them, if traffic allows.

Wet Weather Wisdom

Wet roads, and in particular, wet railroad tracks, manhole covers, and painted lines can be extremely slippery. Be extra cautious when riding in wet weather.

• Wet leaves are very slippery, too, so beware in autumn.
• Try to avoid riding through puddles of which you can't see the bottom. There could be a pothole lurking underneath.
• Wear eye protection to keep rain and grit out of your eyes. Clear or yellow lenses let you see road details on the gloomiest of days. Avoid dark tints.
• Rain and mist reduce motorists' vision, so help them see you by dressing in bright colors and clothing with reflective trim.
• Try to maintain as straight a line of travel as possible, and anticipate the need to avoid obstacles well in advance to avoid having to make sudden direction changes.
• Water reduces the brake pads' friction on the rims. Apply the brakes to both wheels well before you need to slow down or stop so that the water is squeegee'd away. As soon as the rims are dry, the brakes may suddenly grab, so be ready to lighten your grip or you may skid.
• Lean the bike gently into turns on wet roads. Although wet roads don't automatically mean less traction, always assume that they do.

Black Ice

Be extra cautious when riding in winter. Black ice can be hard to see until you are right on top of it. If you find yourself on ice, pedal slowly or coast and ride in a straight line until you are safely off of the ice. Do not apply the brakes - you will slide.

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