Look ahead

[manual63]

Originally posted by BrightYellow
Look at the trail where you want to go, not at the obstacle that you are trying to avoid. :D

This was one that took me a long time to get used to. I would always look just in front of my bike at the ground, but would be surprised or unprepared for the next turn or object. By looking further down the trail, you can plan you lines better and the close things will actually be easier to navigate because you have already picked a line.

[ice ice baby]

It's like driving a car, you don't look directly in front of you - unless your Jenny. :banana: :banana:

[grizzly adam]

Your hands follow your eyes.

[Trevize1138]

This was one that took me a long time to get used to. I would always look just in front of my bike at the ground, but would be surprised or unprepared for the next turn or object. By looking further down the trail, you can plan you lines better and the close things will actually be easier to navigate because you have already picked a line.

Man, so many good tips on the basics back in the archives! Yes, look ahead. One thing night riding taught me was that all the rocks and logs you see on the trail look 2X larger in daylight than they really are. Very strange.

So, look ahead, just about ignore what's immediately ahead and you'll be surprised what you don't notice.

[bigwheel]

I usually like to look backwards.

That way if I fall, I'll see what I just hit. But if I make it, I can see how difficult a trail I'm able to ride.

[Paul Swenson]

This Picture Of ShadFox is a good example of what not to do. Looking over to the side, probably distracted by a small furry mammal, his bike will follow his eyes and he is sure to ride of the side.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/snap1234/shadfox.jpg

[manual63]

What's funny about this is that I was falling off of the side. I was on the skinny part and this is my landing from hopping sideways onto the wider part to keep from falling into the little creek underneath. I think it's a goofy picture and my facial expression shows it. Soon after this, I did a front flip over my bars and landed right on my feet.....it's a stunt I have been practicing for quite a while now.

[bwsmithcom]

looking where you want to go instead of where you dont want to be is great advice! i learned that from ned overend's book and it has definitely increased my skills.