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benelchi -> RE: Bicycling....adventures, experiences, favorite rides etc (6/11/2008 5:42:46 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
quote:
ORIGINAL: benelchi
While I was teaching some junior racers how to track stand, someone took a picture of me demonstrating the technique. I thought I would share the pic.
That. Rocks.
I want to try it, but I'm scared. Can you do it with platforms?
Yes, you can do it with platforms. I usually begin teaching people by having them wear street shoes rather than cleats, until they are solidly track standing.
Tips for anyone who wants to learn:
1) Start on a little bit of a hill (like a driveway), and make sure you are in a moderately low gear.
2) The front wheel needs to be turned (like in the picture), and the front wheel should be pointed straight up the hill (the bike itself should be angled across the hill)
3) Your pedals should be almost level, with the forward pedal on the same side as the direction you have chosen to turn (like in the picture)
4) When you are learning, NEVER EVER use your breaks!!! While the breaks are on you will not be able to balance the bike. This is by far the most common mistake people make when they are trying to learn. (Note: you can use the breaks to come to a stop, but quit using them completely once the bike has stopped or is nearly stopped)
5) The hardest part of a track stand is learning how to back up the bike up, so to begin with don't try to stop. Instead try and immediately back the bike up. This is done by very slightly lifting the weight of the forward pedal and letting the bike roll backwards. Practice this repeatedly until you can consistently let the bike roll at least 1 foot backwards before you put your feet down. If you cannot get the bike to roll backwards find a little bit steeper hill.
6) Once you have mastered backing up the bike, try to track stand by alternating slight forward motion with the now learned backwards motion (You should only move a few inches) to maintain your balance. This part should come very easily, if you have mastered step 5
7) The obvious: Start with both hands on the handle bars!
Following these directions most people can learn a basic track stand in about 30-60 minutes. It does help to have someone watch who knows what you should be doing because people often forget some of these steps as they try and learn.
Have fun!
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