Teaching for loose surface?

**george formby** · 21st April 2012, 10:26

Just a quickie. I'm going to try & teach my gf how to feel comfortable with her trail bike getting a little loose this afternoon, like on a gravel road. A bit nervous about it, obviously. I'm going to start with getting her to stand & keep the bike upright & stable using her body weight then progress to a slalom where she will eventually have to use the throttle to kick the bum out a bit. Softly, softly.

We are not looking for the next NZ Enduro champion here, just a bit of practice to understand loose surface dynamics & build confidence.

Any thoughts, tips, advice most welcome. Doing it is one thing, teaching another if you get my drift. (ha, a pun!)

**george formby** · 21st April 2012, 12:31

Bumpty bump. Plastic shattering time approaches. Youtube is strangely useless on this subject. Should I cocoon the bike in bubble wrap?

**slofox** · 21st April 2012, 12:37

Make sure the insurance is current...

**george formby** · 21st April 2012, 12:38

Originally Posted by slofox

Make sure the insurance is current...

Ah yes, with good raisin.

**slofox** · 21st April 2012, 12:41

Originally Posted by george formby

Ah yes, with good raisin.

I can't really offer you any sound advice on this one - bein' a road warrior an' all...

In my experience, the less rider input the better on loose stuff - hang loose, go with the flow etc etc. But I bet you don't need to be told that anyway.

**Ender EnZed** · 21st April 2012, 12:43

Get her to try just giving it heaps (or as much as necessary) to get the back wheel spinning while still heading in a straight line. Getting comfortable with the sensation of the back wheel doing something different might be easier without trying to change direction at the same time.

**george formby** · 21st April 2012, 12:47

Originally Posted by slofox

I can't really offer you any sound advice on this one - bein' a road warrior an' all...

In my experience, the less rider input the better on loose stuff - hang loose, go with the flow etc etc. But I bet you don't need to be told that anyway.

Yup, I have the basics & have thought through exercises which will hopefully lead too her being confident with the bike moving & learning to rear wheel steer when required. I'm hoping an off road mentor might be able to give me some tried & tested techniques for progressive learning rather than my make it up as I go along situation.
Their are much betterer teachers here than me.
Ah well, a nail biting & fun afternoon ahead. The grass is wet now too

**gunnyrob** · 21st April 2012, 13:36

Try this! (some good stuff here)

**chasio** · 21st April 2012, 13:57

Originally Posted by gunnyrob

Try this! (some good stuff here)

Nice one, thanks

**Phreaky Phil** · 21st April 2012, 14:04

I would suggest taking things very slowly, not sure how much riding she has done, but what is easy and natural for some one who has been riding for years will freak a newbie out. I dont necessarily agree with teaching them straight away to stand up. When sitting they feel more comfortable and can put a foot down. If they mess it up standing up they will probably fall off before they can get a foot down to balance things.

**Woodman** · 21st April 2012, 15:57

Trying to think of something constructive to say, but can't think of anything.

Um.. learn to brake confidently and to relax, not every bump/slide/wobble is a precursor to a big crash.

**sleemanj** · 21st April 2012, 16:33

My advice FWIW (which isn't much), is that if riding gravel roads more confidently is her (your) aim, then there is only one thing to do, that is ride more gravel, for longer, at the pace that SHE sets.

Don't focus on going faster, or technique. Her aim should be to just get over the fact that you are riding on gravel so that she can RELAX.

It will help if she reminds herself out loud, to relax, to loosen up, it will help to bring her attention to her physical state, so she will notice that she has a death grip on the bars, or her muscles are all tensed up.

**Waipukbiker** · 21st April 2012, 16:50

Just my input,

The most effective way to learn balance, throttle control and how to compensate for the bikes wheels not staying in their intended path is by doing trials riding

The best way to get someone used to standing up is to practise doing a full lock turn standing up and not put a foot down and make this a figure 8 so she gets used to doing it both ways. , Im not suggesting climbing over logs etc but even find a muddy slippery patch somewhere and go through it slowly standing and let the wheels slide around learn how to compensate, also, when you get onto a shingle road to practise, stand up in 1st or second gear and zig zag down the road going across the loose shingle between the wheel tracks and get used to the feel of the wheels moving around in the loose stuff, If she gets some confidence doing this then gravel roads will be so much easier and safer.

As mentioned in the previos post, it is so important that she be able to ride within her comfort zone at whatever speed that may be, being put under speed pressure by other riders is a recipe for injury and loss of self confidance. Always remember that saying, Its not about the destination, its about enjoying the ride getting there.

Ride safe and have fun

Cheers

**tri boy** · 21st April 2012, 17:23

Originally Posted by sleemanj

My advice FWIW (which isn't much), is that if riding gravel roads more confidently is her (your) aim, then there is only one thing to do, that is ride more gravel, for longer, at the pace that SHE sets.

Don't focus on going faster, or technique. Her aim should be to just get over the fact that you are riding on gravel so that she can RELAX.

It will help if she reminds herself out loud, to relax, to loosen up, it will help to bring her attention to her physical state, so she will notice that she has a death grip on the bars, or her muscles are all tensed up.

Wot e said.
Oh and phreaky's blurb about not standing up etc.
lil steps first.