I'm impressed at this riding. Fat bike gymkhana

**SuperMac** · 1st December 2012, 04:43

Originally Posted by McFatty1000

Ok, in all honesty, how would one go about practicing something like this safely? Other than just finding an empty parking lot and trying not to fall over...

Start by getting your bike set up, so you can reach the controls comfortably when at full lock.

Next, learn to ride slowly forwards, so that throttle/clutch/rear brake become intuitive

The do a series of turns ('8' and circles), developing the head turn - you need to be totally comfortable riding without ever looking at the controls, but looking where you want to go.

However, have a two-part plan ready for if it feels like it'll drop:
1. Apply power to lift the bike
2. Striaghten up

If you want to stop:
Straighten the bike upright
Go out of the turn at a tangent (look where you want to go)
When the bike's straight line and upright, then brake

Do NOT use the front brake when leant over unless you're really good, if you do you'll most likely panic and 'grab'

Take it in small doses, develop the skill gradually

Oh, and learn how to pick a bike up

But if you're careful, you shouldn't need to

**Subike** · 1st December 2012, 08:39

I guess that eventually being able to to this in a carpark with practice IS possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCGaQMgkzw8&list=UL

**george formby** · 1st December 2012, 09:33

Originally Posted by Subike

I guess that eventually being able to to this in a carpark with practice IS possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCGaQMgkzw8&list=UL

It would take awhile to reach that level & quite a few offs but getting good rather than great is certainly achievable.
I've learned how to control the bike & use proper technique round a course & it feels great, totally changed how I ride. I'm now trying to do it quickly, timing myself round a course or GP 8's. It's really hard! Bloody frustrating at times, the fear of dropping the bike is hard to overcome. I've reached the point where I'm turning the bike on the front brake to get full lock & lean quickly, it scares the crap out of me!!

As posted above, practising the techniques is really low risk, at slow speeds without aggressive braking you just need the presence of mind to give the bike a whiff of throttle to stop it from falling, it doesn't matter if you run a little wide. Using both brakes with the throttle open to do a u-turn is a different kettle of fish and a black art.