Reading the track.

[Jorja]

Frosty keeps going on to me that I need to learn to "read the track".
He keeps telling me that its part of my problem.
Can someone explain what that means?

[MVnut]

So he's referring to a racetrack I presume ?? or is he being more general ? Very basically on a track try and learn as much as possible about the various parts of the track, 'markers' where you can relate these to what you need to do (accelerate, brake, turn).The track is designed to beat you so you need to learn as much about it as you can. As your speed and confidence increases you will change your perception of these markers and adjust accordingly (or find other markers, that's why you keep learning about the track...don't ever stop learning, just make adjustments for your progress). If you make yourself become more observant you will also gain experience in determining if a particular section of tarseal has more or less grip for instance.......I could ramble on all day but I think just start off slowly and see if you can figure out if this is what Frosty's talking about. All this applies to road riding too, even riding a road you've never ridden before, be observant, pay attention to everything and learn, we all need to keep learning. Have fun (sorry probably rambled too much, hope I didn't bore you)

[ArcherWC]

I think she is more refering to offroad, in which case as it is ALLWAYS changing, you need to learn what effect different obsticals will have on your bike. Then you need to be watching well ahead and preparing for them. NEVER look just ahead of your front wheel or you will be on your ass before you can blink.

[Motu]

Pick your line - look well ahead and plan moves in advance....then when you get to those points they are done without thinking,and you are looking ahead to the next tricky bit.The better the rider and the further ahead they are thinking.What your bike is doing now is not really important,forward planning has taken care of that.

But like learning to ride,it comes in time.....so take the time.

[Rupe]

look for the easy route through, and for stuff coming that could cause a problem.

And the bike normally goes where your looking, so don't look at trees and deep ruts.

And concentrate.

[Jorja]

Offroad riding through forest tracks.We have a nice little loop track that has about twenty corners and a lot of uphill and downhill riding.

[Finn]

Frosty keeps going on to me that I need to learn to "read the track".
He keeps telling me that its part of my problem.
Can someone explain what that means?

Sure. Look out for chains.

Edit: Sorry, it's the booze talking.

[DrewBroadley]

I think she is more refering to offroad, in which case as it is ALLWAYS changing, you need to learn what effect different obsticals will have on your bike. Then you need to be watching well ahead and preparing for them. NEVER look just ahead of your front wheel or you will be on your ass before you can blink.

Something that surprised me in the weekend when shooting Woodville, was Coppins watched the front wheel _a lot_ when going through the first 1/2 of a corner. He would almost fixate on it from the distance and watch the surface of a corners entrance/mid section then look up when accelerating out.

I was surprised, as all riding/driving sports, I've been told to look ahead.

[merv]

I would constantly scan ahead and down in front of the wheel looking at the surface - i.e. eyes up and down all the time. Being an old dirt biker I found it odd when I got my first full face helmet because I no longer had the easy view right in front like I used to have. When looking ahead, look where you want to go, not at the obstructions on the side of the track - look at them, you'll hit them for sure e.g. trees.

Frosty is right, on a dirt bike it is so important to know the surface you are riding on through visual connection to the brain so you are seeing ruts and puddles and the like and you're already ready to react to them if the bike slips out or steers funny or whatever.

Motu is right to about it taking time - it is impossible really for us to truly advise you on this, you've just got to keep doing it and trying stuff and you'll know what feels best for you.