Back side of a climb

[Road Viexn]

Like I said before I am very green to riding. My dh is wanting to do a few canyon rides later this summer. I am terrified about going down hill. How do I keep from going totally out of control? How do I keep my speed under control without burning my breaks? Please reassure me that it isn't as bad as my mind is imagining it to be. I picture doing 60 down the canyon and hitting a patch of gravel and going down. So far it has been flat trails and I am just great with that, but I know eventually I need to do more.

[maillotpois]

You might start by reviewing the several threads I found by searching for "descending" in the title: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/search.php?searchid=2918597

[ny biker]

First, don't forget to breathe.

Second, feather your brakes. That means braking lightly to reduce your speed but not completely coming to a stop. Brake with both hands evenly (front and back brakes) to avoid skidding with your rear tire or going over the front. Practice this on more gentle hills so you get comfortable with it. Brake lightly, release, brake lightly again, release, etc. to control your speed.

Third, keep your feet level -- pedals at 3:00 and 9:00.

Fourth, unpucker your butt. :eek:

Fifth, don't forget to breath.

[marni]

follow NYbikers' advice but also remember it depends on the steepness and length of the descent. You may actually have to stop at some point and let your rims cool off a bit. This especially true if there are also curves involved. On a long straighr roller where you can see what is coming you can afford to let yourself run out a bit and then feather to slow and then run out again and feather again. However if there are curves inbetween, you definitely have to slow more to get around the curve and then can't really let yourself run in between, hence to need to stop and let your wheel rims cool.

marni

[ny biker]

I thought of an edit after I went to bed last night -- keep your pedals level only while you're going straight. For curves and turns, put your outside foot down for balance, just like normal turning.

[malkin]

If it is steep and you are using the back break, be sure to keep your weight back over the back wheel.

Go as slow as you need to go to feel safe and comfortable. You'll have more fun and gain skill and confidence to go a little faster.

Some people practice falling on purpose on grass, but I get enough experience falling in real life that I don't feel the need to fall on purpose.

Wear your helmet!
Wear your gloves!