Conquering downhill fears

[SouthernBelle]

I have gotten better on the downhills. The first time I take a big descent I am cautious. Checking out the line, road conditions, etc. But every time I take that hill thereafter, I get a little braver.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

[maillotpois]

Coyote -

A couple of suggestions:

1. Make sure your bike fit is correct. You'd be amazed at the effect of proper bike fit on your downhill riding stability.

2. Consider hiring a coach to ride with you and watch you descend. Working with a coach can be tremendously helpful - we can all give you tips here on weight, balance and form but that pales in comparison to having real time feedback from someone watching YOU descend.

3. As you know, keep your speed where you're comfortable. It'll get faster over time, but keep it in control.

Have fun!

[indigoiis]

I used to have this little bmx style bike, when I was a kid. It had coaster brakes. I learned to go downhill getting off the seat a little, head low, arms tucked, butt waaaaayyyy back, pedals level.

I no longer have that little bike, but I use the same technique on my "big girl" bike.

It makes me feel like if I fall, at least I'm all tucked up nice and neat.

[whippetgirl]

I'm kind of chicken on the downhills, too. I always feel like I'm holding back my friends, but they still ride with me!
But, I have learned some things, too. Others have said them, but I think the most important thing (other than a well-fitting bike) for me is to push my bottom back as far as feels comfortable. It is amazing how that seems to stabilize your balance on the bike on the descents. Also, if you "feather" your brakes, your hands won't get so tired.

[coyote]

Thanks everyone, I've really gotten a lot out of this. Since my venture last week, I've been able to go down some inclines at a normal speed and with a lot less apprehension. I'm by no means ready to do any of the serious climbs around here but all in good time and probably with other experienced cyclist.

[OakLeaf]

A lot of descending is a visual skill - knowing where to look. Look through the turns to the road ahead of you. Learn to spot possible road hazards well in advance, then position yourself to avoid them and *don't* stare at them as you approach. It'll come.

[Zen]

I think we all know what to do but doing it is another thing altogether. Evey one has their personal goblin. For one person it's unfamiliar roads, for someone else it's chipmunks, fallen branches, feelings of lack of control,any number of things.
For everyone, it's more psychological than technical.

[RoadRaven]

A lot of descending is a visual skill - knowing where to look. Look through the turns to the road ahead of you. Learn to spot possible road hazards well in advance, then position yourself to avoid them and *don't* stare at them as you approach. It'll come.

Oakleaf - extremely valid point

Learning the right line to take on descents can make it so much easier - I use the full width of the road, sweeping from the edge to the middle lines and back according the sharpness of the corner and the camber (sp?) of the road.

This makes descending much easier than if you try and stay on the edge of the road all the time as you do when on the flats.

[Jiffer]

My first downhill experiences were on the back of a tandem with a husband driver who is used to going fast. I know he went slower than he normally would, but I'd still be yelling, "Scary! Scary! Maybe we should slow down!" Eventually, I stopped saying that and the downhill speeds just got faster. Our fastest yet was 50 mph on a short stretch. Talk about exhilerating! A tandem is heavier and more secure feeling, though. The fastest I've gone on my single is somewhere in the mid to high 30's. Maybe 40 at the most. No need to push it past what you're comfortable with. Good for you for working toward conquering your fears.