Confession to make

[Catrin]

While my starting technique is still unique, probably, I found myself doing something different on my ride today. In the past I have only been able to start with my butt entirely on the saddle and my tippy-toes on the ground with my calf on the edge of cramping....but my seat post must come higher which means I can't start that way anymore.

So today I experimented with something else. A portion of my butt is still on the saddle - the bike is still leaning over pretty far and most of my foot is still on the ground - and I started just fine

The first time I did this it was very quick and easy - the times I practiced after that was slower, due to over-thinking, but it was great progress. Now I just need to keep practicing until it becomes second nature. Stopping properly is fine, but starting has to become instinctive and it isn't quite there yet. That has to change before I can consider urban riding.

[OakLeaf]

One thing just occurred to me: do you stand in the pedals sometimes?

Basically, when you're starting from a stop, you have to stand on the pedals. Maybe it would be easier for you to get used to that if you practiced riding standing up without adding the additional challenge of bringing the bike from leaning to upright.

[Catrin]

One thing just occurred to me: do you stand in the pedals sometimes?

Basically, when you're starting from a stop, you have to stand on the pedals. Maybe it would be easier for you to get used to that if you practiced riding standing up without adding the additional challenge of bringing the bike from leaning to upright.

I do stand when I am stopping, so that helps. I think that I actually did it once today the "proper" way, but almost fell over. It was much easier to start half-way leaning over...

I won't stand and pedal since I am not clipping in right now, but I can try to stand and coast - or at least partially stand.

[OakLeaf]

As long as there's no slipperiness between your shoes and your pedals, you don't need to be clipped in to stand. I do it in street shoes on my hybrid all the time, to accelerate quickly.

[Catrin]

As long as there's no slipperiness between your shoes and your pedals, you don't need to be clipped in to stand. I do it in street shoes on my hybrid all the time, to accelerate quickly.

Hmmm, good point. I DO have all of those pins on my BMX pedals.

[crazycanuck]

I'm lost..

Catrin, have you thought of starting by something stationery & practicing that way?? I have to do it when i get stuck going over a logover uphill..I have to hold onto a tree, get my feet into the right position and push off. It's the same for road etc. Balance is the key.

I know this is a bit off topic but in the past few weeks of doing track, starting off has become easier n easier. I used to be frightened of a coach behind holding the bike but have started to trust the bike in some way.

I guess what i'm trying to say is that it does get easier. (well, except starting uphill on pea gravel..)

[jusdooit]

Catrin you are almost there. I clip in my left foot & put it in the 2 o'clock position, my bike is leaning to the right, I'm just not on the saddle. I then push off with my right foot while raising myself onto the saddle. The raising up forces the left foot forward. I am seated before my left foot even reaches the bottom of the pedal stroke. Right foot on......clipped and away we go.