Riding smoothly w/o wobbling all over?

[Crankin]

I looked at that series of drills, Murienn.
Wow. I understand the slow riding and track stand (though I cannot track stand), but I seriously doubt I could ever do any of the others, without killing myself. I feel OK that I can (sometimes) grab my water bottle and drink while riding. I am not willing to risk crashing on my old lady bones to do anything else. I still can't take my right hand off the bar easily, but I do, to signal.
Yesterday, I hit some kind of can in the road while riding. I had slowed, to let 2 people who were crossing the street from the bike trail pass, but I must have been going about 15. I started to wobble, but my skills are improved enough that I could come out of it unscathed. I was more worried about my tires.

[Bethany1]

Thanks for the handling skills site. Did some more online looking. LOL. Me reaching for a bottle on the ground. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, but I understand the technique.

I'd actually lowered the tire pressure as the day before left me kind of bouncy. Coming from a fat bike, tire pressure is crucial or you end up like a beach ball. It's probably not as exaggerated on a lighter bike, but the bounce is still there.

I'd spent the winter rather sick, but rode when I could with my fat bike on the snow. I put my Fargo on the a trainer with a road tire in the back. I worked on intervals and spinning/cadence so I've improved a lot. A trainer really makes you realize how much you suck..LOL.

Looking forward to a better year, both on mountain bike and road. Will go through the skills and work my way up through them.

[thekarens]

I know a few people who swear by MTB skills for their cross and road bike when it comes to smooth riding over rough(er) terrain and/or obstacles. Certainly couldn't hurt. I know the number one skill for me on the MTB when it comes to funky terrain is getting off the saddle. That way the bike can wobble and go all over and I won't lose control.

I'd be interested in hearing how it all works out for you in the long run. I'd love to have a cross bike at some point.