Riding smoothly w/o wobbling all over?

[Bethany1]

Took my new cross bike out lost control of the bike and ended up 20 feet down a ravine. Day before I was just wobbly trying to keep a nice smooth pace and line just on the road. I take the bike in on Thursday and hopefully only needs some minor fixes and not some new parts. It's sickening knowing you've only put about 10 miles on it and may need a new front rim and crankset. I've got some nasty bruises and from my waist up is pretty sore. Rib cage is still tender after a few days but I'm getting better.

So..how do you work on keeping control of the bike and ride nice and smooth so you don't end up as road kill or dumped down a ravine? It would really help.

Thanks

[Owlie]

Ouch! I'm glad you're okay, apart from the bruises.

What happened? Were you going around a corner and slid out? Or did you tip over?

I may not be the best person to answer, because the last time I rode the cross bike I nearly wiped out on gravel.

[Catrin]

Were you on pavement or gravel? Let us know what happened and your riding conditions. Very glad to hear YOU are ok outside of some bruises! I crashed on a regular basis when I was still riding off-road so I know how you feel. Bruised ribs aren't fun.

[Bethany1]

I was going down the gravel road, crossed part of the wooden bridge, hit something and the tires caught between the slats. Thankfully I crossed the bridge but went down the ravine just past the railing. I cross the bridge all the time and figured I was good. The front tire bounced up with the drop bars hitting me right in the chest.

I had just planned on heading to the back road and work on not being so wobbly with the front wheel and keeping a safe speed. I'd hit 30 mph the day before w/o even trying just being on a slight downhill and knew I needed better handling skills ASAP.

I'd pulled out my two books on road bike skills, but nothing specific on how to keep a straight line and balance. Most of the books are built for racing and figure you already know what you are doing. Love the bike and it fits so much better than the first road bike I had. It's nice to just get on the bike, ride and keep a nice cadence. Any slight lean or hand movement and the bike moves..like it's supposed to so better handling skills is a must.

I just see all the cyclists on TV or when I get up in Lincoln with graceful riding skills.

[Becky]

What was your tire pressure at the time?

[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.

[ny biker]

I'd pulled out my two books on road bike skills, but nothing specific on how to keep a straight line and balance.

Are you using too hard a gear?

[Catrin]

MTB skills certainly help with gravel road riding - and no two gravel roads are the same, as I have found out. Stopping on gravel is still "interesting" for me, and I prefer to go on dirt, grass or pavement to start and stop if at all possible as those are more stable surfaces. Please keep us posted on how things progress!

[withm]

I suppose this could be a bike fitting issue. Riding a too small or a too big bike will be wobbly for sure. Same for short stems.

[Bethany1]

If I don't have to order bike parts tomorrow, I'm thinking about adding mountain drop bars to the bike. My Fargo had Woodchippers which I loved..totally comfortable and felt completely stable at any speed. Guy on the MTBR forum suggested Cowbells. They don't flare out so much like the Woodchippers so I wouldn't have to worry about taking out a tree.

Coming from a nearly 40lb bike to something that's like 27ish? is a huge weight difference as the same as tire width. 4inch down to 35. Once I get up and moving I'll be working on handling.

Gearing is different as well. I ran out of gears going down hill and needed some going uphill.

Hoping I don't hurt so much tomorrow and that my bike is fixable at the shop.

[MollyJ]

I don't think I have much to add here. Might be a gravel and speed thing. I have a road bike and occasionally cross railroad tracks. I was diligently crossing the tracks perpendicular to the track and navigated track 1 okay but came at it wrong on track 2 and went down faster than you could say, "thar she blows". Time and keep going and keep problem solving.

[Bethany1]

THANK YOU to all that have responded. I spent a day working on handling skills and my riding has improved. I still look drunk when I ride but I have more confidence and better control than I ever used to have. Worked on balance, turns/corners and relaxing. I can't tell you how nice and safe it feels to have a bike that shifts amazingly and is comfortable to ride.

[Owlie]

MTB skills certainly help with gravel road riding - and no two gravel roads are the same, as I have found out. Stopping on gravel is still "interesting" for me, and I prefer to go on dirt, grass or pavement to start and stop if at all possible as those are more stable surfaces. Please keep us posted on how things progress!

Yes... I haven't tried to brake on gravel, yet. I'm a little leery of it...or riding on it, period.