S-Bends
Make those S-bends super silky
How to knit two corners together for the perfect swooping flip-flop
Not linking bends together effectively is a common issue with road riders, even amongst those who have had some form of advanced training. Once you start thinking about where your bike should be to see where the road is going and positioning yourself accordingly, your ride will flow much better, becoming smoother and ultimately quicker. It will also have the effect of keeping the bike more stable and secure. Bear in mind that it’s not something that you can pick up overnight, so be prepared to put in the hours to get it right.
For a left-hand bend, you need to be positioned closer to the centre line; for a right-hand one it’ll be nearer the kerb. Some people have a psychological fear of being too close to the kerb, but the solution is very simple – bring the pace down until you’re comfortable with where you are positioned in the road.
Next, raise your vision to get an early view of what’s ahead, which in turn will determine your positioning and avoid unnecessary corrections. For example, when linking two right-hand bends together there’ll be no need to move in from the left side of the road having identified the second one.
When linking a right into a left, there may be the opportunity to cross the centre line to take a smoother line and get a better view. Providing it’s legal (i.e. not crossing a solid line), this should be done with extreme caution and only considered if there is an advantage to be gained from the manoeuvre.
The moment you have your exit view, you need to be looking as far down the road as you can to see where the next bend goes. It might be 50 or 300 yards away, but the sooner you can identify it, the smoother your line to the next entry point will be.
It is about taking in as much information as possible so you can make a plan.
QUICK TIPS
Set your speed
Take in all relevant reference points to make an assessment as to the severity of a bend in order to set your speed on the approach.
Take a long view
Glide into position, rolling off the throttle and selecting the appropriate gear ready to tip into the first turn. Raise your vision to look as far ahead as you can on the approach.
On your toes
Stay on the balls of your feet. It’s amazing how much more control you’ll have whilst steering, just remember that you may have to move them to change gear or brake.
Keep it steady
Maintain a steady line through the bend, keeping your head up to look where you want to go and the bike will invariably follow.
Imagine a line
As soon as you see where the next bend is going, plan where you want to be. It can help to imagine the perfect line painted on the road, or being left in your wake.
Makes perfect…
The more you practise, the easier it will become. Start off slow and you’ll soon be sweeping through the twisties like it’s second nature.