Drifting

[gazguildford]

Hi guys,
On some of my fav routes I have some steep hills made up up light gravel with corners at the bottom.
I was giving it the beans one particular time when I reached the corner the front very nearly tucked giving one hell of a buzz but I lost a bit of confidence in the tyre, I've read a few things and it says although tyres are obviously important you'd be better of learning to drift and ride into the slide.
How can this be practiced or will it just be a case of give it some down these hills and gain experience even if I end up fighting the bushes?

 

[mickeydrippin60]

Its like when your a kid and you do skids round a corner and turn in to it to straight again best to practice on a wet Field to save your tyres

 

[gazguildford]

I know what drifting is lol but I also wanted to know how to practice so thanks lol

 

[mickeydrippin60]

By riding your bike

 

[marzjennings]

Setting up two obstacles to ride a figure of 8 to practice cornering is an easy way to learn the limits of you and your tyres. Also there's nothing wrong with with re-riding a section of trail a few times to improve your line on it.

Are you sitting or standing as you ride that loose corner? Standing up in attack position through a loose corner will give you more options as the tyres break free.

 

[screenman]

I would have though keeping the centre of gravity low, along with being able to get a foot down, would be better than standing on a loose corner.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Drifting? Knee pads, elbow pads, and maybe a full face helmet, as learning controlled drifting can be a painful process.

 

[gazguildford]

That's what I'm concerned about lol I'm sure I'll pick it up as I go along.
The real problem I suppose is getting round the corner without enduring gravel rash or loosing momentum but still being as stable and as safe as possible

 

[PaulSecteur]

Ever thought of getting some training? Most trail centres will have some sort of bike school.

Usually the have set classes, or you can do individual (or with a few mates) so you can really nail what you want training on.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ever thought of getting some training? Most trail centres will have some sort of bike school.

Usually the have set classes, or you can do individual (or with a few mates) so you can really nail what you want training on.

^ This.

Though these folk will get him sorted http://www.allbikedup.com/ and on his doorstep too. (and will ask him to wear appropriate protection ime.)

 

[gazguildford]

Thanks, to be honest I think I'd rather just pick things up as I go along and enjoy myself it seems a bit serious for me

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Thanks, to be honest I think I'd rather just pick things up as I go along and enjoy myself it seems a bit serious for me

Whilst I understand the rationale the likelihood is that all you will pick is gravel, scabs and bad habits!

 

[gazguildford]

Not everyone has the money for such things and I am no exception lol
However I agree it's a good idea if 1) funds were available 2) if I was a bit further into my riding hobby

 

[Cubist]

Ok, start with a downhill ish section with a bit of loose surface material in a turn. You're actually aiming to square off the turn by drifting the back wheel only. Front slides are rarely predictable and take huge skills to recover without high-siding. Ride into the turn and squeeze the back brake hard enough to lock the wheel on the loose surface, whilst at the same time have your inside foot off the pedal ready to dab if necessary. Look out of the corner the way you want to go and use your hips to push the centre of the bike inline with the direction you want to exit the turn in. You don't need to have the brake applied for very long, in fact by the time the wheel locks and drifts its already time to let go and straighten the bike up. Power o to the pedals as soon as you are facing the way you want to go.

Tips. Wear long trousers or knee pads.
Don't practise where people have spent hours of their life building a quality trail, skidding knacks the surface.
You're playing, not training.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Also, if you see other riders that look skilled and not on a strava mission, you could ask them their technique.

I have seen a few a-holes on the trails but generally most people are cool and will help out if they can. They can only say yes or no.