WHO'S WORLD OF FANTASY WILL YOU DIVE INTO NEXT?

Interesting thing about riding on a loose surface: it’s not as easy as it looks!

Ok, if you’re going in a straight line, then yeah, that’s easy.

Imagine, though, that you are on a track (an athletic track, for example) and have to tackle the corners as fast as possible without losing time or crasing! Now, that’s less straightforward… Hit the (wrong) brakes at the wrong time or overshoot the corner, and you might just as well go singing “This world is not my world”.

Our track space at the Two Rivers Mall where we offer “Learn to Cycle” activities has been proof that knowing to ride a bike is not just about staying upright, but also how to take corners (or at least, survive under the circumstances).

I have to say, my first time testing the route saw me carry home soil from the Sports District. Understimate the corner, and you’ll be the one displacing soil from the track to your house.

How, then, should one take these corners?

First, test the track! You can never know if you can take the corners unless you try it yourself! Two Rivers Mall, Ruaka is the place. Book an appointment today!

Second, commit yourself to the corner. I’ve often found that hesitations are what kill the cat more than curiosity. Having second thoughts while moving and at the corner could have your life flashing before your eyes! And I’m pretty sure that is not what you would like to view at your young age.

It is true, of course, that the moving speed depends on how you’ll tackle the corners. Bottom line, however, commit to the corner!

Third, follow the cones and the bike lanes dedicated for corner-taking. These, again, can only be found at our cycling academy at the Two Rivers Mall Sports District. The lanes were drawn by a speeding cyclist who chose the best lines at fast speeds, implying that at a slower (introductory) speed, one could easily take the corner. Not to mention that one gets into the rhythm of choosing the best lines for a (90°) corner: outside, inside, outside.

Fourth, always remember the rule of thumb: outside, inside, outside. Again, the rule: outside, inside, outside. For clarity, the rule states that you should approach the corner wide, then hit the apex of the corner, then exit wide.

Think of the corner having three points: on the straight before you take the corner; the point of the corner; and the straight after you take the corner. In order to hit the point of the corner, start wide, then exit wide.

The point is to try to go as straight as possible without going against the direction of the momentum of the bike. One tends to crash when they try going against the bike’s momentum (especially on a loose surface!)

Come try out the track. Call +254 707 047 249 to book a spot!
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