Question on going around tight switchbacks

[cdaxena]

I am about to expose one of my weaknesses here. I cannot go down around a right hand switchback without getting off of my bike. I get off and walk my bike around all but the easiest switchbacks. I have not developed the skill to ride it, but I want to you see. I believe the reason is because way back when I first bought my XR250R, I launched it over the edge of the trail going down around a righthand switchback. It was raining and the moisture made the lefthand grip slide off the handle bars just 20 minutes into the ride. Lucky for me, my new (used) bike left me standing on the trail watching it crash down the mountain. A tree stopped it 10 feet down. It took several of us to get it back on the trail. But anyway, I think I developed some sort of phobia that I want to overcome. I would like to be able to stay on my bike (XR500R) going around those darned things. Someone please help me? Explain to me how it is done?
;Dcdazena

[jaxonc2]

Gas on ... lean into it ... and stay verticle. ;D ;D

Anyone want to guess?

I would do well to bite my tongue about now.

;D ;D ;D

I'm sorry ... I'm laughing so hard I know you're gonna hit me.

... I'm cool ... you're cool ... we're cool ...

;D ;D he he he he he

Hope this makes it better.

[cdaxena]

You are funny ;D Now you should just show me how it is done. ;D cdaxena

[wh2oscott]

I think its more along the lines of

"just close your eyes and let the bike do all the work"

[cdaxena]

You are right, Scott, the only thing stopping me is the fear of heights. I already know how to do it. I just have to make myself do it. ;D

[Krash]

[glow=red,2,300]The secret of life is...[/glow]



















































[glow=red,2,300]...Keep your Feet on the Pegs[/glow]

Also when your lining up for the corner...be on the outside...left hand side for a right switch back...cut across so when yur half way through your almost all the way to the right of the trail then when you come out of it you want to be on the left side again. I can draw a picture if thats confusing.

[cdaxena]

Thank you Brent. I understand what you are saying. That is how I had it figured. It is the last part of the left side that gets me. It is near the edge of the drop-off that is the problem for me. eeeks.

Btw, I enjoyed your bio. You must have drooled when I rode up to you on my (almost) mint '84 XR500R. Don't think about it. It is my baby!! I bet wh2oscott will sell you his. ;D

[trickridermi]

yep that is how it is done amoung a couple of other ways. i wont go into it. they are tricky. ;D

[Krash]

I think the best way to make switchbacks...once you get an oppertunity, is just to crank the bars and goose it. ;D this takes a little bit of guts but it is actually highly affective...and if you spin your tire on a switch back it actually makes it easier for the next person to make it. Its hard to explain but it tends to show "the best line" for that particular corner. If your are interested next spring I can take you through some trails here near wallace and osburn and teach you the art of switching back. All i can really do is tell you what to do...your the only one that can do it. you might want to stay off the clutch too...

I saw a guy one time that hit the clutch and forgot to let it back out and roll off the switch back backwards LMAO it was the funniest thing i had seen in a long time...fortunately he just went into a little ditch and hit some thick bushes. hahahah it was helarious.

oh and....dont do wheelies...you cant turn.


Thats for uphill...downhill you just wanna do as previously posted....

[cdaxena]

[/td][td]

[/b][/size][li]Look into the turn.
[/li][li]Weight the inside peg.
[/li][li]Immediately transfer your weight to the outside peg
and shift your your weight (to counterbalance the bike).[/li][li]Keep your throttle setting steady, avoid rapid changes during the turn. (do not accelerate or brake abruptly!)
[/li][/ul]
[/size][/td][/table]