How do you go down really steep hills? I'm kinda scared of falling (petrified, actually), and don't really know any techniques to do so (I don't think that riding my brakes is too safe a thing).
First of all I cannot think of any hills that would cause that kind of concern.
Second do not slam on and come to a quick stop, people behind you may not be expecting it. Use hand signals to tell people you are slowing.
When you are at the top of a hill use even break pressure front and back (I understand from your posts hand strength might be an issue) but remember start slow, it is easier to let the bike speed up when you are comfortable than slow it down if you are going too fact. Then get way back on the bike (you will see pictures of mountain bike riders who in fact hold themselves behind their sadle going down hill) this helps balance the tendency to otherwise go forward with the momentum and put too much weight on the front wheel.
Also remember safety first, so if you are more comfortable walking down a very steep part that is what you should do.
There was one serious crash last year so it is prudent to be thinking about these issues
I'm also not a big fan of flying down the hill. I usually start slower, as mentioned, and sit a bit more upright to slow down. I do pump the brakes very gently, both at the same time to keep myself at speed I'm comfortable with.
How do you go down really steep hills? I'm kinda scared of falling (petrified, actually), and don't really know any techniques to do so (I don't think that riding my brakes is too safe a thing).
Walk down if a hill looks to be too steep/big/daunting for you to ride down it. No shame in being safe.
And I don't think there are any big downhills on the route this year. The run down to Dundas does not take Sydenham Road like previous years.
i drove my car down the mapped out route from millgrove to dundas via rock chapel a few days ago, and it's definitely not as bad as sydenham road. while it is all downhill, it's a slow-winding downhill, so not to worry there. of course, i'm not sure about any other potential donwhills along the route......hoping for not too many as i tend to ride granny-style when i come to a steep one!
-- Edited by aniakarina on Thursday 9th of June 2011 06:04:38 PM
