Parkinglot practice

[No Worries]

We did a tight figure-8 in the Total Control class. There was an instructor in the center of each figure-8. We had to ride while looking directly at the instructor. Then cross the middle of the figure-8 and looking over our other shoulder at the other instructor. Then change directions. This taught us to look into the turn.

Did it work? You bet. The first couple times, I glanced at the ground ahead of the bike, instead of at the instructor. The bike drifted out away from the cones. The more you look at the instructor, or into the turn you are going, the tighter the circle and/or the faster the bike could go.

[Phenix_Rider]

Originally Posted by No Worries

We did a tight figure-8 in the Total Control class. There was an instructor in the center of each figure-8. We had to ride while looking directly at the instructor. Then cross the middle of the figure-8 and looking over our other shoulder at the other instructor. Then change directions. This taught us to look into the turn.

Did it work? You bet. The first couple times, I glanced at the ground ahead of the bike, instead of at the instructor. The bike drifted out away from the cones. The more you look at the instructor, or into the turn you are going, the tighter the circle and/or the faster the bike could go.

I can see how that's a good skill- focusing on the inside of the turn ahead. But on the road, I'm constantly checking the ground for stuff you can't see from a distance. Not looking straight down in front of the wheels, just closer in to get a different angle to check for sand or oil.