Magellan said:
This sounds like good way to practice...
Jeff..sounds like we need ot head down to your buddies grass field and set up some barrells
We can take Noah. He' like riding with some other kids for a change.
That sounds like a great idea... There were some large hay bales out in the field and I was doing barrel racing around them. Fun... Hay bales are gone - so we need to add stakes and ribbon.
For me, it is about conservation of energy, max traction, and optimal center of gravity for both bike and rider. Riding position and technique is varied depending on terrain, speed, etc. to attain this. And I think, given your degree in physics, you will relate well.
Given this....
Smooth 90 degree corner - butt in seat to lower overall center of gravity - standing up is more difficult to balance and increases probably of "high side" if something unexpected happens.
One position not mentioned thus far is "the attack dog" position. When on smooth ground and full accelleration - butt on seat and chin towards bar with elbows out a tad (a slight tuck). This minimizes energy expended - by leaning forward - you let gravity offset accelleration forces on your body - you don't have to hang onto the bar as hard as the bike is accelerating.
I do have trouble when deciding to sit and stick my foot out for better balance on a left hand turn with loose loamly soil, etc... I sometimes can't get my foot back on the shifter fast enough to grab the next gear when exiting the turn.
About 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of riding with Malcolm Smith for a few days. This was in "the trask" here in oregon - tight trail with a few old logging roads in between. He rides standing up in the tight stuff - his legs are really long and he rocks the bike back and forth throught the corners. You can watch "on any sunday" and see this same style. He moves the bike - he doesn't move that far... Smooth and fast. But doesn't look like he is going all that fast - because it looks so effortless.
jeff
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