While the basic motor skill
of riding a bike is not of an advanced nature, the
skills related to riding on the roads, open or closed,
are very important. For even greater detail on
this subject visit
The Ottawa Bicycle Club's
education page or
Can-Bike, an
organization that educates the public on cycling skills.
Triathlon-related Skills
1. Running with your bike. Keep the bike away from
your body by extending your arm to the side. This
prevents your legs from contacting the pedals.
2. Mounting and Dismounting. Learn to do this from
both sides of the bike and under a rushed atmosphere.
3. U-Turns. Almost every triathlon has one so
practice it again, under a rushed mind set and in both
directions. Look ahead to the completion of the
turn so the arch is even.
4. Shoulder Checks. Before pulling out to pass
someone you must do a left shoulder check to ensure the
path is clear. You must then do a right shoulder
check to ensure it is clear to pull back over to the
right. Practice in a parking lot and try to
maintain your line while doing the checks. The
tendency is to steer slightly to the side you're
looking.
5. Drinking. You must drink from a bottle on the
bike in a triathlon or risk dehydration and the dangers
associated to that. Practice grabbing the bottle,
drinking and returning it to the cage so you can do so
easily in a race.
Parking Lot Practice
If you are relatively new to road and triathlon
biking, or have just bought a new bike, I highly
recommend visiting a local parking lot to practice your
skills. Here are some drills you can do:
- Slalom wide and then narrow using anything available
like the parking lines
- Braking. Do so with increasing quickness to
simulate various situations.
- Gear Changing. See how smoothly and quickly you
can change gears.
- From above: shoulder checks, u-turns, mount/dismount,
running with bike.
Road Skills
Always carry a tool kit, cell phone and
identification
Obey the traffic laws, always signal
Ride predictably (avoid weaving) and defensively.
If a manoeuvre is dependant upon a particular vehicle,
make eye contact with the driver before committing to
the move.
Look ahead for obstacles, anticipate the road ahead.
You may ride 1m from curb legally; this keeps you
clear of drains and refuse.
When making a left turn, position yourself in the
middle of turn lane
Take care when passing slowed traffic on right - they
don't expect you to be there.
Have your hands near brake levers if there is any
possibility of having to stop.
Aero bars should only be used on long and clear
stretches, never near intersections or anywhere the
possibility of braking exists.
When approaching a parked car look through the rear
window to see if there are any passengers inside who may
open a door.
Cross rail tracks and grates with care, angling your
approach if required.
Riding with a Group
Be aware of all surroundings and share non-obvious
info with group
Consider yourselves to be more of a team than a group,
work together
Know your average speed for the distance of the ride
so you can match up appropriately with others.
6 to 12 is the ideal number for a group; smaller for
less experienced riders.
Hands must be near brakes whenever in pack, no
aerobars
Call out non-obvious risks such as parked cars, cars
at stop signs ahead, when group is
slowing/stopping/turning
Point out and call out obstacles such as pot holes,
glass that are best avoided
Make small moves to avoid obstacles, sudden/dramatic
weaving is dangerous
Front riders must be aware of back riders on hills,
stop signs; keep the group together
Dont take the lead/pull unless offered it but do
share the work.
If you are going to drop off back of group tell them
so they know and don't worry. |
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