The Sport Factory Rolling Over Road Obstacles

Rolling Over Road Obstacles

Road obstacles such as pot holes, debris, or even road kill often present themselves with little or no warning. It is skill and instinct that will allow you to react quickly and avoid a crash. Like all cycling skills there is a specific way to keep your self on the bike when faced with an obstacle in your path.

Your initial reaction will be to tense up; don't. Tense muscles react like springs whereas a loose muscle absorbs shock and impact and keeps you in control of your bicycle. Then do the following�

Slide yourself back on your seat. This moves your center of gravity rearward and off of your front wheel. The less weight you have on your front wheel the less likely you are to go over the handlebars. Picture pushing the bike in front of you towards the obstacle.
Bend your knees and elbows to absorb the shock of the impact. Stay a few inches out of the saddle.
Level your crank arms and balance your weight on your pedals. Not only does this keep you in better control you will avoid catching a pedal on what ever object is in your path.
If you can not avoid the object aim your bike strait at it. You want to go over it and not hit it sideways which will send you to the pavement.
Allow the bike to absorb the shock, front wheel first and then rear. Make sure you are back on the saddle far enough so that as your rear wheel hits the object it does not send the saddle into delicate private parts.
If you do find yourself going down try not to put your arms out to catch your fall as will be your instinct. The best place to land is on your butt, try to tuck yourself into a ball.

You should practice this in a parking low with speed bumps. With practice you will develop the reflexes necessary to do perform these skills automatically.

Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com

Published in: Quick Tips