| How to Countersteer (Motorcycle) Posted: 24 May 2017 05:00 PM PDT The basic mechanics of countersteering are performed by every kid who's ever ridden a bicycle. You're already doing it if you're riding a motorcycle. At higher motorcycle speeds, however, it's important to have a basic understanding of the process of leaning into a turn, increasing the acuity of the intended turn. Countersteering doesn't mean turning your handlebars away from a turn - rather, you're pushing on the handlebar to initiate a lean. This push on the handlebar will have your wheel heading very briefly in the wrong direction, and then as a result of the lean of the wheel your bike immediately recovers and heads the direction you want to go. By understanding what countersteering is and how it works, any rider can make more controlled turns at higher speeds, steer away from hazards, and ride with less fatigue. EditPreparing to Countersteer - Keep your arms relaxed and parallel to the ground. You don't want to be pulling down on the handle bars. If you do that, you'll essentially be fighting against the bike. If the road is bumpy or has potholes then your handlebars are bound to jerk around a little bit. Allow for these small movements. [1]
- Anchor yourself to the bike using your knees. Since you won't be gripping onto the handlebars with your arms really tightly, it's important to anchor yourself by hugging the motorcycle with your knees. It doesn't need to be a death grip, just enough to keep you sturdy. You can also hold down on the pegs with the heels of your boot.
- Plan your turn. If you have to decelerate, downshift, or, worst of all, brake, in the turn then you have entered the turn too quickly. Brake before the turn, consider your entering strategy, and then enter it smoothly. You may want to enter the turn differently depending on the camber of the road and the type of turn, but generally use the delayed apex strategy. This means entering the turn on the outside and then scooting back to the inside as you clear the apex of the turn. [2]
EditApproaching the Turn - Push the handlebars on the direction you want to turn. If you want to turn right, push the handlebars on the right side. If you want to turn left, push the handlebars on the left side. While this may seem incorrect, turning the bars in the opposite direction from the turn forces the bike to tilt slightly, while maintaining the proper speed allows it to stay upright. [3]
- Memorize this countersteering mantra: Turn right, push right. Turn left, push left.
- Use the delayed apex strategy. As you approach your turn, signal at least 100 feet (37 meters) before the turn, and check your mirrors for signs of traffic. Move to the outside third of your lane–the corner opposite the direction of your turn. Don't go so far that you're putting yourself in danger of oncoming traffic. Just chose the outer third so that you can enter the turn with enough room to swing back to the inside.
- Slow your bike before turns. Turning on a motorcycle is dependent on the speed you are traveling, so it's important to brake on your approach to the turn, then hold steady on the throttle during the turn. Downshift before the turn if necessary, but never in it. You can shift into a higher gear during the turn if you want to, but don't do this until you get more comfortable.
- The balance of the motorcycle is gyroscopic, which means that speed keeps it up. Depending on the grade of the turn you're making and the speed at which you're traveling, you'll probably need to slow down some.
- Never, under any circumstances, should you slow in the middle of a turn, or brake in the middle of a turn, unless there's some emergency. Even then, it's safer to evade than to attempt to stop. If you absolutely must stop then level your handlebars out before you start to brake. Square your handlebars and then apply progressive pressure to both brakes at the same time. 70 % of your stopping power comes from your front brake, but don't grab it – especially in a turn. Apply progressive pressure. [4]
EditCountersteering in the Turn - Push the handlebar to the direction of the turn. This means that if you are turning right, you'll want to push the handlebar to the right. This is different than turning in close quarters. You are essentially keeping your handlebars square but initiating a lean. Gently, increase pressure from your palm on the handlebar, pushing it gently. Logically it may seem as if you were trying to turn the bike in the opposite direction you want to turn. However, as you do this, lean gently into the turn while shifting your weight slightly in the direction you want the bike to tilt. [5]
- Again, while that may seem counterintuitive at first, this is the principle of counter steering, turning the front wheel slightly to drop the bike into a gentle lean, which allows for greater stability during a turn.
- The sharper you want to make the turn, the greater your lean angle should be.
- Keep your head up. Maintain pressure on the handlebars and look through the turn to the road ahead of you. Avoid looking at the side of the road or other distractions as target fixation can cause you to go directly toward it. Look at the path in the road you want to be on.
- Maintain a steady throttle. Don't decelerate during the turn or let off the throttle. You don't have to speed up in the turn, just keep the throttle steady. If you need to let off it at all that means you entered the turn too fast. Try to have confidence in your bike. Just because it is leaning doesn't mean it's about to fall over – as long as you keep pressure on the throttle you should keep friction with the road. By holding down the throttle you're pushing that back wheel into the road and keeping the bike steady.
- Look through the turn. Don't look at the ground. If your vision is wrong you'll end up crashing. If you look at the ground, you'll go to the ground. Keep your eyes where you want to be going – that's not directly ahead of you, that's at the exit point of the turn. Vision is incredibly important while countersteering. [6]
- Accelerate out of the turn. When you are exiting the turn, release some pressure on the inner handlebar and add some more pressure on your throttle. Now push slightly on your outer handlebar and your bike will come back upright. This doesn't need to be a dramatic push back to the outside, just a slight nudge as you release pressure on the inside handlebar.
EditCountersteering on a High Speed Track - Apply your front brake before the grade. To stay stable in turns at high speed, it's common to apply only your front brake during the downshift. This should occur on the outside of the lane, opposite the direction you want to turn, and in the straight, just before the grade begins. You should immediately transition from slowing into accelerating into the turn. [7]
- Higher torque engines have a tendency to spin out in the back tires, so depending on what kind of motor you've got, you may want to downshift more, accordingly. Listen to your bike and get a feel for its capabilities at speed before you try to push it.
- This section assumes racing road conditions and dry asphalt.
- Lean and countersteer away from the turn. As you approach the grade, countersteer away from the turn and lean toward it, at no more than 45 degrees on the angle. You shouldn't have to throw much weight, but you might need to adjust your body position slightly to maintain stability at higher speeds. [8]
- Adjust your body position. More aggressive turns such as those done by competitors on sports bikes may require riders to adjust their body positions, such that the torso is parallel to the bike on the right side, and dropped low beside the fuel tank. [9]
- Position your head correctly. The helmet should be in a position near the right handlebar and the right leg cocked outward on the peg at about 45 degrees, with the ball of the foot on the peg and the heel up against the bike.
- Accelerate into the turn. As soon as you secure yourself in your lean, accelerate the motorcycle through the apex of the turn. Keep your lean angle as stable as possible and accelerate the bike up slowly throughout the turn. [10]
- The gear you use will depend on many things, the style of the bike, the road conditions, the grade, and the speed that you're traveling. There's no one gear for turning fast.
- Maintain a stable lean throughout the apex of the turn, dragging your knee if necessary. The right knee may drag on the ground if properly equipped and the lean angle is aggressive enough, in competitive racing.
- Right yourself by countersteering toward the turn. As they exit the grade, racers will right themselves by countersteering back the other direction, into the direction of the turn which was just completed. This should allow you to pop up into a stable, upright position and throttle up. [11]
- Shift your body back to a centered and low position on the bike for stability.
- Throttle up. Most of the time, you'll need to shift up immediately after a turn to continue accelerating at high speed, having drifted toward the outside edge of the track again.
- Begin practice of this (and any other new motorcycle skill) in an empty parking lot or - even better - during a Motorcycle Safety Course.
- Never grab on your break during a turn. Your wheel will wash out and you will crash.
- Do not over-apply pressure (gentle means gentle) or you will crash.
- Don't use any new skill on the road until you are completely comfortable with it in a controlled environment.
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| How to Uninvite Annoying Relatives Posted: 24 May 2017 09:00 AM PDT Weddings, birthday parties, retirements, graduations, holidays and other special occasions should bring you joy, not dread. An annoying guest can threaten the enjoyment of an event by acting inappropriately or starting drama. If you are concerned about the behavior of annoying relatives, you may choose to disinvite them. Before you take back an invitation, carefully consider the ramifications of doing so. Then, have a sincere conversation with your relative. In addition, it may help to know how to manage common scenarios that may arise with annoying relatives. EditChoosing a Course of Action - Recognize that you may be labeled as the "bad guy." If you are rescinding an invitation that you sent previously, understand that doing so may not win you any favors with the person or the other guests. Typically, it's poor etiquette to withdraw an invitation after it has already gone out.[1]
- The person will likely be offended by your decision. This may even jeopardize your relationship with them or others.
- Weigh the pros and cons. Since there may be some negative fallout from revoking an invitation from a family member, you should carefully consider your reasons for doing so. What has the person done to warrant no longer being invited?
- Did you have a disagreement with the person recently and are choosing to withdraw the invitation for emotional reasons? Has there been an incident that caused you to doubt their ability to behave appropriately?
- Make a list of pros and cons for not having this person in attendance. A pro might be "avoiding a scene after they have too much to drink." A con might be "them causing a fuss if you take back the invite." Review your list to help you decide if revoking the invitation is the best course of action.[2]
- Keep in mind that you can't always take back the invitation. In some cases, not taking back the invitation will be the best course of action.
- Ask for advice. Choosing to uninvite a relative is a difficult decision, one you shouldn't take lightly. It may help to discuss the matter with a close friend or other relative whom you can trust. Reach out to this person and get their opinion.
- You might say, "I'm seriously considering uninviting Rachel from the barbecue. I heard about the fiasco she caused at the Andersons' gathering the other week and I don't want to have that kind of drama at my event. What do you think?"[3]
- Decide if an alternative arrangement would work better. Before making the leap to fully uninviting the person, determine if there are other ways you can manage their behavior while still allowing them to attend.
- For instance, if your relative has trouble controlling their behavior when drinking, you might limit their access to alcohol or totally remove alcoholic beverages from the menu for all guests.
- If two relatives are at war with one another, you may be able to have both in attendance by separating them. Seat them far away from each other and assign a point-person to make sure contact is restricted.
- If you have a relative who tends to curse, tell inappropriate jokes, or start drama in some other way, decide if they might agree to modify their behavior for the event. For example, you might tell them, "Hi, Joel, I know you have a trouble reeling in that potty mouth, but there will be some conservative guests in attendance who aren't comfortable with curse words. Can you be mindful of your language? If so, then I would love for you to attend."[4]
EditBeing Upfront with Your Relative - Have the conversation face-to-face, if possible. If you arrive at the conclusion that the only way forward is to uninvite the person, do so with tact. The most courteous method to do this would be in-person. Ask the individual to meet with you in private.
- You might invite them out for lunch or coffee and have a chat. Say, "Uncle Tom, how about you and I go out for coffee on Tuesday. I need to talk to you about something." Choosing a public venue might decrease the odds of your relative becoming irate or making a scene.
- If your annoying relative lives out of town, arrange a time to talk with them on the telephone. Avoid disinviting guests through email or social media. Even if it's hard, do your best to approach the issue in a mature way, which makes it more likely that you will be able to preserve your future relationship with this person.[5]
- Be frank about your reasons. Prepare for the discussion beforehand. Review your pros and cons list. Develop a script to help you guide the conversation and rehearse it before the meeting. When you have the conversation, aim to be polite yet firm. Avoid vague language. Explain your rationale with brief and direct language.
- You might say, "I'm glad you chose to meet with me Uncle Tom. This is hard for me to do, but I know it's the right decision. Since you and Dad are still on bad terms, I think it's best if you don't attend the wedding. My fiancee' and I really want the event to be calm and low-key. And you two haven't even been able to stay in a room together without arguing lately. I hope you understand."[6]
- Chances are, if this person has gotten into trouble for their behavior or have a history of inappropriate conduct, they will probably understand your decision.[7]
- Don't apologize. Saying "I'm sorry" sends the message that you're wrong and makes it seem like you are taking ownership of their bad behavior. If you are uninviting a relative because of their behavior, don't feel bad. You aren't responsible for other adults' behavior, but you are responsible for the satisfaction of your other guests at the event. If you're worried that the person will ruin the affair, don't blame yourself for uninviting them.[8]
- Instead of saying "I'm sorry" say something along the lines of "I don't want to hurt your feelings." This demonstrates that your choice is made with good intentions while still showing that you stand behind your decision.
- Stay calm if their reaction is negative. There's a possibility that your loved one will react negatively to this situation. Being uninvited can be humiliating to them, so try to be understanding. Don't take anything they say personally. Simply stay calm and offer your support.
- You might say, "I can see that you're upset. I didn't intend to hurt you, but I believe this is the best choice."
EditHandling Common Issues - Explain that your guest list is limited. In some cases, a relative may have been unintentionally invited. Maybe you accidentally selected their name while setting up an event on Facebook. Or, maybe you talked about an event in their presence and they assumed they were invited. Whatever the case, you might be able to make up an excuse for having to disinvite them.
- Say, "Jessica, I clicked your name by accident when setting up the page for Samantha's baby shower. It would have been nice for you to come, but we have to keep the guest list under 15 people. I'm sorry that this happened."
- Apologize for someone who spoke on your behalf. If an invitation was extended without your permission, do apologize for the miscommunication. You might say, "Hey, Derrick. Ronnie told me that he mentioned the party to you last week. He shouldn't have done that. Our guest list is very exclusive. I'm sorry for this mix up."
- Even better, you might suggest that the person who made the mistake deal with the situation. Tell them, "I saw Regina the other day and she's under the impression that she's invited to the party. She tends to drink too much, and I'm worried that she will make a scene. Can you please uninvite her?"
- Be firm with those who invite themselves. Some family members automatically assume they are allowed at any event hosted by their relatives. Maybe they never got a formal invitation but have plans to attend. Let them down gently.
- For example, you overhear your cousin talking about what she will wear to your bridal shower. You might say, "Oh, Candice, I didn't realize you were planning to come. The shower next weekend is going to be just for coworkers. But, I'd love to get together with you some other time, just the two of us."[9]
- Anticipate having other guests boycott the event. The worst outcome of uninviting one guest is to have other guests refuse to come out of solidarity. Depending on how important their presence is to you, you may try to convince them to come. However, don't allow yourself to be coerced into having an annoying guest in attendance.
- Stand firm in your decision, even if it means a few people not agreeing with you.
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| How to Cycle Long Distances Posted: 24 May 2017 01:00 AM PDT Whether you are racing or touring, long-distance cycling can be very rewarding. In general, it is more important to prepare your mind and your gear for the challenge ahead than it is to exhaustively train your body. The best way to physically train for a long cycling trip is to take a long cycling trip! There are, however, a number of mental and logistical steps that you can take to make the journey go more smoothly. EditRoute Logistics - Decide how long you'll be gone. The type and amount of food and gear that you bring are highly dependent upon the sort of trip that you're taking. If you'll only be gone for the day, then you'll need much less gear than if you plan to be on the road for the week, the month, or the year. Set your vision and check your expectations. Remember that you will need to carry everything you use.
- Plan your route. Look at a map, and chart out where you want to go. If you have a destination in mind, figure an exciting way to get there. If your vision is looser, try to at least pick an initial goal to shoot for. The average long-distance cyclist goes between each day, although it is quite common to tackle much longer and much shorter distances.[1]
- You may find that you start off cycling shorter distances, and work your way up into the 100+ kilometer range. Plan this gradual strengthening into your route.
- Carry a map, a standalone GPS, or a smartphone with downloaded maps of the areas you'll bike through. Think ahead to possible stops in towns, rest stops, and camping locations. Have contact plans in case of emergencies.
- Start with shorter distances. Even if you're in great physical shape, it is still wise to ease into the routine of biking monstrous distances each day. Start with shorter trips close to home. and gradually work your way up to longer distances. If you have been off your bike for a long time, even a mile or two will help you get back into the saddle. Several shorter trips will also give you the opportunity to road-test your gear.
- If you are training for a long-distance bicycle race, try to train up to a ride that is 2/3 to 3/4 the distance of the planned event. If you are riding a century (100 miles), for instance, work up to the point that you can cycle 60-75 miles in one go. If you've gotten to this point, you're effectively ready for the big ride.[2]
EditPacking Gear and Sustenance - Dress appropriately. Wear padded cycling shorts and a lightweight, breathable cycling jersey. At the very least, shorts and a t-shirt will do – anything that will wick your sweat, and that you can comfortably cycle in all day. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from the bite of the wind and the friction of the handlebars. Bring your clip-in cycling shoes, if you have them, but be sure to pack a lightweight pair of extra shoes so that you can walk around comfortably when you're off the saddle.[3] Last, but not least: wear a helmet!
- It is important that the shorts are padded. Cycling shorts are specially designed with extra fabric to protect your groin, rear, and inner thighs from the friction of sitting on a bicycle seat all day. Make sure that they fit well!
- If it's cold, consider wearing leggings, thermals, or lightweight sweats over your cycling shorts. The slight added weight and loss of mobility will be worth protecting your bare legs from the wind-chill.
- If it'll be bright out, wear sunglasses to keep the sun's rays out of your eyes while cycling. This is especially important if you find yourself biking directly toward the position of the sun!
- Consider how you'll carry your things. The choice is largely dependent on comfort and capacity. Feel free to use a backpack, if you'll just be gone for the day and you don't need much. If you are taking a longer trip, think about buying or making panniers so that you can easily carry things on the back of your bike. If you are going on a very long trip, consider building or buying a small trailer or caddie to pull behind your bicycle.
- Pack an emergency kit. Include a small portable tire pump, a tire patch kit, and a basic toolkit in case something goes wrong with your bike. Make sure that you know how to use these tools; practice beforehand! Consider carrying a basic first-aid kit: antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, and a few band-aids.
- At its most basic, your toolkit might include a set of Allen wrenches and a tire lever. You can use the tire lever to easily pry away a bike tire when you need to patch or replace your tube. In a pinch, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or another long, flat, strong object to get the tube out.[4]
- Take only the gear you'll truly need. If you're going for a multi-day trip, then you'll need a place to sleep – but consider foregoing the tent for a simple sleeping bag if the weather's nice. Weigh the importance of your heavy, expensive camera lenses against the practicality of carrying everything on your back. Perhaps you can read on your phone or Kindle instead of bringing a heavy book; wear clothes multiple days in a row instead of packing so many changes; and use various items to suit multiple purposes.[5]
- Bring plenty of water and high-energy foods. It's essential that you stay hydrated and keep your energy levels high! Slurp from a Camelbak, or prepare several large Nalgene bottles. Bring bananas, nuts, whole-grain bars, and other healthy, high-density foods. [6]
- Supplement with electrolytes for enhanced hydration and muscle function.[7] Your body loses these natural minerals when you sweat, and it's important to replace them if you'll be exerting yourself for a while. You can mix electrolyte powder into your water; you can drink electrolyte-rich beverages like Gatorade and Powerade; or you can pop electrolyte pills, available in bulk from many outdoor-supply stores.
- Avoid energy drinks, which may dehydrate you or set you up for a sugar crash. In general, avoid fueling your ride with sugary, processed snacks. However, some long-distance cyclists swear by high-calorie candy bars for their quick-release energy.
EditCycling Long Distances - Stretch first! Warm up for at least ten minutes before each long-distance bicycling session. Try dynamic stretches like star jumps (jumping jacks), jogging in place, and burpees. Be sure to stretch your legs out to reduce the risk of leg cramps. Pay special attention to the thighs.
- Pace yourself. Start cycling at a speed which suits you, and try to keep up this pace as best you can. Use a lower gear so that you don't wear yourself out. Try to keep up a rate of roughly 90 rpm (revolutions per minute) on a low gear to go easy on your muscles and lungs.[8]
- Do not push yourself too hard, especially if you'll be cycling for multiple days in a row. If you're cycling with a slightly-faster partner, try to check the temptation to keep up.
- On the other hand: do not ride in a gear that is too low. If you're spinning the wheels without putting any effort into pedaling, you'll needlessly tire out your legs. Find a balance that works for you.[9]
- Shift gears. When you come to an upward slope, change into a lower gear so that you can more easily reach the top. Change to a higher gear when going down a hill to create a bit more friction between your tires and the road. Throughout the ride, stay aware of how hard you're working. If you are struggling to push the pedals, you should switch into a lower gear to conserve your energy.
- Take regular breaks. Even if you feel strong, stop every to give your body a rest and ensure that everything's running smoothly. Rehydrate by drinking some water, and boost your energy levels with a quick snack. Check your bike for any problems. Stretch to keep your muscles from tightening. Continue to take breaks until you arrive at your destination.
- Finish up for the day. Continue to consume water and electrolytes for at least several hours after you are done cycling for the day. If you'll be getting into the saddle again in the morning, take a few minutes to look over your map, your gear, and your goals for tomorrow.
- Carry tire levers, patches, an extra tube, and a pump. Always be prepared for unexpected flats.
- Perform a tune-up before long trips.A local bike shop can help you check your bike for safety.
- Make sure you have an ICE (in case of emergency) number entered into your cell phone. If you get into an accident, this is the first number that paramedics will call.
- Get the lightest bike that you can afford.
- Consider riding with a friend who can match your pace. It can be very fulfilling to take a long cycling trip with a close friend or partner, and this person might help you stay accountable. Perhaps even more importantly: having another person along will make it much more likely that you receive prompt help in the event of an emergency.
- Drink at least 2-4 liters of water per day to make up for all of the moisture that you're losing. Don't wait until you are thirsty to re-hydrate! Supplement with electrolytes.
- Make sure the tire pressure is properly inflated. Too low will slow you down, and too high will make for an uncomfortable ride.
- Consider using clipless pedals or toe clips to help maximize pedaling efficiency.
- Obey traffic laws.
- Always carry a road map so you don't get lost.
- Always warm up to avoid injury.
- Wear a helmet.
- Be careful if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to cycle. Always carry any emergency medical equipment that you might need. If you're cycling with other people, make sure that they are aware of your condition.
EditThings You'll Need - A bicycle
- Padded cycle shorts (optional, but recommended)
- Gloves (optional, but recommended)
- GPS or Smartphone with saved maps
- Sunglasses (optional, but recommended)
- Money
- Helmet (main thing for safety)
- Cycle jersey
- Lights on bicycle (for nighttime riding)
- Water
- Energy food (e.g. chocolates...)
- Route maps
- iPod or MP3 player with radio (to check up on updated weather reports)
- Rain gear in case of inclement weather
- Bottle cage attached to bicycle
- Riding goggles or sunglasses (for nighttime riding, or on sunny day)
- Knee and elbow guards for safety
- Mudguards for rainy season (or your clothes will get dirty)
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