I crash a lot...

[The Domestique]

I am primarily a roady, but 3 years ago I started racing Cyclocross because it looked fun. It is.

This is a video of all the crashes I caught on video while racing cyclocross this year. The crashes them selves look pretty spectacular but no one was hurt. Please let me know what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1a6_JPtfmM

Also, CX is a great way to develop bike handling skills.

Do you think it is good to know HOW to crash in the event it happens?

 

[TheDude]

Knowing how to crash is part of knowing how to ride well.

 

[DirtyWorks]

The answer to your question is absolutely yes and no.

Since the premise of crashing is it isn't planned, it's hard to know how to do it.

Sure, try to roll it out instead of putting an arm out and try to relax. Try is the best case scenario.

I finally watched the video. It's a power problem. In every case, it looked to me like you (in most of those clips) were trying to ride sections you should have run. Running can be faster. It's *really* fast compared to tipping over.

 

[Boeing]

As a newer rider I am going to suggest to you that there might be a direct crash correlation between your cornering skills ( as in line and approach etc) and braking.

As a start, lay off the front brake until you have a better understanding of braking as it relates to your bike handling skills.

Although it is somewhat against the bike handling 101 code, its better to drag your rear brake as a learner, especially if you are going into a corner too straight.

there is no complete fix here on the web. the fact that you posted this means you are indeed taking your lumps and ultimately that is the best way along the bell curve etc.

keep at it. time in the saddle.

 

[hiero2]

Do you think it is good to know HOW to crash in the event it happens?

I learned more about how to crash from judo than anything else, ever. Judo play teaches you how to fall.

2nd best thing, imo? Stretching and flexibility. Allows you to get bent and recover.

But other advice - learn to prevent the fall in the 1st place = good advice.

 

[deboat]

My father told me If I was not crashing then I was not riding hard enough. But of course only when training not when racing.

I was a skateboarder for over 20 years and I do not know of any other sport that you crash so much! And yes it makes you much better at crashing in return it makes you a faster rider because of your skill of knowing how to crash.

I did a CX race in Berlin last year and got the biggest cheer from the crowd when I thought it was a good idea to go over the bars and taste the sand.

 

[Boeing]

Out of curiosity, do you always crash on the same side? or on left more than right or the other etc?

 

[rhubroma]

Learn how to not touch the breaks.

 

[pedaling squares]

Do you crash more often than the CN forum?

 

[RidingSeed]

Do you crash more often than the CN forum?

Nothing does. And how to crash is, for many, the second most valuable thing after knowing how to pedal.

 

[orbeas]

crashing..

Which hand do you use to operate the front brake..???

As a rule, if you are right handed then your right hand should use the REAR brake..

if you are left handed then your left hand should use the rear brake...

that way, if you have to brake suddenly your are not locking up the front wheel, but the back...

 

[winkybiker]

Which hand do you use to operate the front brake..???

As a rule, if you are right handed then your right hand should use the REAR brake..

if you are left handed then your left hand should use the rear brake...

that way, if you have to brake suddenly your are not locking up the front wheel, but the back...

I respectfully disagree. I favour using my dominant hand for the most important brake. i.e. the front brake. You should have better control with your dominant hand. Useful for subtle modulation as well as the power when you need it. The back brake needs much less finesse, so use your non-dominant hand for that one.

Either hand has enough power to lock either wheel on soft surfaces so that doesn't come into it. Yes, you are more likely to crash due to a front wheel lock-up, so I'd argue that your dominant hand will be better at preventing that.