Really "Newbie" question.

[MikeyDude]

Hey guys.. I've got a really newbie question to ask (sorry). I almost (read: didn't) dropped the bike today in a situation that has happened a couple of times before.

When at a stop on an incline and you need to make a right turn what is your lane position and where is your bike pointing?

Normally on level ground I'll come to the stop from the left and aim the bike towards the right (with the bars squared to my shoulders), so the turn is already about 1/4 complete. I did this on that incline today and almost dropped it.

Is there a "best" way to approach this situation?

Thanks

[VermilionX]

how fast did you take off?

i don't see problem w/ it if you're just creeping in but if you took off fast and you want to make a right while the front wheel is pointing to the right. then yeah, you will have a problem.

[m1a1dvr]

I always stop pointing streight ahead. That way it is eaiser to make a right or left on the hill. Also I think that it is eaiser to start off if I am in perpendicular to the hill.

[MikeyDude]

VX it was the stop not the start that got me. Speed was if no issue.

m1a1dvr that's what I figured... Be square with the intersection and start moving straight before I begin the turn.

[VermilionX]

VX it was the stop not the start that got me. Speed was if no issue.

m1a1dvr that's what I figured... Be square with the intersection and start moving straight before I begin the turn.

oh i see, i thought you almost dropped it when you began to move.

anyway... just keep the front wheel straight, it's easier that way.

if you wanna get a good start to turn right at intersections... point the whole bike to the right, instead of just the front wheel. that's what i do.

[Shorts]

Yup, stay straight to the incline, take off, then initiate the turn. That way you're not fighting an awkward angle. Don't forget to look through the turn. You don't wanna curb check or go wide.

Also, if you take off too fast but are pointed at a shallow angle to your turn (like you're doing), you have less room on the inside of the turn and might have to go wide to complete it. Especially if sidetraffic has crept up past the line on their side.

Hmm I see you're talking about right hand turns....my thinking is skewed for JPN driving on the left

[MikeyDude]

Thats what I do VX. But like I say... this was on a compound incline. I was facing up hill, turning right onto a street that was going down hill. If I had been facing straight instead of angling to the right I don't think I would've almost dropped her. My wheel was straight, it was that damn hill.

[Dragonhawk]

Learn to ride slow. Few people ever bother to practice that.

Once you can ride at 3MPH and keep your balance, inclines won't freak you out anymore.