Getting Dropped - on the descents.....

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Help! I need to be able to descend quicker, at the moment I am descending like a wuss...

Over the last few months I have improved at climbing, and I have no problem keeping up with the guys I ride with. Unfortunately when it comes to the other side of the hill I am getting dropped on the descent.

As soon as I pick up speed to above 30mph due to gravity's assistance I feel the need to slow right down until the last 100m of the descent is in sight, which means I have some catching up to do...

I think the main problem is my perceived consequences of hitting potholes/loose gravel.

Any tips on how to MTFU and build confidence for descending with greater confidence.

[Gargamel]

Before everyone piles in with Strava links to their 51mph descent...

I would say when you are going only in a more or less straight line then gravel isn't an issue, potholes will hurt, but thats what eyes are for.... anyway normally the bikes are tougher than you think.

If this is about cornering, then see the other thread already running.

I am currently teaching my boy to be a bit bolder on descents, the only way is maybe to find a hill that descends and then climbs again, so you really need all your speed, then hammer it down one side and see how far you get up the other side... rinse and repeat a few times, should boost you ability to feel top end speed without worrying.

Of course the very best descending advice ever given, was of course simply to take your brain out and put in a jar at the top .....

[jodypress]

Gargamel said:

Of course the very best descending advice ever given, was of course simply to take your brain out and put in a jar at the top .....

That is some quality advice. I'm off to do Alp D'Huez in September and will bear that in mind

[rhinochopig]

Gargamel said:

Before everyone piles in with Strava links to their 51mph descent...

I would say when you are going only in a more or less straight line then gravel isn't an issue, potholes will hurt, but thats what eyes are for.... anyway normally the bikes are tougher than you think.

If this is about cornering, then see the other thread already running.

I am currently teaching my boy to be a bit bolder on descents, the only way is maybe to find a hill that descends and then climbs again, so you really need all your speed, then hammer it down one side and see how far you get up the other side... rinse and repeat a few times, should boost you ability to feel top end speed without worrying.

Of course the very best descending advice ever given, was of course simply to take your brain out and put in a jar at the top .....

This...practice, practice, practice, and ride a lot with guys that are faster than you. Find a hill go as fast as you dare and survive and then try again but add 2mph. Over a couple of months you 'll re- train your brain that everything is alright at higher speeds.

The cornering thread is worth reading too as it is all part of it, especially the bit about letting the bike move under you.

[james0]

Looking further ahead helps, everything feels slower, so you feel you can go faster.

[Marcellus]

I found that the trick to really fast long descents was;
- know at what speed you can no longer apply pressure to the pedals
- at that speed assume to most efficient tuck
- just like driving on track only brake in a straight line
- 1st brake is your body

That said you'll gain more time on the ascent than the descent.

[Fluffsri]

james0 said:

Looking further ahead helps, everything feels slower, so you feel you can go faster.

Yep, all for this. I had a fellow rider point out that I look in front of me instead of up ahead. I make a real effort to look up now and can go much faster.

[Rolls]

I'm exactly the same in this country - hate decending fast - absoltuley hate it. Fear of hitting a pothole etc scares me silly.
The alps however is a completely different story. Smooth roads, lots of visability - you'll love it! - We're off to Huez on Thursday. Can't wait!