Stand Up Cornering

From DirtyTorque

Now there are times where sitting for corners is the worst thing you can do, where you’ll consequently lose momentum, lose control and plain wear yourself out. Typically we’re talking more open corners, but also corners where the whoopsbumps are too big to stay seated.

Again the technique is to be on the gas for as much time as you can. The most significant determining factor for line is going to be the contours. You’re going to want to track the fastest line and if there’s a massive whoop over the classical apexclipping line then you’ll deviate to whatever gives you most speed, most control.

Check out the picture sequence. You can see I’m using the bank, practically the side of a whoop to help turn the bike. It’s a planned impact point. I’ve directed the bike toward that point, and leaned with the bike, hit the bank square, at all times with the gas on because if you chop the throttle, even for a second, the bike will not stay up. It’s not an easy technique, you have to be committed. And as you can see I’m using the resultant deflection off the bank to set the course down the following straight. I have to be standing as the following hollow tackled sitting would make for a real mess. As it is I launch off the bank and am able to wheelie over the hollow.

Remember, riding in sand is far from precise. You don’t always go where you want to, but you do have to make your own line all the same. Tyre marks left by previous bikes are just that: marks, not ruts. Don’t be fooled into following them for the sake of it. Also anticipate being bounced off course and having to use the next bump or a bank to correct your direction. If you do go wayward try to avoid chopping the throttle and attempting to steer out.

Yeah, not easy. Sorry about that. Still, very few people like sand, so if you practice plenty you’ll really punch yourself high up the results table. And as well you’ll get super fit.

Enjoy. Kiwi