Visual horizon & throttle control

[MojoToot]

This topic was presented a while back in Rider magazine, written by Eric Trow (safety guru).

I don't have the issue but I will summarize the key points.

This has made my riding in tight twisties much smoother and safer.

First thing is to become aware of the visual horizon and what it's doing. This is the point where the road disappears either over a rise or around a bend. This "vanishing point" can (at any particular time) be either getting closer to you, remaining a constant distance or moving farther away from you.

The point of the article is to tie throttle control to this visual horizon (v/h).

* If the v/r is getting closer-the throttle is respectively closing.
*If the v/r is remaining the same-the throttle is steady.
*As the v/r recedes-the throttle roll-on is synchronized.

Of course there are many other factors for good riding (body position, line, etc.) but this takes a lot of arbitraryness out of smooth twisty riding.

 

[Checkswrecks]

While absolutely true and usable, on the blind side of the turn is:
a car pulling out of a side road,
a battery in your lane,
ladder laying across the road,
etc


I've come across all 3 & my policy is to ride what I can see.

 

[MojoToot]

While absolutely true and usable, on the blind side of the turn is:
a car pulling out of a side road,
a battery in your lane,
ladder laying across the road,
etc


I've come across all 3 & my policy is to ride what I can see.

Maybe my description wasn't clear because what you said is why it works...

The "absolute speed" should allow stopping distance within visual range.

But the timing is what makes you smooth...timing the roll-on as the distance you can see increases.
(of course, as the visual horizon increases and you see a truck in your lane or a battery...you don't accelerate.
your roll-on is timed with a clear path)

and...

you also are declerating as the visual horizon distance decreases....
(which gives you more chance to react to a hazard)

and...

if you are riding at a speed that you can stop within visual range and the distance remains constant so does your speed.

 

[kenbike]

That is very good method to smooth out your riding. I really struggle in south east Ohio roads. Many blind corners and shorty choppy hills. just driving the speed limit puts you in the danger zone because you drop over a hill and could find a problem and not have enough time to brake or swerve. I don,t enjoy roads that you have to hope fro a clear path. Grew up in Mich with roads on a 1 mile square grid so just not used to the hills and curves
Any advice on how you ride on this type of road?.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The "absolute speed" should allow stopping distance within visual range.

...timing the roll-on as the distance you can see increases.

Thinking a bit more about this, I totally agree.
For those of us who ride in twisty up/down areas like below, it becomes second nature. Probably more than it would for folks where roads are wide open & either generally straight or with lots of high speed sweepers.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I really struggle in south east Ohio roads. Many blind corners and shorty choppy hills. just driving the speed limit puts you in the danger zone because you drop over a hill and could find a problem and not have enough time to brake or swerve. I don,t enjoy roads that you have to hope fro a clear path. Grew up in Mich with roads on a 1 mile square grid so just not used to the hills and curves
Any advice on how you ride on this type of road?.

I LOVE riding SE Ohio. Some of my favorite roads...period. Rt 522 255 out of Sardis is fantastic!!

That said, the roads are challenging as hell. There are no trees over the horizon to read and give yourself a clue as to what is happening over the next hill. I'm good enough to have a blast on those roads, but there are people who are pure masters of it like Meefzah who is here on this board.

If you're uncomfortable on them one suggestion is to only throttle to the top of that next hill like there is going to be a 90 degree turn, left or right immediately in front of you as soon as you get to the top. And 40% of the time there will be that type of turn. I love it for the challenge, it's a blast.

If Meefzah shows up in this thread to give advice, listen to whatever he says about SE Ohio roads...I know I do.

 

[MojoToot]

yes SE OHIO is fun....triple nickles!!!

I was there last year just after that private zoo incident...
Imagine explaining to your insurance co. that you crashed because a tiger ran in front of your vehicle.

Back to topic...next time you are riding blind turns, concentrate on what the visual horizon is doing.
Ride at a comfortable speed and adjust accordingly.
Don't try to be FAST. Try to be SMOOTH. (Faster will come naturally, when you're ready.)

 

[MojoToot]

http://gma.yahoo.com/three-animals-still-running-free-ohio-town-under-074109853.html

my memory is bad it was year before last.

 

[Checkswrecks]

That is very good method to smooth out your riding. I really struggle in south east Ohio roads. Many blind corners and shorty choppy hills. just driving the speed limit puts you in the danger zone because you drop over a hill and could find a problem and not have enough time to brake or swerve. I don,t enjoy roads that you have to hope for a clear path. Grew up in Mich with roads on a 1 mile square grid so just not used to the hills and curves
Any advice on how you ride on this type of road?.

Having grown up on Atwood Lake (The Glens) and started riding there, I also love the roads and once a year visit my folks grave south of Gnadenhutten. While down on some of the bottoms is like what the Tenere was made for and riding the ridges is awesome, they take two totally different techniques.


I agree with the comment about trying to be smooth. The sight distance idea really does apply on the ridges and open roads. You can generally see the Amish buggies before you are on top of them. But down in the bottoms with the gravel, buggies, and critters, it's a matter of constantly keeping your head moving.

 

[Techonly]

Hello,

That is something I learned many years ago. If you practive enough, it will become automatic and you will be very smooth but also musch safer. When vanishing point come torward you, it means you are closing your safety room.
You can practive that driving car too. I teach that to my 16 year old daughter. It is a safe way not to enter the turn too fast.

 

[julfinfax]

Mr. Henry Beecher entered Plymouth Church one Sunday and found several letters awaiting him. He opened one and found it contained the single word “Fool.” Quietly and with becoming seriousness he announced to the congregation the fact in these words： “I have known many an instance of a man writing a letter and forgetting to sign his name, but this is the only instance I have ever known of a man signing his name and forgetting to write the letter.”