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QUESTION: I'm fairly new
to road riding and one technique eludes me. I can't look behind without
veering several feet to the left, into traffic. Any tips? -- Gerard S.
COACH FRED: You're not alone, Gerard. Some people who've been riding
for years still have a hard time holding their line while looking back.
The reason is that they keep both arms straight with elbows rigid. As a
result, turning their shoulders to glance back also turns the handlebar.
Instead, relax the arm opposite the shoulder you're looking over. So to look
left, relax and slightly bend the right elbow. Your bike will be less likely
to swerve.
Also, slide to the side of your saddle. Move your crotch toward the right as
you look over your left shoulder, so you're sitting on the inside of the
left thigh.
Finally, don't put your entire
focus to the rear. Tune in to your peripheral vision, too. By staying aware
of your bike's line compared to lane lines or other cues, you'll be more
sensitive to drifting.
Practice these techniques where there's no traffic (like in an empty parking
lot) before you try them on the road. If you just can't get it and are often
in situations where you need to check behind, consider a handlebar- or
head-mounted rearview mirror.
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