Tour de France Descending Tips

Even during local club rides, steep downhills cause consternation and outright fear. In professional cycling, fewer than 20% of riders excel at over 40mph; most simply work to hold their own. 

These five suggestions are adapted for amateur riders looking to sharpen their skills, increase their speed and come home smiling.

1. Ride with intact tire sidewalls.  Tilting the bike puts pressure on the entire tire while driving debris into the tire’s fringes.  Pre-ride inspection: feel both tire sides and bottoms for embedded gravel, glass and metal that’s waiting to unseat even the most competent bike handler. Pros know that proper tire pressure is essential to get down the mountain safely and at speed.
2. Practice braking and cornering techniques.  If you don’t want to risk marring an expensive bike, use an older bike equipped with similar bars and brakes to experiment with positions, speed and variable  (even sketchy) road conditions. Work your way into it. Wear durable gloves and a long-sleeve shirt at a minimum.
3. Take responsibility for yourself.  “Follow me” can also mean, “trust my poor judgment” or “see if you can keep up.”  Your comfort level with the line chosen and speed assumed is not your partner’s responsibility.  That said, you’ll need to carry enough speed to make corners without going wide on the road or forcing tires into a skid (or slide) from excessive braking.
4. Assume drivers are distracted – and easily surprised.  Up and down sections normally equate to amazing scenery (or at least, challenging automotive maneuvering).  One of the most threatening situations?  Bright sunshine.  Deep shadows likewise signal caution, with slightly overcast days your best bet for being seen by motorists.
5. Know the route and the road. There’s a difference between lines on a map and pavement on the road, just as there’s a fine line between solid pavement and bales of hay or stacks of Goodyear tires.  Arrive with enough time to scout steep or corkscrew sections, even on charity events.

Active Junky loves gravity in most any form. Competent road bike handling turns speed into exhilaration, descending into a reward for climbing strong.

Images via Radu Razvan / Shutterstock.com