The photo opposite is of the Nimbus 26 seat fitted with a home-made handle. Using a handle helps to maintain linear balance and that helps to relax your legs. When leaning too far forward you can pull up on the handle instead of pedalling faster. You push down for leaning too far back. It should be noted that the standard plastic handgrip on the front of the seat also has this effect but a longer handle gives you more leverage and is more ergonomic.
When you first learn this technique the handle will fight against your legs for a while because you have trained your legs to balance you automatically (reflex action). At first your legs will not want to give up control to the handle. This means having to learn a new reflex that combines leg effort AND handle movement. It only takes a few hours of riding to master this technique and is well worth the effort. Using a handle will quickly increase the distance you can ride as your legs will not be working so hard just keeping balance. Also a handle will help to prevent "zig zag" wheel action which saps energy.
Stearing with a handle can also assist in avioding obsticles such as rocks and potholes. This is particularly important when you are moving quickly and have noticed something at the last moment. A firm lateral movement of the handle will stear your wheel around the problem and allow you to correct for balance afterwards. This works in much the same way as "body lean" on a bicycle. So learning to ride with a handle should mean less UDPs (Un-Planned Dismounts)!
Stearing with a handle can also assist in avioding obsticles such as rocks and potholes. This is particularly important when you are moving quickly and have noticed something at the last moment. A firm lateral movement of the handle will stear your wheel around the problem and allow you to correct for balance afterwards. This works in much the same way as "body lean" on a bicycle. So learning to ride with a handle should mean less UDPs (Un-Planned Dismounts)!
Hence more fun right?
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Kayaking
Half-day kayak hire from the "Roaring40s" Kayak shed in Little Oyster Cove - Kettering Tasmania.
The kayak I hired was a Pacific "Squall" exactly like the one in the shed at home - colour blue also! What a fantastic day that was.
